Hey friend!
Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. Not for the candy or the parties, but for the quiet, the macabre, and the slowness of it all. Lately, though, this day has taken on a new meaning. It’s no longer just about the fun of dressing up—now it reminds me of the many figurative masks we wear every single day. And I’m no exception.
I remember spending Halloween afternoons as a young girl, watching movies like Edward Scissorhands or reading The Vampire Lestat. Even then, those stories took me deep into thought, making me wonder about society and our place in it. The characters I loved—people like Edward or Lestat—were outsiders, trying to exist in a world that wasn’t made for them. In so many ways, I felt like I could relate. Even as I was still learning about myself, I knew there were parts of me that didn’t quite fit with the world around me.
It was a small discovery at the time, but it has stayed with me.
Fast forward to now, as a mother of two special needs toddlers on the autism spectrum, that feeling of being an outsider has returned stronger now than ever. Every day, I find myself in costume—a carefully constructed version of myself that helps me fit in, helps me survive. In a world that isn’t built for uncommon mothers like me or unique children like mine, it feels like the only way to get by. I’m very good at wearing it, too. Over the years, I’ve learned how to seem well-adjusted, how to appear like I’ve got everything under control.
But the truth is, this mask of mine can feel heavy. Wearing it day in and day out can be exhausting. It’s a performance that, even though necessary, makes me feel so isolated at times. Because underneath it all, I know it’s just a show. It’s there to help me navigate a world that still doesn’t fully understand or accommodate the way we live. And the hardest part? It’s a show I feel I have to put on—not just for the outside world but for the sake of my kids and those closest to me too.
Yet, it’s more than just a survival mechanism. This mask, while exhausting, allows me to protect myself and my children. It shields us from the judgment, misunderstanding, and sometimes even pity that can come from others. But I often wonder, is there a way to drop the mask and just be? Or is this something we all do—wearing our own version of a mask to get by in a society that demands it of us?
Halloween used to be about pretending for fun, but now it’s about reflecting on the ways in which we pretend every day. I think about the masks I wear, and how often I see them on others, too. Maybe it’s time to acknowledge the weight they carry—and the strength it takes to wear them.
Or maybe it’s time to start finding moments to let them fall away.
What’s Next
That aside, there’s a lot happening over on the business side of things! I’m planning two upcoming podcast episodes with Featured Guests for Clarity Calling that I think you’re really going to love. Plus, another warm lead for an initial consultation has come through, and I’m feeling so energized by this productive streak.
Through all of this, I’ve learned something simple: success and joy don’t have to come through hustle and grind... They can flow easily when we’re aligned, open, and fully ourselves.
How I Can Support You This Month
If you’ve been thinking about getting some operational support with your business, I still have room to take on 1 (maybe 2) more projects this upcoming month with my OBM business services. Whether you need help with streamlining digital operations and systems or project management, I’d love to chat and see how we can make things easier for you.
And if you know someone who might benefit from joining this community of ours, please share my free inbox publication with them. The more of us connecting and supporting one another, the better!
P.S. If any of my personal story about figurative masks resonates with you, hit reply or leave a comment below. I’d love to know if you’ve felt the same way or have had similar thoughts.
You’re not alone.
🔗 IMPORTANT LINKS
🔔 REMINDERS
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✨ LET’S ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS TOGETHER! ✨
If you’re looking to streamline your digital operations and implement systems that truly support your business, I’m here to help:
As an expert in digital operations management and systems strategy, I work with creative and service-based entrepreneurs to bring structure, clarity, and ease to their businesses. From project management and CRM setup to personalized strategy, I’ll help simplify and scale your operations so you can focus on what you do best.
📅 Ready to explore how we can work together? Book a free Discovery Call with me today, and let’s chat about transforming your business from the inside out!
HAVE A QUESTION? WANT MORE SUPPORT? Don’t stay stuck. Hit reply, email me at cheniece@cheniece.com, or leave me a comment right here. I’m always happy to help out!
Oh my goodness! I can absolutely relate to so much of this. I never fit in so I had to wear masks early on and the same when my son was in my care until I broke down and the masks fell off. Thanks for sharing your vulnerability as that only helps others who feel they need to wear those masks for any reason take them off before they crush them like mine did.