With Thanksgiving approaching next week, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the past year of my life. Last Thanksgiving I chopped off my blonde locks from shoulder length, to a pixie cut. I have always admired women with short hair. I love how it accentuates their bone structure, and they look like rock-stars. I don’t remember how I came to the decision to cut my hair, but on a day when I was feeling unusually restless and stagnant, I booked the appointment immediately, for fear I would never find the courage again. Here is what I have during my year with short hair:

Pro- I can dry and style my hair in 10 minutes.

Pro- It keeps me cool in the hot California summers. And swimming is an entirely new experience!

Pro- I can give myself trims at home with clippers.

Pro- Less money spent on hair products and color.

Con- I only get to wear the same style every day. No more braids, ponytails, or buns.

Con- I sometimes feel less feminine. Whether or not femininity=long hair is sociological question for another day.

I’m not saying everyone should go out and chop off all of their hair, but that it was one of the few times in my life I hung up my reservations and fears, and listened to myself and what I wanted. I took a shot, and trusted that even if I ended up hating it, I would never regret it. I would never regret being bold and spontaneous. I would never regret it.

This Thanksgiving when you share a meal and give thanks for your friends and family, don’t forget to also be thankful for yourself. Be thankful for your strength and bravery. Be thankful that you try new things and take chances. Be thankful for every risk, reward, and loss you experience- because each one is a vital component in shaping you.