Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Top 10 Reasons Why I Shaved My Head

10. I've always wanted to be a "hat person".
9. My hair was driving me crazy.
8. I wanted to make a statement. (What statement exactly? Read on...)
7. I suspected I might have a decently-shaped head. (I think I do,  head-dimple and all!)
6. I LOVE rubbing little boys' carpet heads. (Now I have my own!)
5. I've cut my showering time in half, as well as my towel useage.
4. I'd been considering doing it on-and-off for a couple of years now...
3. I was tired of trying to make my hair look ok, and constantly having the kids pull it or mess it up.
2. Long, thick hair is HOT! (not "smokin'-hot", but temperature "hot") AND...
1. It was a physical (drastic, obvious...) act that symbolizes my new beginning!

It's been a week since I took scissors and (10!) razors to my head to take it all off!  I know, most of you think I'm crazy, but that's ok.  I've discovered a lot of things about myself this week, and one is that I don't need any external confirmation to know that I'm ok.  In fact, I know that I'm loved beyond measure, cherished, treasured, and unconditionally accepted by my Father, and that is enough for me.  I have gone to great lengths in the past to try to please people and make them like me, and I hope I've taken another step toward being finished with that.  (Though I am happy if you do like me - I like you, too!)

Surprisingly, I really like my new haircut! :)   My only concern was that people would think I was sick.  I didn't want to make anyone worry, so I always wore a hat when I went out. (Another related concern was sunburn - you've never seen anything as white as my white head, with a lovely red line down the middle where my part had been!)   Well, last night I realized that I was acting like I was ashamed or embarassed by what I had done.  So, in the middle of my walk along one of Port Hawkesbury's busiest streets (which really isn't that busy, but nevertheless...) I whipped off my hat and walked home proudly with my (nearly bald) head held high! AND, I went to church today - hatless.  AND I was asked to lead part of the service, too...  Yes, I received a few shocked/horrified looks (hard to differentiate) and a few barely-holding-back-a-laugh smiles, but I felt really good.  It's part of what this is all about: freedom.  Freedom from my own judgements, freedom from being defined by what others think, freedom from peer pressure (yes, it still exists at my age)...  For me, shaving my head was a personal stance against conforming to the pattern of this world.  I feel that I'm beginning the journey of being transformed by the renewing of my mind, and that this act would always remind me of my choice to do just that. 

That being said, I'm not going to keep on shaving my head.  I may very well keep my hair short for awhile, but I don't need to remain bald to remember my fresh start.  A couple of startling joys: big fat rain pouring down on my head and my sons constantly rubbing it - it's been really fun!  Not to mention the fact that it took my husband 4 days to be able to look at me without laughing...)  I'm glad I did it.

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for (drumroll, please...):

The first day


The third day

14 comments:

  1. It really brings out your beautiful eyes! Looks great! :) ~Michelle Tribe

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  2. I've wanted to shave my head too....but mostly out of shear frustration (no pun intended). Glad you did it- let you be you!! :) Angie M.

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  3. You're beautiful, Joy! I love this blog post. :)

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  4. I was really hoping that you had gone whole hog and shaved it. You are really brave, and I think, very admirable! Regardless of how much hair you have, Joy is your name; and joy shines through every time I look at you! You have no idea the impact you have on others and how much others look "up" to you! I am proud to be your cousin! I love you, Shelly!

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  5. Regardless why anyone shaves their head ... whether they have to or just because they want to .... bald is beautiful !! Enjoy :)) Barb R.

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  6. you do have a nicely shaped skull - glad!! ;) My hair has always been my nemesis - I have been teased for how unattractive it is from the time I was in junior high right up to on the job as a professional. I am a slave to my hair and try to make it "acceptable" to others whenever I leave the house. As you know this doesn't always work because of my scalp problems. I have wanted to shave my head for a long time to get out of the grip of the fear I have about being judged for it...but somehow the fear of being without the potential that people would find it acceptable has stopped me every time. Does that make sense? I am both proud of you and somewhat jealous of your courage.

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  7. You are beautiful regardless of what's on your head, you always have been. I'm glad you've made this experience kind of a soul searching one. Please God, please yourself if anyone else is pleased, that's bonus not a necessary evil. We love you.
    p.s. : I've love to be there to rub your head. Hee, Hee.

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  8. Now that had to take a lot of courage....I have always wanted to do that but, never could bring myself to it. I like it...it is only hair, right? It will grow back. Way to go Joy! Love ya kiddo. Aunt Kaye

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  9. WOW!!! What a change, I didn't think you would do it! It looks great, Joy!

    Aunt Gayla

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  10. Inspiring my friend... what a beautiful reminder, every time you catch a glimpse of yourself, to continually be transformed through the renewal of your mind. You are beautiful! Love you, girl!! Love, Lez

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  11. Gorgeous, friend. My Mom did this a couple of years ago to raise money for wells in Africa. She has continued to keep it short! She loves it!!

    Keep on keepin' on!!

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  12. You know what, you can actually pull it off. I had to pause and hold my breathe before I looked at the pictures, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. :P You're still gorgeous. You're name is perfect for you. Joy and peace shine in your eyes.
    As lovely as you look, I am glad you will be letting it grow again. :)

    Love you,
    Krista

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  13. You look like one tough chick. Fitting, really. You are a strong and beautiful woman for following your heart and not seeking validation from others. Most will travel their whole life's journey without learning that elusive lesson, so well done, friend. You are awesome.

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