Interesting that you use the word performing. In Dutch (I don't know if it's the same in English), 'to wear a mask' refers to acting unlike your true self, often used to describe people in social or corporate settings. One has different masks for different settings. I think a lot of people, myself included, wear their masks more often than they would want. I've always struggled with revealing my truer, incomplete and imperfect self to the people around me - the fear of rejection by my peers has long been one of my greatest fears. When I went to Canada as an exchange student, I both had a lot of time on my own to reflect and had the freedom to be myself to everyone. I won't say it wasn't a struggle at times, but I do think it made me realize that I can be at peace with myself. That the masks aren't really necessary. Becoming at peace with oneself is a long and arduous process, but every process has a first step. “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - not Dr. Seuss.