Comments on: Masks

By: John P.

John P. — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 06:48:00 +0000

Thank you for your awesome blog, Steve. It was very interesting that you brought up the issue of self-authenticity, which for me, is difficult to define. We strive to be true to ourselves, but what does that “truth” entail? We certainly can’t be fully transparent to others at all times. Prudence dictates that we know when to speak and when not to speak. In our daily interactions with others around us, we are constantly and naturally projecting ourselves in one way or another, conscious or not. We are human that way, just like how we have heuristics to help our limited minds understand our world at the cost of potential unconscious prejudices. We tell “white lies” (though that is a whole other discussion in of itself). My take on self-authenticity is, ultimately, my inner intentions. I strive to to be kind, in my thoughts, words, and actions, and I wonder if, in the end, that is all that really matters. Because if it is, then what of my Catholic faith? In that regards, I fear that I am losing my religion. I have my secrets that I have not told anyone, and in that regards, we face similar struggles. I believe in the goodness in others, and have never been depressed, but facing my own reality is becoming an increasingly immense struggle. I think it is time I find a friend. I wish I knew someone like you in real life. But truth be told, I probably do and just do not realize it yet. Regards.

By: Rabbit

Rabbit — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:27:03 +0000

“I do remember the feeling of my own limbs and facial muscles settling around me like lead, the strange mummy-like feeling of trying to control every inch of my body every minute.”

I read this right after reading up on locked-in syndrome. Was like a little reminder…

(I’ve been popping round to your blog now and then for te last few months. You’re a great guy.)

By: Kate

Kate — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:18:21 +0000

Wow. I just started subscribing to your blog. Fantastic post. I fear you may live inside my brain. Bravo. Brave post.

By: Steve Gershom

Steve Gershom — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:55:47 +0000

Thanks, Karen!

By: Karen Pullano

Karen Pullano — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:23:50 +0000

Hi Steve. I wanted to let you know that I have nominated your amazing blog for two awards. Should you choose to accept, follow instructions here http://godversations.wordpress.com/2012/08/24/wow-you-shouldnt-have/ .
Many prayers and blessings to you. Thank you so much for your incredible witness and writing!!

By: Obapplepie

Obapplepie — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:32:26 +0000

My dad has always been a quieter more sensitive guy (he is masculine and does all sorts of ‘manly man’ things like working on cars and building stuff) and I remember him trying to swear in a conversation with another man and it was kind of ridiculous, it was obvious that he was out of his element and trying to project a persona. I on the other hand have cussed like a sailor since I was a teenager, and its been hard to change my language! Now I’m down to ‘oh my goodness!’ instead of using the Lords name in vain, I’ll let you know when I’ve made it to Ned Flanders exclamations. (though… I am getting there…)

By: Steve Gershom

Steve Gershom — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 23:57:14 +0000

Yah, I think that was it.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:39:00 +0000

just so I’m sure what you’re saying, is your point basically that a little bit of “not being yourself” in the strictest sense is just part and parcel of living in the world and being involved in social things? Cuz I totally get that.

By: David Multiplico

David Multiplico — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:01:32 +0000

Great post. It’s amazing how often we handicap ourselves out of the race before it even begins. I remember back in 8th grade, when I wasn’t as good at sports as the other guys in my class, I was trying to tell myself that I was being authentic by not trying very hard, unlike the other saps who were trying to “fit in”. Then I realized what a dummy I was, and switched from cultivating a pseudo-sophisticated distaste for sports to actually learning the rules and putting forth some effort in gym class. It turned out that I was better than I thought I was, and that my isolation was largely self-imposed; the other guys weren’t leaving me out, they were ready to accept me if I’d just try.

Who IS Big Blind, by the way?

By: Steve Gershom

Steve Gershom — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:18:07 +0000

It does. But don’t be terribly worried. On the one hand, such attempts are probably pretty wrongheaded. On the other hand, the desire for sincerity is at least partially good and noble, isn’t it? And a sign of caring about things that matter. You will be okay. You don’t even seem crazy to me.