Sunday, August 14, 2011

See Change, Sea Change

I'm having some serious separation anxiety right now, but not because my children are leaving home. I don't have kids, which makes it harder to worry about them.
No, I'm having separation anxiety ... about my hair. Tomorrow afternoon, I'm scheduled to get my hair styled. I haven't had a significant cut now for almost three years. Any time a scissor has come near my head in the last 32 months, it's been to manage split ends, even out the bottom and the like. 
Next weekend, my husband and I are going on vacation with the rest of my family -- my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law and my four nephews and niece and I'm thinking it's time to "kick it up a notch."
 The $64,000 question is just how far am I willing to go?
I recently saw a picture of myself from high school, at which time, I all but had a buzz cut. Not so flattering on a young girl.... When it comes to my hair, I've been at both ends of the spectrum.
When I started high school, I had hair down to my waist. That didn't work out so well either. I grew up in New York City and can remember being on the subway and trying to get out of my seat, only to find that I was pinned down. Why? When I sat down, I'd casually flipped my hair over the seat behind me; now the person in that seat was leaning back and in so doing, anchoring me down by my hair.
It's awkward to say to someone, "Pardon me? Can you lean forward to free up my hair so I can get off the train?"
These days I travel by car....
My hair, baby!
The irony for me about having long hair is that I'm forever putting it in ponytails, buns or a do-rag to get it out of my face. So wouldn't it just be easier to lop it all off? Odds are ....
But like an old shoe or pair of sweats, I've "grown comfortable in" my hair. 
What to do, what to do? And then there are all those "what ifs." What if the stylist mangles my locks? What if I end up with a poodle on my noodle that I hate? What if he decides that he knows what's best for me against my own better judgment? Help!
God bless the Internet. The answer to my questions/dilemma arrived by email the other day. The inspirational message featured uplifting quotes on embracing change including this one from British iconoclast Hazel Henderson, "If we can recognize that change and uncertainty are basic principles, we can greet the future and the transformation we are undergoing with the understanding that we do not know enough to be pessimistic."
So true. 
So, now, when I look in the mirror, I see change -- sea change -- and I'm embracing it.

**This was written for the BFF prompt Mirror Mirror** 

5 comments:

  1. Well--okay--the $64,000 question is a good one. I guess my theory when it comes to hair--always better to cut off too little than too much. Maybe something just above the shoulders??? I'm no hair stylist...and heck I'm lucky to have what little hair I have left...LOL

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  2. I have to go with short! I live in Florida, so have to wash my hair often. I just can't deal with long hair. My Mom had hair down to the small of her back and sometimes beyond. I begged her to cut her hair because the long hair aged her. Go for perky and short! Nothing says perky like a bob! Go for it!

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  3. Well, I can totally relate to this. I have had the same issues my entire life. Let's see, short hair, long hair, a shag, a bob, permed, thining hair and losing more on a daily basis, graying at 25 and colored ever since. Today I keep the back short and longer at the sides as super short hair doesn't look good on me nor does really long hair as it just looks weighed down. I feel your anxiety, but known everything will turn out great! Can't wait to see the new picture of you! - Susan Dusterhoft

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  4. I never did well with long hair. It was just to much hassle and drove me crazy. I am a wash, wear, and go type of girl.

    Kathy
    http://www.thetruckerswife.com

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  5. Great post. I've seen the 'after' photo and think it looks beautiful.

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