Every fall semester, usually around late September, I start getting excited for my family’s annual Halloween party. I see that weekend as my own personal Fall Break. It’s my chance to relax, get all dressed up and just have fun.

Now, I’m aware that we are well into November and therefore past the appropriate part of the year to talk about Halloween. However, at this year’s event, I learned a valuable lesson. This lesson is one that can be utilized year round. Even better, this particular lesson can help many of you feel awesomesauce.

You see, on that particular Saturday I hadn’t gotten much sleep. I planned on taking a quick nap after work, but family matters interfered. I was exhausted and should have been ready to collapse by the time the party started. Here’s the thing. I wasn’t. The bottle of soda I inhaled on the drive to my family’s house had something to do with that. So did excitement. Whatever the cause, I was wide awake and I was happy.

That afternoon, getting my costume ready in the guest bathroom, I realized something. Putting on makeup was therapeutic. The remainder of the tension I’d felt that day just vanished. On top of that, I looked into the mirror and couldn’t help smiling. I looked how I felt. To be truthful, I felt great. Considering how busy the day had been this was a pretty big accomplishment.

This lesson didn’t end with the party. About a week later, I was settled back into life’s grind of work, class, interning and homework. One morning, as I got ready to head over for my internship, I got an idea. That day, I didn’t want to simply jump into a presentable outfit and run out the door in my typical fashion. So, after eating breakfast and getting dressed, I did the only thing that seemed sensible. I grabbed my makeup bag and got to work. I had to rush, since I didn’t want to be late. Still, the end result made me smile as genuinely and as widely as I had the night of the party. I looked good, and knowing that made me FEEL good. Now that’s awesomesauce.

Let me be clear. I’m not writing this to say that we should all stop right now and put some makeup on. That’s not my point at all. What I mean is this: if you’re feeling  down, take time to do something for yourself. Do something that makes you feel better about yourself. If that includes putting some mascara on, then by all means go for it. Wear a stylish outfit. Try something with your hair. It doesn’t matter what the something is. All that matters is that it makes you feel happy.

Let’s face it. Anything that helps increase your self-confidence is awesomesauce by default. Go, then, and take a break from life’s frantic throes. I can promise you that you won’t regret it.

Enjoy yourself, and above all, never forget that you are awesomesauce!