Traditionally, this holiday has never been good to me. I try. I really do. I make plans. I make elaborate costume ideas. I get my hopes up. One year, I had a stomach bug. I mean, it was college, so we played it off as I had drank too much... but in all seriousness I was ill. Another year, I was stuck in jury duty all Halloween week. I barely made it off the train from the city, into costume, and to a party I wanted to go to.
Anyways, because of my rotten Halloween history, I had low expectations for today. I mean, I was starting a new job. I had just moved. I was throwing a party for a bunch of people I hardly knew. I was wary.
Luckily, today did not suck.
I made chili for the first time which was a success. I watched Netflix and learned how to use our PS4. I got a coffee at the coffee place on base. I started my new job and didn't cry once. I loved meeting my soldier's friends.
But I had MAJOR F.O.M.O.
F.O.M.O. Is "Fear Of Missing Out" and truth be told, I was missing out. I missed out on a traditional Halloween party I've been to since before I started college. I missed out on a group costume with friends. Actually, I missed out on a costume at all because I worked and was too tired when I came home from work to change.
But life isn't about what you're NOT doing. It's about what you ARE.
I AM following my best friend as he chases his dream. I AM trying to figure out who I am and what I want. I AM here in Oklahoma while all my family and friends are in the Midwest. Therefore, I AM obligated to be happy in the situation I am currently in, instead of wishing I was home with my childhood friends this Halloween.
This Halloween didn't suck, but not because of the circumstances. This Halloween wasn't horrible because of my attitude towards it and if I can keep that attitude up, I'm going to be just fine here.