This past weekend I decided it was time to dye my hair.
No, not to cover up the grey, although I have a few strands plus a patch on the back of my head. It’s small enough, thankfully, to be covered up by the rest of my hair. It’s a family trait apparently. Before my dad went mostly grey, I could pick him out in a crowd by the white patch on the back of his head.
I digress…
I dyed a streak of hair at the front of my head purple this past Saturday night. Ultraviolet to be exact.
Here’s proof:
Yeah... No longer 20. The bags prove it.
My husband (then boyfriend) introduced me to dyeing my hair unnatural colors in the late 90s. So why did I decide to do this again in my 30′s?
I don’t have a “real job” that pressures me to look a certain way, so that gives me a lot of leeway.
But I didn’t do it just for kicks.
I dyed my hair because it feels more “me”
I’ve been feeling a bit lost and out of sorts and slightly bored lately and needed something to remind me of who I am. Something I can see daily to ground myself. A reflection of the independent, slightly eccentric, creative person I am. Not to mention I keep seeing older women with my hair cut and I get a bit edgy when I feel I’m looking too much like everyone else.
And it’s way less painful than a tattoo. Although I’m thinking of getting one of those, too.
Which got me thinking about staying grounded and remembering who you are… and then I remembered I actually wrote about this and won something cool because of it.
And then I though about why I haven’t written anything about it since.
Dude, it’s scary.
I cried when I wrote that. I cried when I read it again.
I don’t think I’ve ever cried writing something before.
And I know that means something big. And it freaks me out.
Not quite sure yet what the something big is, but I think I’ll keep writing about it to find out.
So until then…
What keeps you connected with who you are?
I’d love it if you left a comment. Thanks 
i never had a conventional hair color until i got into the real working-world. first the military, then uber-conservative accounting jobs. i SOOO miss being able to wear my originality on the outside!!!
love the purple
wear it well!
and tats don’t hurt ~that~ much. lol
I’ve been told they don’t hurt that much… but I’m a little chicken when it comes to intentionally-inflicted pain, no matter how not-hurty it may be.
I read the original piece twice. Out loud. And now I’m crying. Much food for thought.
when you can articulate those thoughts, I’d love to hear
I read your “I actually wrote about this.” Very nice, very touching.
What do I do to remember who I am? I walk. I talk with those who love me. But mostly, I listen to the small voice inside me that comes up with ideas. I ignore detractors (mostly that OTHER small voice inside me that wants to ruin a good creative party before it even really gets going!)
And then I go for it. Whatever IT is. The external changes we can make may help us look and feel more connected to who we really are. But listening to the internal voices will help us BE who we really are.
Good point
I’m listening to those voices more often, but being a visual person, I need to see as well.
I just saw your new Twitter icon and was about to comment on your blue streak. And then I saw this.
Well done, Alexia. 
Why thanks, Chris!
It sorta goes along w/ your delight thing… I smile every time I see myself in the mirror instead of cringe inwardly. 