Just saw Gladiator II—and wow, it’s intense! The action is relentless, the gore is next-level, and parts of the story linger long after the credits roll. But what struck me most wasn’t the fight scenes or the drama—it was the quick reference to Achilles, the legendary warrior whose one vulnerable spot became his undoing.
The story of Achilles has stayed with us for centuries for a reason. We all have something we see as our “Achilles heel”—a part of ourselves we try to protect or hide because we think it makes us weak.
For me, my Achilles heel was my little left hand.
For 25 years, I hid my disability, convinced that if people didn’t see it, they wouldn’t judge me or reject me. But here’s the thing about hiding: it doesn’t really protect us—it holds us back. It’s exhausting and lonely and keeps us from connecting, thriving, and stepping boldly into who we are.
The Many Ways We Hide
When I speak at organizations about hiding, I hear so many stories of how people hold themselves back. Over time, I’ve realized these stories often fall into three categories:
- The Past – Hiding things like trauma, mistakes, or identities we’ve struggled with.
- The Present – Hiding challenges we’re navigating now, like mental health, relationships, finances, or workplace pressures.
- The Future – Hiding dreams, aspirations, or fears about what lies ahead.
Each of us hides for different reasons, and while those reasons are valid, hiding can leave us feeling disconnected and stop us from fully showing up as ourselves.
Reflecting on the Year Behind Us
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on this idea of hiding and holding back. Where did I let fear stop me from fully showing up? Where did I shy away from connection, boldness, or belonging because I feared being judged, misunderstood, or even failing? I journal to wrestle with the answers.
And I wonder—what about you?
This is typically a time of year when we naturally reflect on what we’ve done and where we’ve grown. But it’s also a good moment to ask:
- Where did I hold back?
- Where did fear—of failure, rejection, or judgment—stop me from taking a bold step?
- What parts of myself did I hide to fit in, to feel safe, or to avoid standing out?
These aren’t easy questions, but they can lead to powerful insights. When we see our “Achilles heel” not as a weakness but as a strength, it opens the door to connection, creativity, and growth.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
What’s one bold step—toward connection or belonging—that you’d like to take in the year ahead?
Maybe it’s a small step, like sharing a truth you’ve been holding back. Or maybe it’s a bigger leap, like choosing to embrace the parts of yourself that make you unique—at work, in your relationships, or in your personal life.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story. I’ve created a space for you to share it—click here to share your story.
Let’s step into the new year with clarity, connection, and the freedom to fully show up as ourselves.
Warmest, Ruth
P.S. And for more information on hiding and unhiding—and an inventory of what you may be hiding—check out my new book: Unhide & Seek: Live Your Best Life. Do Your Best Work. It’s a great holiday read if you’ve ever wondered, What type of hider am I?
Thank you for being part of the UNHIDING community.
