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31 Days of October: A Photo + Writing Challenge | LexTalk

What actually scares you — and has your answer changed as you’ve gotten older?

I love spooky things. Haunted locations, paranormal investigations, scary movies, true crime documentaries… all of it.

But there’s a difference between enjoying a good scare and experiencing something that genuinely unsettles you.

A few years ago, I watched a movie called The Poughkeepsie Tapes.

And let me tell you something…

That movie messed with my head.

I’ve watched plenty of disturbing movies over the years. I’ve always been fascinated by the darker side of storytelling, especially when it explores human behavior and the things people are capable of doing.

But this one was different.

It was so intense and unsettling that I actually turned it off. I couldn’t finish it that night.

I waited a few days before watching the rest.

During the DAY.

Because apparently, daylight was going to make everything better.

The Fear That Stays With You

The thing about certain horror movies is that once they’re over, you can usually move on.

You turn off the television, remind yourself it was just a movie, and go about your evening.

But some stories stay with you.

They make you think about things you normally wouldn’t.

I’ve never liked leaving doors unlocked. Even when I’m home, I want those doors locked.

And now? I don’t particularly enjoy having closet doors open when I’m lying in bed in the dark.

Is there something in there?

Probably not.

Do I need to stare into a dark closet and let my imagination run wild?

Absolutely not. CLOSE IT.

The Scariest Thing Isn’t Always Supernatural

As much as I love exploring haunted places and learning about paranormal activity, I don’t think ghosts are what frighten me most.

It’s people.

It’s wondering who the person standing next to you really is.

What have they experienced? What are they thinking? What are they capable of?

Are they exactly who they appear to be?

Or are they hiding something?

I think that’s part of what makes true crime so fascinating and terrifying at the same time.

Sometimes, the people responsible for the most horrific things are the ones nobody suspected.

They might be someone’s neighbor, coworker, friend, or even family member.

And that’s an unsettling thought.

Because unlike the monsters in horror movies, real people don’t always come with a warning.

Has My Fear Changed as I’ve Gotten Older?

I think it has.

When we’re younger, we might be afraid of the dark, a creepy noise, or whatever imaginary monster might be hiding beneath the bed.

But as we get older, we learn more about the world.

We hear stories. We experience things. We become more aware of how complicated people can be.

And suddenly, the things that scare us aren’t always imaginary anymore.

That doesn’t mean I walk around assuming everyone has terrible intentions. I still believe there are wonderful people in this world.

But I also believe in paying attention to my surroundings, trusting my instincts, and not ignoring something when it feels off.

Maybe that’s part of getting older.

Or maybe it’s what happens when you watch one too many true crime documentaries.

The Final Day of October

And just like that, we’ve reached Day 31 of my October Photo + Writing Challenge!

What a fitting way to finish the month — talking about the things that truly scare us.

This challenge has been about more than pumpkins, candles, Halloween decorations, and cozy autumn moments.

It’s been about sharing pieces of ourselves.

Our memories, our fears, our favorite things, our traditions, and the little experiences that make us who we are.

And I think that’s pretty magical.

So here’s my final question for you:

What’s something that genuinely scares you?

Is it something supernatural? Something you experienced? Or is it the realization that sometimes the scariest monsters are simply human?

Happy Halloween, witches!

Until the next little adventure,

LexTalk