Since I cut my hair two weeks ago (for the first time in over 18 months; the bearded, pony-tailed guy was replaced with a clean-cut man) I’ve noticed a definite uptick in the amount of attention women give me, and I‘ve assumed it’s because of my new hairdo.
Maybe, maybe not.
I was at a happy hour function with a handful of coworkers last night and the subject of my haircut surfaced. I described the extra female attention I’m receiving these days and finished with something to the effect of: “It must be the hair.”
To which one of the women present responded, “No, it’s your personality.”
What?
She went on to say that when I came back from getting my hair cut, my personality had changed dramatically; she said I was a ‘new man’.
When I walked out of the salon two weeks ago, I knew I looked good. I felt confident. I felt like smiling. It was as though I had forced myself out into the ‘wilderness’ of my soul and denied myself a return to the ‘promised land’ until such time as I was prepared to shed my old Self. I guess I was ready.
My whole world is suddenly changed.
I look younger but feel older and wiser. I feel ready to take responsibility for the rest of my life rather than drift along the currents, as I’ve done most of my days.
I can look people in the eye like no other time in my life; not in challenge but in curiosity and wonder that other human beings are all around me, each unique and wonderful and terrible.
For the first time in my life I feel comfortable in my own skin. At the same time, I’m eager to find out who I really am underneath my disappearing fears, resentments, and character defects.
I’m relatively unconcerned with how other people (especially women) perceive me, and I care less than ever about winning the approval of others. I can just be myself; some people will like me, most won’t.
The compulsion to give in to lust has all but disappeared, replaced with a desire to choose: Use pornography, or enjoy the thousands of other blessings in my life.
I feel as though powerful forces are coming together in my life, like the confluence of many rivers. I’ve got life right where I want it.
It’s funny what a haircut can do.
Three Taverns Church 
October 4, 2012 at 9:49 pm
“it was as though I had forced myself out into the ‘wilderness’ of my soul and denied myself a return to the ‘promised land’ until such time as I was prepared to shed my old Self. I guess I was ready.”
When I read this comment in your blog, I was reminded of the phrase in scripture that says, “…I chose you….” It’s in John 15:16 which says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” It follows John 15:5 where Jesus is speaking to His disciples saying, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
I’m also reminded of that great hymn, “Hosea”. It begins, “Come back to Me, with all your heart/ don’t let fear keep us apart. Long have I waited for your coming home to Me/ and living deeply our new life.” Check it out, RM. It’s the song God sang to me when HE lead me out of the wilderness of my life. I believe He’s done the same for you! Thank you, Jesus! You rescue us from ourselves!
October 5, 2012 at 7:11 am
Mary, I know that song, it makes me cry when I sing it…very powerful. Thanks for the scripture passages, too.