"I am not my hair"

"I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am a soul that lives within"
-- India Arie
"I Am Not My Hair"

I have battled back and forth with the debate of getting my hair loc'd. But I was so in love with my loose natural hair that I kept putting it off and putting it off. Even though I love the hairstyle, admire those with them from afar while secretly wanting to touch them. I think a big part of what was holding me back was my phobia that I wouldn't be perceived well in Corporate America. But perhaps, just like when I decided to begin looking for work in the non-profit sector, I should throw caution into the wind!

Dreadlocks, as often called, have such a history to them. I love history, in general (can't know where we're headed without knowing where we come from) but I particularly love the history of my people and all people of Afrikan descent. It is one of the many reasons I chose to start wearing my hair as it grows out of my head -- as God intended -- in the first place. No chemicals, no alteration, no assimilation to feel "accepted." So long as I am not trying to get a job in the corporate world with bald, shaved, sides and a red, black and green spiky mohawk -- who cares? (Not saying if anyone reading this happens to have that hairstyle they should change it, but come now, that would NOT look good paired with a suit lol, but my locs will!)

My good friend and Sorority sister has been locked for a few years now and watching her hair grow has been a blessing for me. To see her hair evolve and transform is like watching a child be born. And guess what, she is a CORPORATE woman! I know without a doubt I am ready to begin this journey b/c I have grown enough as a person, inside to know it's not about my nappy mane, my brown skin or my "peculiar" name that defines if I am successful in life, in love, in my career: but ME. A complete package and how I present this package to the world.

Perhaps you have struggled with a similar issue. Something about you that you wanted to change to feel accepted. How did you overcome that obstacle? What journey would you like to begin? Don't worry how you're perceived by that first set of eyes. Allow people to use their THIRD EYE to see you. Now let me hear it, how did you realize: I am not my _______?

Peace and Continued Enlightenment!