Accepted
I think a few of my closest friends knew about a period of about 3 mos. this past winter/early spring that I refer to myself as "The Dark Night of the Soul." It was a season of my life where I kept trying to figure out what was "wrong" with me & why I am 27 and still not married. At one point I even questioned if wearing my hair natural was why I haven't been on a date in a HOT second. Most of my friends who are married are not natural and a few had encouraged me to "just get your hair pressed." I've been natural for 5 years. But in February, I got my hair pressed for the first time in AGES. And relationally, it got me nowhere. After 2 weeks, I went back to being natural.
What I had to learn, and what was expressed yesterday by several gentlemen (on the panel & in the audience) is that it isn't the hair that makes you, but the confidence within. I had worked really hard after undergrad to build my confidence, but somewhere along the way, I let all my hard work unravel. Being in a room full of naturals (and their supporters) built my confidence in my decision to be natural, as well as to accept and love my decision.
Affirmed
From the moment I pulled into the parking lot, 'til the moment we left, I was affirmed. The security team not only helped us park, but walked us to and from the venue. When we entered into the meet-up we were greeted by gentlemen who had nothing but positive things to say about our hair. All of us even received a wonderful poem, which in all honesty I didn't read until this morning while I was digging through my purse at church. The poem, "Perfectly Beautiful (Just as You Are!)" made me feel so good, not just to be natural, but to be a BLACK woman.
I live and work in the suburbs, so most of the admirers of my natural hair are my middle-aged/senior, caucasian co-workers or my adolescent students. While I appreciate their comments, it just doesn't feel the same as when brothers & sisters my own race and age complement me on my hair and affirm my decision. I definitely left full & feeling like the queen that I am.
Accessorized
Ok, so, I am going to start putting aside money every pay period so that when I go to the next meet-up (July 30), I can have PLENTY of spending money! There were so many neat things that I wanted to buy, but could only get a few. I picked up a "Thank God I'm Natural" Shirt (w/ complimentary tote) and a clip from OMSoul. Next time, I want to get some earrings from Created in His Image.
All in all, a great time, & I CAN'T WAIT for the next meet-up!
To find ones way is awesome...continue on your journey and more things will be revealed...
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