Memorial Day Energy: I Want to Be Left Alone, But Also Feel Loved, Thanks

A self-care survival guide for introverts, overthinkers, and the emotionally sunburned.

🕯️ What Memorial Day Is Really About

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a U.S. federal holiday meant to honor and mourn the military personnel who have died in service to the country.

It’s not just a day off. It’s not just for hot dogs, inflatable pool animals, and sales on memory foam mattresses.
It was created to remember—and that remembrance often comes with grief, reverence, and reflection.

For some, that reflection is deeply personal: a sibling, a parent, a friend.
For others, it’s a moment of quiet respect for sacrifices they’ve never had to make but still feel the weight of.

It’s a day that’s sacred for many—and emotionally confusing for others.

🔥 What It’s Become for Most Americans

In reality? Memorial Day now sits at the complicated crossroads of:

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• Gratitude and grief
• Cookouts and quiet mourning
• Patriotism and disillusionment
• Community bonding and social pressure

You might find yourself torn between solemnity and sunscreen.
Between wanting to show up for people—and wanting to be alone with your thoughts.
Between deep emotions and Dollar General’s red-white-and-blue aisle.

And that tension? That’s exactly what today’s post is about.

🧨 Let’s Be Honest…

Memorial Day is a lot.

There’s the pressure to be grateful. The pressure to be social. The pressure to make a “patriotic” pasta salad that doesn’t involve trauma-dumping in the driveway with a cousin you haven’t seen since 2019.

For some of us, it’s a day of reflection. For others, it’s cookouts and pool floats.
And for some? It’s just another calendar square full of complicated feelings—and possibly a collapsing lawn chair.

So, whether you’re spending the day alone, with family, trying to dodge family, or simply surviving the group chat, this one’s for you.

🕯️ You Can Honor the Day Without Performing Patriotism

Memorial Day is about remembrance—not red Solo cups. And if you’re someone who reflects deeply or grieves privately, it’s okay to opt out of the social fireworks.

Light a candle.
Say a name.
Take a walk.
Write something honest.
Wear black to the barbecue if you feel like it.

You’re not ungrateful. You’re just real.
And there’s room for that in the narrative too.

💥 You’re Allowed to Protect Your Peace

Repeat after me:

“Just because they invited me doesn’t mean I owe them my energy.”

It’s not rude to say no.
It’s not disrespectful to skip the block party.
It’s not selfish to stay home, binge a weird documentary, and moisturize with something that smells like emotional boundaries.

Patriotism doesn’t require burnout.

🍔 If You Are Going Somewhere, Here’s the Game Plan:

• Arrive late, leave early. You’re not a hostage.
• Bring something you actually like eating. Self-preservation starts with carbs.
• Find the dog and stay near it. Instant safe zone.
• Have a code word with someone. Or just use your skincare routine as an exit excuse. (“Gotta go—it’s retinol night.”)
• Take moonlit breaks in the bathroom. Center yourself. Reapply lip gloss. Curse capitalism quietly.

🔥 Memorial Day Can Be Complicated—and That’s Valid

It can bring up grief. It can feel heavy. It can make you miss people, question things, or wish your country was better than it is.

You’re allowed to feel all of that.

And you’re allowed to log off, unplug, or romanticize your own tiny rituals to get through the day.

Here’s a gentle reminder:

There’s no one right way to honor.
There’s no one right way to rest.
There’s no one right way to be American, grateful, or glowing.

🌿 Your Voguegenics Self-Care Assignment:

Pick one:

• Take a solo walk before sunset
• Say no without guilt
• Skip a post and post a feeling instead
• Wear SPF and lipstick
• Light a candle for someone you miss
• Cry in the car. Regroup. Re-enter with sunglasses and slay.

💬 In Conclusion:

Whether you’re at a cookout, curled on your couch, or somewhere in between—
You’re doing fine.

You’re honoring what matters.
You’re protecting what’s sacred.
And that includes you.

Not feeling the long weekend glow-up pressure? I get it.
Check out the Moon Sanity Tracker or grab your favorite ritual journal and reconnect with your own rhythm.

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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