Ep 3: The Courage to Be Authentic: Unmasking Our True Selves

In this episode of Stay Close, Sarah opens up about a story she’s never shared publicly before—a story of loss, identity, and the lengths we sometimes go to protect ourselves from pain.

At just 13 years old, Sarah coped with her mother’s departure by creating an entirely new persona—"Muffy," complete with a fictional twin sister. What began as a way to survive and escape grief became a metaphor for the masks we all wear when we feel unsafe, unseen, or not enough.

Through this vulnerable reflection, Sarah explores the long-lasting effects of abandoning ourselves for acceptance and the journey of returning to who we truly are. She speaks about the exhaustion of shape-shifting, the weight of personas, and the quiet liberation that comes with removing the armor.

💬 In this episode, Sarah shares:

• Her first experience with hiding her authentic self—and why it felt safer at the time
• How her pattern of self-abandonment showed up in adulthood and relationships
• What it took to finally begin the journey back to herself
• The small but powerful practices that can reconnect us to our truth

This episode is a soft invitation to reflect on your own “Muffy moments”—those times when you’ve stepped away from your truth to fit in, avoid pain, or keep others comfortable. Sarah reminds us that we don’t have to stay in those roles forever. The path back is gentle, and it’s made up of small, courageous steps.

🌿 Evening Reflection Practice:

Before you end your day, ask yourself:

• When did I feel most alive today?
• When did I feel most connected to myself and others?
• When did I feel most at peace?

These are your signposts. They are showing you where you’re already staying close to your true self.

Resources & Mentions:

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“The most courageous thing you can do is simply to stay close to how you were made.”

Thank you for holding space for this story. We hope it reminds you that you’re not alone—and that coming home to yourself is always possible.

🌙 Until next time, stay close.

Intro and Outro Music Credits

• “I Don’t Care (Zirophux)” by Carly Johnson — https://www.carlyjohnsonmusic.com/shop
• “Obi’s Chair” by Mark Geary — https://markgeary.com/home-page/albums/

Licensed via Persona Music