What am I scared of?

Anything that crawls or slithers.

Zombie thrillers like “Walking Dead” and “Train to Busan” (the Korean version) don’t give me nightmares but watching movies dealing with the paranormal is just too disturbing for me.

Going on theme park rides that go faster than the speed of light, all while twisting and turning, and going upside down.

How do I avoid them?

I make my own concoction of 1 part vinegar/ 1 part water and using a spray bottle, I generously spray it around the backyard and front porch to ward off pesky critters.

I quickly scroll up past the horror films when searching for shows that are popular on Netflix, especially during Halloween season.

And yes, I’m more than happy to hold everyone’s backpacks, purses and water bottles and relax on a nearby bench as they all go on the “Incredicoaster” ride.

But you know, I feel that being “scared” of something is entirely different from feeling “afraid”.

I’m afraid that if I don’t stretch or get on the treadmill more often that my body won’t be capable of doing things I love to do as I get older.

I love sweets, especially ice cream, but if I don’t bring my glucose level down like my doctor told me to, I’m afraid I’ll end up being a diabetic.

I fill up on gas even though I still have a ¼ tank left because I’m afraid of running on empty while driving in a remote area without a gas station in sight for miles.

This Halloween, feel free to give yourself and others permission to be scared as you celebrate all things spooky and creepy. As long as no harm is done, you and everyone else will get over it.

As for me, I’ll drive away the impending thoughts of doom – by getting up an hour earlier to start my day on the treadmill, enjoying healthier, sugar free food options, and being more mindful of the gas gauge as I get in the car.

I may be scared of creepy, crawly critters and going on theme park rides but I won’t allow myself to be afraid of a future that I know I have the power to control while living in the now.

Happy Halloween everyone!