Unmasking at The Many Hidden Faces

Last night, I attended an event called The Many Hidden Faces—a Sip and Share gathering where women came together to tell their truths, to create, and to heal.

We sat with blank masks in front of us, beads, gems, and words to decorate them with. On the outside, we painted beauty—colors, pearls, jewels, and affirmations. Each mask was unique, like the women who made them. Mine, like so many others, shone with encouragement and resilience.

But the most powerful part was not what others could see. It was what we placed inside.

We were asked to write down what we are still hiding. The truths that stay tucked beneath the surface. The words too heavy to speak aloud. The fears and memories we carry quietly, even as we smile, encourage, and appear strong.

The Duality of the Mask

The outside told one story: “Never Settle.” “Dream.” “Shine Bright.”

But inside—where no one could see—lived the deeper story.

And isn’t that the reality of so many of us? Outwardly, we sparkle. We show our strength. We hold it together for our families, our careers, our communities. Yet within us, tucked carefully away, are the unspoken wounds.

The Courage of Sharing

What struck me most was the courage in that room. Women shared pieces of their trauma aloud—stories of survival, of resilience, of loss. But they also allowed silence to speak, letting the mask itself become the storyteller.

In that sacred circle, we were reminded that healing is not about erasing the hidden parts of ourselves. It is about acknowledging them, honoring them, and slowly—when we are ready—allowing the inside to be seen.

My Reflection

As I held my mask, I realized this: the outside may tell the world who I aspire to be, but the inside tells me where I still need grace. Both are me. Both matter.

Unmasking doesn’t mean throwing away the armor all at once. It means letting the hidden truths breathe in safe places. It means sharing over sips of tea, or tears, or laughter. It means being real with ourselves and with others.

Why It Matters

Events like The Many Hidden Faces are more than creative workshops. They are soul work. They remind us that behind every smile is a story. Behind every sparkle is a scar. Behind every strong woman is a heart still healing.

Last night, we didn’t just create masks—we created space. Space to unmask. Space to be seen. Space to begin healing, together.

May we continue to sip, share, and unmask until our hidden faces feel safe enough to step fully into the light.

#unmask #WhoSaysYouCantHeal #traumainformedhealing #SurvivorStrong #FaithAndHealing