Blog Post: Rediscovering the Joy of Halloween (and the Journey that Got Me Here)

Every October, the Halloween spirit fills the air, with houses turning into spooky spectacles, pumpkins lining doorsteps, and the cozy thrill of fall settling in. But for years, Halloween barely registered for me. I didn’t have the mental energy or creative space to take part in the fun. Instead, my focus was on simply getting through each day, managing the weight of PTSD, and tackling the challenges that came with it.

But this year, things are different.

This October, as I pulled out decorations, carefully placing webs, ghosts, and ghouls around my home, I realized this small act is much more than just Halloween décor. It’s a sign of healing and a shift in my mental health journey. I’ve finally reached a place where my mind has the space to welcome back creativity and playfulness—parts of me that felt out of reach when I was deeply in the trenches of PTSD recovery. 

This moment isn’t just about Halloween; it’s a testament to resilience and hope, and it’s why I started the Delightful Daria podcast. Through each episode, I share pieces of my journey, the ups and downs, and the tools that helped me regain balance. One of these tools is the 88-Day Plan—a structure that made it possible for me to approach healing in manageable steps, giving me back my life little by little. 

In one episode, I even touch on moments like this: how celebrating small things, like Halloween, shows us our progress in ways we might overlook. For me, decorating this year is proof that the little joys are coming back, one day at a time. The cobwebs and pumpkins are symbols of resilience, signs that I’m finally reconnecting with myself. Through the Delightful Daria podcast, I hope to give others a sense of what’s possible on their own journey to better mental health.

So, here’s to the little things that show us we’re healing. This Halloween, my decorations mean so much more than they ever have—they’re proof that joy, creativity, and delight are finding their way back into my life. And if you’re tuning into the podcast, you’re part of this journey, too. 

Happy Halloween, friends—may your home be as haunted as your heart is hopeful. 🎃

XoXo, 
​Daria