It has almost been one complete year since Dawn and I decided to get creative. A year that has brought fun ideas, brainstorming weekends, fits of laughter and challenging obstacles.

We have navigated government forms, banking contracts, creative differences, computer navigation and emotional setbacks.

Through it all we have faithfully maintained our desire to be authentically us.

Today, we almost lost that voice.

We were working on our website content and Dawn sent me an opening for her blog page. It was a beautiful piece. The words flowed, the content moved with ease down the page and it was amazingly up lifting.

After reading it through several times, I texted her and asked why it was so formal, polished even. And then my Dawnie said something that stopped me in my tracks. She said that she had spent most of her adult life being told that everything she did was dumb and stupid. And that she was afraid of people making fun of her ~ So she polished herself up.

This broke my heart in so many pieces.

You have to understand, my cousin is one of the strongest, most fearless, smartest, funniest, kindest women I know! I am in awe of the things she does and the places she goes.

But she felt the need to “polish” her words, to put on a disguise of sorts, so that she could feel safe. She protected herself by changing her image, so that no one would see the real Dawn. Years of criticism had quietly convinced her that being herself wasn't enough.

All it took were some negative words, to take root in her soul, for her to doubt who she is and look for ways to hide.

After some reassurance and some coaxing, she agreed to do it again, and what we ended up with is an amazing reflection of my best friend ~ in her own words.

Watching Dawn find her voice made me wonder how many of us have done the very same thing.

Have you ever hidden yourself?

Have you ever worn a mask so others couldn't see who you really are?

Have you ever carried yourself differently just to fit in?

Have you ever polished away the very thing that made you... you?