Conceal. Don't feel... at least publicly or Shame. Shame. Double shame.

A friend recently pointed out to me that internalizing thoughts and emotion is a form of shame and I never thought of it like that before.

To "conceal, don't feel" is to hide.

Like stuffing dirty dishes into the oven when unexpected company comes by.

Disguising all the filthy, nasty bits.

Even our faces, we invest in the most functioning makeup in altering tones, textures and inconsistencies.

Mothers with stretched out midsections and breasts are like the Ogopogo in the media world as airbrushed and unattainable conditioning prevails.

Shame.

The first born offspring of fear.

Fear of being perceived as less than.

Fear pushes motivations to façade - to create a mask or persona that can camouflage amongst the masses as we march one foot in front of the other.

The unfortunate byproduct is carrying too much under the surface that can be used as an opportunity for mutual growth between people.

Everyone needs to start to wear their emotions on their faces and when you see someone crying, the first response should be a hug, but even more than a hug.

A heart to heart holding.

A holding of each other so that each other can let go.