It's Just Hair!!!

I Am Not My Hair

by Jabinia Davender

When I woke up this morning I knew things were about to change for me.

 Being a person who does not like attention, I proudly wore my ponytail or even a bun for decades. I wore a ponytail so much growing up that it was actually my signature hairstyle. Friends used to call my ponytail a “horse’s tail” they enjoyed walking by and pulling it as we walked the halls of school. Although, I was NEVER fond of my ponytail being pulled, I did love wearing it and I wore it proudly.

 As I sat there while my lengthy hair was being washed, blow dried and then straightened I wondered if I would actually go through with it. I started to change my mind then I started telling myself, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”.  Also I reminded myself my ponytail does not define me as the person I am- I am not my hair. I’ve always loved having long hair so not having that option would be a bit of a challenge. Knowing my hair would grow back, I stayed confident in my decision to cut my hair. After spending my entire life of never cutting my hair with the exception of trims, I finally did it. Clip by clip it was done- no more ponytails! Just like that my security / comfort blanket was GONE With the Wind Fabulous!

After years and years with a plain look, I decided it was time for a change. Wanting to do something different, I knew it was time for me to finally get a new hairstyle. This was not the first time I considered drastically changing my look. This is; however, the first time I actually went through with it. Although my ponytail is officially gone (at least for now) I know I am not my hair. I am still the righteous woman of God I strive to be, I am still sweet and I am still the same person on the inside. In fact I may even be a little bolder and more confident now that I do not have a ponytail to hide behind. I am excited about facing the world with this new look. I am excited about the remainder of 2013 as I face new challenges I step out on faith, and go after my dreams, goals and desires knowing with God all things are possible. My Pastor declared 2013 as The Year of The Doer. It is the year to do things different and to strive high. I am proud to say I finally did something differently and it is just the beginning. Even though I know growing my hair back won’t be a long process, I am proud to finally be able to say, I did it – I CUT MY HAIR! It makes me thrill and ready for the remaining 6 months in 2013 because I am confident they will be even better than the first 6.

If I had to give advice to anyone else I would say do it for you, on your own terms when you are ready. Don’t let others push you to do what you do not want to do. I finally cut my hair for me, I was ready and I was happy to have a friend there  with me as I went through the transformation to encourage me to try something different (b/c I was talking about it) but at the same time not force me to do it. I did it for me. Some people like me to have long hair and others  prefer  I go short, despite what anyone else think I decided to do what I wanted because I did not want to have any regrets. I am proud to say, I do not regret cutting my hair. Cutting my hair is just the start of what’s in store for me. I am facing the remainder of the year with a new attitude. World are you ready? Plain Jane / Jabinia is turning into Phenomenal Jabinia. #2013- The Year of The Doer

I did it- I am not my hair!