Scary Holiday

Halloween is just days away. This is a very scary holiday. Not because of the ghosts and creepy clowns, but because of the costumes. Today’s blog is dedicated to those who, like me, are nervous for this upcoming ‘Halloweekend.’

This Halloween, I am more afraid than ever. It may sound stupid to others, but I’m honestly terrified to go out in a revealing costume and take pictures. I used to love playing dress up and taking on a new persona. But this year, I would rather just hide in bed in my PJs.

I know that no one is making me dress up in a cute outfit and pose for the camera, but in this day and age, getting dressed up feels like a thing I am supposed to do. In years past, the few days after Halloween, I would scroll for hours looking at other girls and how skinny and pretty they looked from weekend. I would pick out everything I wish I looked like and demand myself to look like them the next year. This is such a toxic routine, and I am going to try my best to avoid it this year. There is no need for me to torture myself extra just for this one stupid holiday.

I may take a few pictures because I might like the way I look. But if I don’t, there should be no pressure for me to post. One thing I have learned this past year is that you don’t ALWAYS need to prove to others that you are having a good time. Instagram is a highlight reel. All of us only post the good and edited versions of ourselves. And I do too, sadly.

But this weekend, if you’re like me and you get lost in the comparisons invited and encouraged by social media, I urge you to scroll past that one girl you wished you look like in that sexy Halloween costume. What good does it do for you to look at her? Once you scroll past, you will never have to see that post again. Just scroll.

Along with just scrolling on social media, I plan to just move on. When you try on your costume and start to stare too deeply at yourself in the mirror, and think you should be mean to that girl in the mirror, stop. Just. Move. On. And, if you are going to stare at yourself, don’t forget to smile at her too.

I am mainly writing this blog post because just by writing these thoughts down, I am already shutting out much of the negativity that is building up in preparation for this weekend. I am beautiful and worthy of wearing any outfit I decide to put on. I am still in need of food today, tomorrow and the next day, no matter what I will be wearing on Saturday. And, I do not need to show off my body if I don’t want to.

I am going to repeat these affirmations before, during, and after Halloween events, and I am going to try to remember that the scary part of Halloween should be limited to the ghosts and those creepy clowns.