Silken Laumann, Author at Tiny Buddha

Posts by Silken Laumann

Four-time Olympian Silken Laumann is one of Canada’s most inspirational leaders, a best-selling author, and a highly recognizable and beloved athlete. As an elite athlete, mental health and child advocate, speaker, writer, and life coach, Silken has made her work reaching her own potential and helping others reach theirs.

Drop the Mask: The Freedom of Living an Authentic Life

By Silken Laumann

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” ~e.e Cummings

Here is an unsettling idea: Most of us are not who we think we are. We are not the people we bring to work; we are not the people we show to our parents and children; and sometimes we are not the people we show our friends.

Most of us go through our entire lives wearing a series of masks.

We have different masks for different purposes and occasions: the “perfect” mask of someone who’s always strong, positive, and together; the professional mask for today’s …