Ch ch ch changes...

I have never been one to like or embrace change. I like comfort. I like knowing what's coming next. I like continuity. Life changes so rapidly. I get many chances to learn  change happens and it can be a good thing.

I've had my hair the same way for 15 years. Same cut, same variation of blonde, same length. I lightened my hair quite a bit last night. It's about the same color as it was while I was growing up, but much lighter than it has been since I started having children. After washing  it this morning, I trimmed it. Then cut 3 inches off. Then cut bangs in, and layered it heavily. I alarmed myself at how fast I kept those scissors going once I started. I look different.  I was very amused all day at the reactions I got. It was everything from, "You're hot!" (from a 4th grader) to "Something is different about you." to "You look younger." to "I think I'm in love with you now." (from a 1st grader) to "I didn't know who you were." I kept reflecting on how happy it made me to be able to say, "It's still me, Heather." I'm still me. And I'm okay with this change. I accept it, embrace it, and even love it.

I'm trying to learn that change is okay. Sometimes it's better than it was before. Sometimes it's just different. Sometimes it causes heartache but it can also bring joy. It certainly causes growth. New friends, different schools, varied schedules, modified ward boundaries...I'm happy to say I've made it through these and more, and though they have taken some adjustment, I have been able to see blessings in each one of them. Life really is good. It just scares me to death. But I'm working on it.

Me and my honey-today

November 2011