The Courage to Be Seen: Living Beyond the Curtain
 | Author:
Ellie West, Master Certified Practitioner of NLP, TLT, & Hypnotherapy and Certified Personal Empowerment and Enneagram Coach
Inside Inspiration: Certified NLP Coach/Practitioner Of Hypnosis and Timeline Therapy |
The Courage to Be Seen: Living Beyond the Curtain
Ellie West
Master Certified Practitioner of NLP, TLT, & Hypnotherapy and Certified Personal Empowerment and Enneagram Coach
There’s a powerful moment near the end of The Wizard of Oz—when the brave little dog Toto pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth: the “great and powerful Wizard” is nothing more than a man hiding behind smoke, mirrors, and a trembling voice.
It’s a scene that has stayed with me throughout my life. It reflects something I often see today in digital spaces and workplaces, online communities, relationships, and even families: people hiding behind personas, projections, and performances.
In our modern world of curated feeds and highlight reels, the temptation to create an image—to be who we believe others expect—is stronger than ever. But what happens when the curtain is pulled back? And why are so many choosing to remain behind it?
This isn’t about judgment or condemnation. It’s about awareness—an invitation to choose something deeper, braver, and far more life-giving: authenticity.
Recently, a coach asked me: "When you feel triggered, is it something someone says or does that stirs that reaction?” I pondered and answered, “I don’t like fake."
Behind every fake persona lies a root cause, often stemming from fear, insecurity, or self-protection.
Many wonder, "If they saw the real me, would they still love me?" So they create an image they believe is safer.
Many people pursue visibility instead of vulnerability in a culture that values likes, followers, and public approval.
When someone feels “not enough” at their core, projecting confidence is easier than acknowledging vulnerability.
Achievement is celebrated more than authenticity, creating pressure always to appear polished.
Some wear masks for so long that they forget a real face lies beneath.
Others protect themselves after betrayal or disappointment.
Some individuals embrace deception because the illusion of power is more important than an authentic connection.
When we understand these roots, it becomes easier to view insincere behavior not merely as malice but often as a means of survival. However, the damage it inflicts on trust, relationships, and community is real.
Over time, specific patterns reveal when someone is living from a place of inauthenticity. You may often wonder why you didn’t notice them before. Perhaps you did, but you chose to give the benefit of the doubt.
Here are some signs someone may be struggling with authenticity:
Rarely giving sincere compliments.
Making hurtful comments without realizing it.
Conversations are often one-sided.
Desperately craving the spotlight.
Surrounded by cliques or groups instead of deep friendships.
Gossiping and creating division.
Disappearing in difficult times.
Struggling to stay consistent.
Rarely offering genuine apologies.
Being quick to take offense at feedback.
Fearing failure, as it would expose the facade.
Only reach out when it is beneficial to them.
Leaving you feeling emotionally drained.
They may prioritize personal gain over mutual growth.
It’s not about keeping score or pointing fingers; it’s about recognizing when something feels off for you and responding with wisdom, discernment, and grace.
In today's world, fakery seems everywhere—in curated images, rehearsed captions, and marketing tactics that promise much but deliver little. Yet beyond the screen, I’ve observed it in relationships, friendships, and workplaces that should feel safe.
Perhaps we have all encountered insincere behavior—or glimpsed it in ourselves.
But the bigger question is: “Why?" Why choose illusion over connection? Performance over presence?
Pretending is exhausting; authenticity, although sometimes messy, is freeing.
When we lift the curtain, we create space for genuine love, growth, and healing.
Authenticity isn’t about oversharing every messy detail. It’s about allowing ourselves to be seen as whole human beings—beautiful, flawed, and in progress.
It’s about exchanging applause for alignment, validation for value, and performance for presence.
Authentic people cultivate environments where others can breathe, belong, and thrive. They aren’t perfect; they are simply real.
When Toto pulled back the curtain, the Wizard was terrified. Yet in that moment, he became helpful and kind, and he no longer needed to hide, simply offering what he had.
May you have the courage to live with the curtain wide open, because it’s not perfection that changes the world, but authenticity.
Not perfect. Not polished. But beautifully, courageously, and authentically ourselves.
"Authenticity is magnetic. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be real."
As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us: "The Lord does not look at the things people look at.
People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
May you dare to live from that deeper place, the beautiful, brave heart that was seen and loved all along.
Connect with Ellie at https://www.facebook.com/coachelliewest
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