Halloween is just around the corner. For most kids (and for a lot of adults) dressing up in costume and collecting treats is one of the greatest times of the year. Have you ever taken time to consider what makes this holiday so appealing to so many people?
As a child, I remember the excitement of choosing my costume, trying it on repeatedly to see how it would look, and experimenting with my make-up to get it exactly right. We would carve out our pumpkins and set them proudly on our front porch. When the big day arrived, we could wear our costumes to school and then attend the school Halloween Carnival in the afternoon. As soon as the sun went down, we madly dashed from house to house to collect our treats and then home to enjoy a wonderful chocolate-sugar rush.
I went through exactly the same process when I got married—the longing for the day to happen, the careful planning, choosing the "right" costume, the showers, and the "treats/gifts" from friends and family.
Part of the appeal of both of these events is the opportunity to be something extraordinary, even if it's for just a single day. Whether we're the hideous ghoul, the beautiful princess marrying the handsome prince, or something in-between, stepping away from our ordinary routines to become someone different, even if temporarily, appeals to our sense of novelty, fun, and joy. More importantly, however, it reminds us of new possibilities in terms of how we can create ourselves and the world in which we live. The letdown following the event reminds us how easily routine can overcome what is new and special.
For example, I was working with one of our clients who does a lot of real estate work with builders. She shows up on the building site ready to work in her construction work clothes. Needless to say, the builders loved her but the people in her office thought she wasn't dressed appropriately. Since she felt uncomfortable in "dress clothes," I told her to pretend that she was going to a costume party. That really worked. Now she puts on her "costume" when the occasion calls for it.
Are you feeling trapped by your ordinary life? Would you like to be extraordinary for more than just one night? If so, begin by asking yourself, what would make my life truly extraordinary? What costume do I need? What kinds of treats would I receive? The question for you is which costume do you want to wear to make you extraordinary, even if it's just for one day. Don't be afraid to wear it! You might be surprised how much fun you have trick and treating.
Posted by Bernice Ross
Photo by Cranberries
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