Becoming Unobstructed

The Mask That Kidnapped My Happiness

Written by Derek MacDonald | July 14, 2025

The Mask That Kidnapped My Happiness by Derek MacDonald

Recovering the kid I lost by learning to embrace conflict.

Read on Substack

 

The truth I’m beginning to accept is that I’ve always been more afraid of succeeding than failing. As it turns out, the hardest part of taking my own mask off wasn’t getting over the fear of being seen by other people. That’s what I’d anticipated. But, actually, it was admitting I’d truly forgotten what it was like to be myself without performing.

I’m taking everything I’ve learned about how to be dishonest and using it to show up more authentically. Unmasking for help is the coolest thing you can do.

Especially when it’s in the name of taking back your happiness.

onward.

-dmac