In recent weeks, I’ve realized that I no longer have an appreciation for horror movies or anything that induces anxiety or intense negative emotions.
I used to enjoy horror books and even the occasional horror movie, if it wasn’t too extreme. But no longer. In fact, I’ve developed quite an aversion for them.
I couldn’t get through Good Boy, a recent, highly-rated horror film starring an adorable dog, because of scenes of the poor pup, Indy, being scared. I found it emotionally devastating.
Life is stressful enough right now. There are too many awful things going on in the world – and right here in our own country. It’s a dumpster fire. A horror show. Our sham of a government is enacting fascist, dictatorial tactics on innocent civilians in cities around the U.S. Children are being separated from parents, beautiful humans are being denied life-saving, gender-affirming healthcare, and families and lives are being torn apart and destroyed.
The whole world feels unsafe right now, so I have no desire to seek out unpleasantness or discomfort in TV or movies. Reality has quite enough of that already.
My poor nervous system gets jangled far too easily these days. I went to the opera recently and found it jarring – the contemporary music was like nails on a chalkboard to me.
I can’t even watch the news anymore, with its sensational “if it bleeds, it leads” headlines. I am practicing self-care; I require warmth, softness and good feelings from the media I consume!
I’m here for cozy, girlie vibes. Give me hopecore, romance, forever friendships, childhood whimsy and natural beauty. I don’t want to see or experience fear or pain, or see anyone else experiencing those things. I want joy, pleasure and comfort. I want to see people dancing, singing, laughing and being delighted.
Some might see this as me going “soft,” as in weak, but it’s not that at all. On the contrary, I handle rough times in real life all the time. In 2025, I’ve faced one of my toughest years ever and never once dropped my crown – or the ball. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.
It’s just that when it comes to entertainment or fantasy, or anytime I have a choice, I desire only positive images, sounds and experiences. I know that strength and softness can coexist, and I embrace that duality fully.
This world has too many horrors. We need more musicals, trips to the zoo and outings with rescue dogs. We need more kittens and puppies. We need to touch grass, look at large bodies of water, gaze at the stars. We need awe. We need wonder.
Here’s the thing. Somewhere along the line, the world gave us the message that we should age out of needing comfort… but that’s garbage. Everyone needs comfort now and then, and everyone deserves comfort. Just as all children deserve to be comforted, so do we as adults. There is no age limit!
I’m glad to be in a season of my life where I can embrace both comfort and pleasure. There are far too many hard and painful things that happen to us in life; we should each seek solace and respite where we can.
