Lean Into Cringe
😶🌫️“to be afraid of being cringe, is to be afraid of stubbing your toe.”
Have you ever been captivated by the Cringe Ghost 👻?
Mesmerized by the illusion of being embarrassed. Lured into a fantasy of what will never happen. Tempted to disappear before you even show up.
I have 🙋🏾♀️. The Cringe Ghost got me a couple times.
Wanna know what's funny about it? It felt safe to be in it's presence. While at the same time - feeling my anxiety eat away, at the core of my stomach.
Being trapped in the allure of cringe is no way to live. Your afraid to fall before you take a step. After awhile you figure, what's the point and you give up altogether. Cringe won a hostage. And you lost an opportunity to be human.
Cringe is a natural part of life. It can feel scary, of how alarming it is. I like to think of it as safety patrol. It pops up, with efforts, to keep you safe. But it can be overbearing and unnecessary.
I know how real the scenarios can feel in your head. You swear up and down that it's gonna happen to you. And it's gonna ruin you forever.
I'm not gonna lie, people will see you. They may say something. Do something. You might embarrass yourself. You're probably gonna feel like ducking for cover. But alas, you will survive.
People gonna talk regardless, so give them something to talk about. You might lose a friend because you're “not cool anymore”. You didn't need them anyway! And yeah, you might make a fool of yourself. You had fun though right!?
The Cringe Ghost is society’s little safety patrol. Trying to keep everyone in line and orderly. Making sure no “weirdos” are running loose. Making dumb rules that make zero sense. It's all an illusion though. A figment of anxiety’s imagination. Anyone who dares to be cringey - feels the wrath of shame.
And to be clear, I'm not speaking on old videos or ugly yearbook photos.
I'm talking about taking chances in life. Doing something out of the ordinary. Switching it up and making it happen. Daring to be seen as a beginner.
That's when the Cringe Ghost appears.👻
Trying to convince you not to go for it. Making you feel afraid for no apparent reason. It can trick you into being mediocre.
Don't let it scare you. Instead, lean into it. Get curious about the so-called fears. Invite yourself to be a little risky.
Take the class. Post the photo. Ask out that person. Go on the trip. Wear that outfit anyway! Proceed with that project. Move to another place. And don't think twice.
You are allowed to make mistakes. Dust yourself off and keep it moving.
You are allowed to take up space. Make them uncomfortable, they'll learn to adjust!
Lean into the cringe. Don't run away from it. Tell it who's boss and make them take notes!
…. ⏰…. ⏰…. ⏰
It's a beautiful Friday afternoon. So I'm going out to enjoy myself.
I highly recommend that you do the same.
Do something a lil cringe today.🤭
Until next time,
Take care 💖
