There’s this little memory I have from one of my solo Disneyland trips that still lingers in my brain – not because it ruined my day, but because it reminded me how uncomfortable some people get when you do something joyful that they wouldn’t dare try themselves.
So picture this:
I’m at Disneyland (again, solo – because solo trips to the happiest place on earth hit different), and instead of buying the classic mouse ears like everyone else, I had previously bought something way cuter – at least to me.
A sparkly headband with a jewel right in the center, almost like a little princess tiara situation.
I don’t even know how to describe it exactly, except to say it made me feel adorable. Magical. Like I had main character energy and a FastPass to my inner child.
It probably was designed for little girls, but I don’t care.
I saw it, I liked it, it fit my head, and it made me feel cute. End of story.
Except it wasn’t. Because the world always has commentary – sometimes in words, and sometimes in looks.
I remember one particular time I wore it on a solo visit. I had parked in that open lot – the one where you take the shuttle bus into the park – and as I got on the bus, I could feel it. That subtle kind of stare. Not aggressive, just… judgmental curiosity. A couple looked at me, glanced at each other, and did that thing where they kind of smirk without saying anything. You know the one. That “yikes, look at her” look that’s not really sweet, more like condescending.
The girl especially gave off this energy like, why is she wearing that?
And maybe I’m reading into it. Maybe she wasn’t mocking me. Maybe she thought I looked cute and didn’t know how to say it. But I’ve been alive long enough, with enough RBF and gut instinct, to know when someone is silently side-eyeing your sparkle.
Here’s what I wish I could’ve told her – then and now:
If you don’t have the confidence to rock a jeweled headband in public and live your best whimsical life, that’s okay. But don’t try to dim someone else’s light just because it’s too shiny for your comfort zone.
I didn’t wear that headband for validation. I wore it because it made me feel good. Because it added something silly and magical to my day. Because life is too short to worry about what people on a bus think about your headwear choices.
Honestly? More of us should be walking around with sparkle on our heads and not caring what the crowd thinks.
So whether it’s mouse ears, a tiara, or a crown you made out of pipe cleaners and good vibes, wear it. Wear it like you mean it.
Because you don’t need a reason to be playful or soft or fabulous.
And if someone smirks at you for it?
It just means they have issues.
As Billy Madison once said, “You ain’t cool unless you pee your pants wear a headband with a jewel to DLand”.
Love, Loops