Independence
When “I’ve got this” makes it difficult to let anyone in.
A BOOK BY ROB GODDARD
Behind the Smile
The masks we wear.
The stories beneath them.
Through personal stories and thoughtful reflections, I explore the ways we learn to protect ourselves—and what happens when we begin to understand what lies beneath.
For anyone who has said “I’m fine” when there was more to the story.
Unsigned copies through Author to You. Signed copies available from Lifting Stones.
BENEATH THE SURFACE
The ways we protect ourselves
can become the ways we hide.
In Behind the Smile, I explore the masks of independence, approval and control—through personal experiences and reflections that invite you to consider your own story.
Approval
When keeping others happy leaves little room for what you need.
Control
When holding everything together leaves little space to be yourself.
Each chapter brings together personal storytelling, an exploration of the mask, and reflective prompts.
WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
For the parts of you
that don’t always show.
You don’t need to see your whole life in my story. Sometimes, one familiar feeling is enough to begin looking at your own.
You might recognise yourself in these moments:
- Being the person others lean on, while finding it difficult to ask for support yourself.
- Saying yes to keep the peace, even when something in you wants to say no.
- Looking like you have it together, while feeling unsure of what comes next.
- Wanting to understand who you are beyond what other people expect of you.
An invitation to pause, reflect and make a little more room for yourself.
A WORD FROM ROB
The story behind
Behind the Smile.
A personal introduction to the book, in my own words.
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WORDS FROM READERS
A personal story.
Different points of connection.
Raw, unflinching, and deeply moving, Behind the Smile is a powerful testament to the strength found in vulnerability.
EXCERPT FROM STEVE’S REVIEW
A highly thought provoking read, 'Behind the Smile' produced a visceral and emotional response in me that I continue to reflect on.
Leighton Phair
Director
EXCERPT FROM LEIGHTON’S REVIEW
Behind the Smile is a deeply personal, emotionally intelligent, and vulnerable exploration of the "masks" we wear to protect ourselves from pain, rejection, and judgment.
Jim Cocks
Business Coach and Best Selling Author
EXCERPT FROM JIM’S REVIEW
AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE
Find your copy,
wherever you are.
Look for Behind the Smile by Rob Goddard at your preferred online bookstore, or explore purchase options through Author to You.
BEHIND THE SMILE
Make space for
your own story.
Explore the masks we wear, the stories beneath them and the possibility of living more honestly—with yourself and others.
Choose a standard copy through Author to You, or order a signed copy directly from Lifting Stones.
CONTINUE WITH UNMASKD
Take the reflection
into everyday life.
Behind the Smile invites you to explore the masks you wear. UNMASKD offers a way to keep exploring—with guided reflections, small daily actions and space to journal.
Move at your own pace, one moment of awareness at a time.
EXPLORE UNMASKD
EXPLORE
CONNECT
LEGAL
FOLLOW ME
