Behind the Mask, I Was Miserable

I used to smile in every photo.

Cool. Collected. Focused.

But the truth?

I was drowning in silence.

There was a stretch in my life where everything felt off. Work wasn’t hitting. Family wasn’t in sync. My marriage was shaky. I lost friends. Lost trust. Lost rhythm. And through all of that, I kept showing up like nothing was wrong.

Because that’s what we’re taught to do, right?

Smile. Push through. Be the strong one.

Especially when you’re the oldest. The leader. The one people depend on.

But carrying everything doesn’t make you strong.

Acknowledging the weight and still walking forward? That’s where the power lives.

I had to pull myself out of a deep mental fog.

Not with fake motivation.

Not with some highlight reel version of success.

With real inner work. With reflection. With God.

With a quiet voice in my head that said:

“You’re not done. This isn’t the end of your story.”

That voice saved me.

So, if you’re reading this and you’re behind your own mask right now —

I see you.

And I’m telling you straight up: You’re not alone.

You’re just in the part of your story that’s about to shift.

⸻

“Sometimes, the comeback begins in silence — not applause.”

⸻

If this hit… stick around.

I’ve got more to say.

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