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Most people hide their pain behind a smile. They wake up, put on their best face, and step into the world, masking the weight they carry inside. It’s not just a smile—it’s a way of keeping the world from seeing the real story. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone.
I know this struggle firsthand. I spent years hiding behind a smile, convincing myself and others that I was fine when, deep down, I was barely holding on. I was attracting low-vibrational experiences, stuck in toxic cycles, and even battling suicidal thoughts. Smiling through the pain didn’t heal me; it only delayed my healing. The more I ignored my truth, the more I felt disconnected from myself. It wasn’t until I acknowledged my emotions that I could finally start breaking free.
Let’s uncover five truths about masking your pain and why it’s time to take care of your peace while protecting your energy.
1. A Smile Can Hide More Than It Shows
Sometimes, a smile isn’t about happiness—it’s about survival. It’s a way of saying, “I’m okay” when the truth feels too heavy to share. But holding it all in doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it only builds up inside you. It’s okay to let yourself feel, even if the world doesn’t see it.
2. Hiding Your Pain Is Exhausting
Pretending you’re fine all the time can wear you down. It leaves you feeling disconnected—not just from others, but from yourself. If this feels familiar, talking to someone you trust or a professional therapist can help lighten that invisible weight.
3. Vulnerability Requires Careful Choices
Sharing what you’re going through can feel risky, but not everyone deserves access to your heart. Use discernment when opening up. Not everyone is a listening ear. Always listen to your body and invest in the right support. Whether it’s a trusted friend or a therapist, make sure the person you open up to truly has your best interest at heart.
4. Journaling Doesn’t Work for Everyone
For some, putting feelings on paper helps bring clarity. For others, writing feels like a chore that doesn’t ease the pain. If journaling doesn’t help, try speaking your truth out loud. Whether it’s to someone you trust, a therapist, or even just yourself, letting it out can be freeing. Other alternatives include dancing, meditating, exercising, or even spending time in nature. Healing is not one-size-fits-all—find what works for you.
5. Your Peace Deserves Protection
Hiding behind a smile might seem like the easiest choice, but it comes at the cost of your peace. Protecting your energy means giving yourself permission to step away from what drains you and prioritize what truly nurtures you. You don’t have to be strong for everyone else while neglecting yourself.
A Poem for Those Who Struggle
Every day, I wake up with a smile on my face.
Dressed in yellow,
Ready for the day.
The sun is bright as can be;
I look up and try to see,
But my eyes feel pain, so I look away.
Still, I smile for everyone to see.
But truly what everyone sees
Is not the inner me.
No one knows, but I still smile.
As time passes by,
The sun winds down.
My smile slowly fades away.
As far as it seems, I look up and see:
The sun is gone, the day has ended.
Now it’s time to leave the cycle
And head back to my sanctuary,
Where I keep my inner me
Locked up.
Nobody will ever see.
— Stephanie Dominique
I have not written a poem in a long time, but I just wanted to express how a lot of people feel.
When It’s Time to Break the Cycle
If putting on a brave face every day feels like a cycle you can’t escape, remember:
- You don’t have to keep everything locked inside.
- Sharing your emotions with the right person—a trusted friend, therapist, or someone who understands—can make all the difference.
- Protecting your energy and prioritizing your peace isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
Healing takes time, but it starts with honesty.
Your peace matters and your emotions deserve space to be felt. You don’t have to hide behind a smile forever.
What’s one small step you can take today to let your true self breathe?
