Honoring Old Experiences

Thank you to my hair dresser, Sam Johnston, for helping me to complete an experience!

I've had my hair shaved off on the right side of my head three times in my lifetime. Twice for brain surgery and once for brain observations. In all the times that it happened, I never made time to appreciate the journey. The first time I was about to start high school and my mind wondered if I possibly looked like a gangster. Most of the time, I didn't want to open the thoughts about my brain or experience so I ignored my unusual hair to concentrate on things I thought must be done. I concentrated on my child after the observations and second surgery. Whenever the hair grew back, I was thankful to appear usual again and tucked the experience away.

Lately I have been touching my scars and wondering what they look like today. I'm curious to be conscious of what the hair is like as it grows back out. To honor my past experiences and make myself embrace my story, I decided that I would give myself a new hairstyle and let myself enjoy the whole experience of growing my hair back. I want to look at and care for my scars while they are visible and not tuck my past away carelessly. Admittedly, being conscious and doing it by choice gives the experience a different meaning and fills a missing piece in my mental puzzle.

Happy getting used to my new hairstyle.