Guising

The etymology of the word guise comes from the mid-14c “conceal or cover up the original character by a counterfeit form or appearance.”

Scottish children traditionally donned consumes and pretended to be malicious spirits as they went ‘guising’ around the local streets. It was believed that by disguising themselves, they would blend in with any wandering spirits and remain safe from harm.

After preforming tricks or songs, guisers were given gifts to help ward off evil.

It maybe Halloween, but I donned a guise for many years in the form of Superwoman to protect myself from the vulnerability lying underneath.

Fear.

Fear that I wasn’t good enough, didn’t know enough, failure, judgement of others…what will people think!?

“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” What Brene is talking about here is showing up as you, without the protective guise.

Do you have a guise? What is it protecting you from?

Keep reflecting,