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    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

    Photo Credit Manu gavassi

    MIND

    Is Main Character Energy Just Emotional Avoidance?

    Is Main Character Energy Just Emotional Avoidance?

    Main character energy can feel empowering — until you realise it might just be a cinematic detour around your real emotions. Here’s where confidence ends and avoidance begins.

    Main character energy can feel empowering — until you realise it might just be a cinematic detour around your real emotions. Here’s where confidence ends and avoidance begins.

    BY HARRIET ISHBEL SWEENEY / 10 FEBRUARY 2025

    BY HARRIET ISHBEL SWEENEY / 10 FEBRUARY 2025

    Photo Credit:Manu gavassi

    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

    “Be the main character in your own life!” It’s the mantra that’s taken over TikTok, Instagram captions, and every self-help podcast worth its salt. Main Character Energy (MCE) is all about putting yourself at the center of your story, romanticising your morning coffee, and strutting down the street like you’re in a Netflix original. But here’s the twist: is MCE a self-love revolution, or is it just another way to dodge dealing with the hard stuff?

    what is main character energy, anyway?

    At its core, MCE is about reclaiming agency. You’re the protagonist, and life’s just one big coming-of-age montage. It’s unapologetically wearing your headphones in public, turning mundane moments into cinematic experiences, and finding joy in the little things.

     

    Sounds wholesome, right? But as with any cultural phenomenon, there’s a shadow side lurking in the wings.

    when romanticising your life turns into avoidance

    Main Character Energy encourages us to frame our experiences in a positive light. That’s great—until it becomes a defense mechanism. Instead of facing uncomfortable truths, we’re busy staging the perfect flat-lay breakfast for Instagram.

     

    For instance, consider:

     

    The Breakup Glow-Up: Instead of grieving the end of a relationship, MCE might have you plastering on a “moving-on montage” for your followers.

     

    Career Crisis Cinematics: That spiral into self-doubt? It’s rebranded as a moody, rain-drenched scene from your imaginary biopic.

     

    While these moments can be empowering in the short term, they can also gloss over deeper emotional processing. Turning your life into a highlight reel might make you feel better temporarily, but it doesn’t address the messy, unfiltered reality behind the scenes.

    the allure of escapism

    It’s no wonder so many of us are drawn to MCE. It’s a dopamine hit, a chance to rewrite the narrative when reality feels less than glamorous. Who wouldn’t want to trade existential dread for slow-motion coffee pours and perfectly timed sunset shots?

     

    But here’s the catch: escapism, while comforting, can keep us stuck. If we’re always editing our lives into an aesthetically pleasing story, we might miss the raw, transformative power of living through discomfort

    Photo Credit: Modern Mind

    are you avoiding, or are you healing?

    Here’s the million-pound question: is your Main Character Energy helping you grow, or is it masking your pain?

     

    Signs It’s Avoidance:

    • You’re constantly chasing the next “main character moment” to distract from difficult feelings.
    • You feel pressure to perform happiness, even when you’re struggling.
    • Reflection takes a backseat to curated aesthetics.

    Signs It’s Empowerment:

    • You’re using MCE to celebrate small wins and stay grounded in gratitude.
    • You’re fully present in your “movie moments,” rather than staging them.
    • You embrace the highs and lows of life, knowing both are part of your story.

    the balancing act: living authentically in the spotlight

    Main Character Energy doesn’t have to mean dodging emotional work. In fact, when done right, it can be a tool for empowerment. Here’s how to channel MCE without losing touch with reality:

     

    Let Your Script Include Vulnerability


    Main characters aren’t perfect. They’re messy, flawed, and human. Lean into those moments. Cry when you need to, even if it’s not “in aesthetic lighting.” Share your struggles with trusted friends instead of performing resilience for the camera.

     

    Romanticise Reality, Not a Fantasy


    It’s fine to love the look of your oat milk latte, but don’t let it overshadow the beauty of life’s imperfections. The best stories have conflict and growth, not just perfectly styled flat lays.

     

    Use It to Celebrate, Not Avoid


    Instead of using MCE as an escape, let it amplify the joy you’re already feeling. That solo picnic at the park? Enjoy it for the experience, not just the photo op.

    redefining main character energy

    Main Character Energy isn’t inherently bad—it’s all about how you wield it. Done right, it’s a reminder to prioritize yourself and find magic in the mundane. But when it becomes a way to sidestep emotional work, it loses its sparkle.

     

    So, go ahead. Romanticise your rainy commute. Turn your heartbreak into a power ballad. Just make sure the story you’re telling yourself is one of growth, not avoidance. After all, the best main characters don’t just look good in the spotlight—they’re willing to step into the shadows, too.

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