A huge "thank you" goes out to my sweet hairdresser — thanks for fixing more than my hair. Thanks for being my quote-unquote therapist, inspiration, and guidance when I need advice from someone wiser than myself.

Thanks most importantly for reminding me that we are each called by God to serve in our own, unique way.

While I'm still ironing out what exactly I have been called to do, you never write off any of my crazy pipe dreams; rather, you supply endless words of wisdom and encouragement.

You didn't write off my 26.2 mile run pipe dream many months ago. And, quite frankly, now that I have that crossed off my list, it's time to move on to the next pipe dream.

While religion itself isn't a pipe dream, and it's not something that can be forced on anyone, I wish more people would have a smidge more optimism.

I wish that others believed in something greater.

It doesn't even have to be believing in God if that's not something you're into, just something that instills hope, patience and the will to go on when things get tough.

After 13 years of taking religion as a class, and being taught what my teachers wanted in order to earn an 'A' for the class, when I got to college, all I wanted was a break from being "taught" what I should believe in.

My loving hairstylist was one of the first who called me back home when I started to stray.

When I got to college and no one around me had as strong of a faith as I, I definitely lost my way, to say the least. However, every time I was home for a hair appointment I was reminded that my personal relationship with Christ is the number one most important thing.

While I've certainly made some mistakes along the way, thankfully, they made me stronger than ever. I know now it was all part of the Lord's greater plan for me.

Last year I had pneumonia and the flu (at the same time) during my first round of exams, yet I didn't think of going to the doctor... During the spring semester, I got a concussion after, literally, falling sideways out of my chair... I couldn't go to class for weeks because of one stupid mistake.

The list of mistakes goes on, but, thankfully, God used those errors to teach me a lesson.

While I only see my hairdresser seven or eight times a year, that's enough to inspire me and remind me to remain courageous, even when things get tough.

You know who you are so, shout-out to you.

I’m sure you have changed many lives along the way, but you might not have been told. When no one else listens to me rambling endlessly, when no one else is genuinely asking about how I am, not just the “hey, how are you” in passing, you genuinely care and always give me the best advice out of anyone else.

xoxo,

a very grateful client.