As we end October, many get busy with costumes, candy, and a dash of fun-spooky vibes. But for us here in the Philippines, this season also brings something a bit more heartfelt.
Each year, on November 1st and 2nd, we observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. These days give us the opportunity to pause, honor, and remember loved ones who have passed on. You’ll see families coming together to visit cemeteries, light candles, and say prayers—a reminder that some “ghosts” aren’t spooky at all but rather cherished memories that remain close to our hearts.
But as we think of Halloween’s ghosts and the dearly departed this time of year, it’s also a chance to reflect on another kind of “ghost” in our lives—the ones that don’t always involve memories of people. These are the “ghosts” of fears, regrets, and self-doubt that can linger in our minds. They’re often just as real as the things that go bump in the night but harder to see, name, and overcome.
Let’s take a moment to explore these inner “ghosts.” What are they? How can we identify them? And perhaps most importantly, how can we live with them—or finally let them go?
Identifying the Ghosts Within
Think about the things that haunt you day-to-day. These might not be visible, but they leave an impact on how you live. They’re the thoughts that pop up uninvited: maybe the fear of failure, lingering guilt over past mistakes, or doubts about your own worth. These “ghosts” may look different for each of us, but if they’re keeping you from living fully and freely, they’re worth examining.
Ask yourself:
What am I afraid of? Sometimes fear is a natural response, but often, these fears are built on “what ifs” that may never happen.
What thoughts keep circling back to me? If you find yourself revisiting the same worries or regrets, that’s a sign of a “ghost” in your life.
Are these fears real or just in my mind? This is an important question because we often create stories in our minds that amplify our fears, even when they have no real foundation.
Practical Ways to Handle These “Ghosts”
Acknowledge Their Presence. Just like when you feel a real-life nudge from something that scares you, acknowledging these internal fears can help lessen their power. When we face our fears head-on, they often shrink.
Identify What’s Real and What Isn’t. Write down your fears, worries, or negative thoughts. Then, objectively assess each one—are they based on real-life situations, or are they fueled by your imagination? Being able to distinguish between the two can help you focus only on what truly matters.
Redirect Your Energy. Sometimes, the things that “haunt” us are just unresolved issues from the past. If you can, try to turn that energy into something productive. Channeling your thoughts into a hobby, a personal project, or even just journaling can help you put things in perspective.
Create Positive Rituals. Just like we light candles or say a prayer to honor our loved ones, we can create small rituals to help “release” our inner ghosts. This might be writing down a worry on a piece of paper and throwing it away or saying a simple affirmation each morning to start the day fresh.
A Moment to Honor and Reflect
As we enter these days of remembrance, let’s take a moment not only to honor the ones we’ve lost but also to check in with ourselves. Ask yourself: What “ghosts” do I need to release? Are there lingering fears or regrets that deserve attention?
And so, in the spirit of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, let’s all pause. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remember those we love. As we light candles to honor them, let’s also ignite a little light within us to help guide our way through our own shadows.
Thank you for joining me in this reflection. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what “ghosts” have you found yourself confronting, and what has helped you to manage them?
