Concealed: kept secret; hidden

What have you concealed from yourself?

“Nothing.” I hear you say. Are you sure about that?

We don’t like to face certain events, issues, or characteristics about ourselves. Refusing to face what we have concealed from ourselves isn’t healthy. When one refuses to admit that there are certain things in your life or characteristics that you don’t want to exist, you are creating problems for yourself.

Healthy Mind

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, mental health refers to a person’s emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

It’s hard to admit that there are certain events that have happened that still keep us bound and unable to move forward. So, one does what comes naturally, we conceal it. Ignoring what we don’t want to confront isn’t healthy either. Self-sabotaging has dire consequences such as depression, low self-esteem, procrastination, being ridge and having the need to be perfect, and at times self-medicating. Self-medicating can lead to more serious problems such as alcoholism or drug abuse either with legal drugs or illegal drugs.

It becomes a festering wound. Eventually, that festering wound has pus that infects the rest of the body. At some point, it becomes life-threatening.

Looking at what’s concealed

Why is it so hard for us to look at what’s concealed and deal with the issue? I think we don’t like to admit that we’re not in control. It’s easier to overlook the thorn in our life than it is to remove it.

Recently, a friend of mine told me about a neighbor. This neighbor was outside on a beautiful day washing her car. She was crying and saying, “Why am I such a failure?”

I happen to know my friend’s neighbor. This woman is always taking self improvement classes and looking to others to “fix” her. The fact that she thinks she is a failure, is creating that reality. Remember, what you think, you manifest into your life. I tell you this all the time!

It is hard to look at our short comings. It’s even harder to correct what we hide from. American culture is that of over-achieving, being strong, don’t give an inch, and most of all, never show any weaknesses. These are impossible qualities to live up too.

Bringing out the hidden

Ok, so what do you do to bring the hidden out into the light?

1. Look at what you have hidden from yourself. Face it squarely. Stop thinking of it as a failure or weakness on your part.
2. What caused the problem? Is this an ongoing issue that keeps reoccurring? Is it faulty self-talk?
3. What is stopping you from moving forward? What are you afraid of?
4. Is this obstacle a reflection on what you keep telling yourself? Or are you listening to what others are telling you? Constructive criticism is beneficial. Criticism is not. Be careful who you listen to and what they are saying.
5. Are you afraid of success? You’d be surprised how many people are. With success comes new responsibility and expectations.

Points to consider

1. What do you have to lose by facing the hidden? The shadow has become a part of who you are. It’s part of your identity. Change isn’t easy. We’re creatures of habit.
2. Do you consider the concealed to be a failure? There’s really no failure. There’s learning experiences. One way of doing something may not work out. That’s fine, just try a different way.
3. Is it time to ask for help? Help can be in the form of talking with someone you trust. Maybe, it’s time to consider talking with a mental health professional, a minister or rabbi.

Every day is a new beginning. What will you do with this new day? Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Pull yourself up by the boot straps and take charge of your life! No, it’s not easy. But anything worthwhile isn’t always easy. You can do this! The question is, “Do you want to do this?” Only you can answer that question. The only time it’s too late is when you’re dead.

You might want to consider reading my book, Guilty Prayers.