It takes a lot of work, effort and willpower. The possibility of being rejected makes it really hard. But then again it feels so good to just be yourself and witnessing others love you for that instead of in spite of it. Journaling helped me a lot with appreciating those small victories and therefore sticking to it, and also finding out who I am in the first place. Over the years myself and my masks sort of blended into each other and I had a hard time being a real person.