So you need a change.
You’re not sure what it is about you, but you’re bored with yourself and you feel the need to do something about it. A haircut seems like a harmless option, so should you maybe even consider something more drastic than the usual wash and trim?
You research pictures online of all of your favorite celebs and decide on a look that will make people notice you more than usual. More importantly, it will make you feel like a spicier version of yourself.
You head to the salon of your choice, show them the picture you’ve found of the aforementioned celeb and ask them to transform your style to match it. New hair, new you, right??
Welllllll...maybe not so much.
You catch a glimpse of the process and are giddy with anticipation as you wait to see the final result, while at the same time trying your best to keep up the awkward small talk with your hair stylist. (“Yes, I’m a college student. Yes, I’ve picked a major. No, I don’t actually know what I’m doing with my life,” etc.)
Finally, the chair is spun in a dramatic, "Princess Diaries"-esque manner, and you’re faced with the results. To call it a mistake is an understatement. You suddenly realize that you’ve voluntarily ruined a precious aspect of your physical appearance.
You sheepishly thank the stylist who must have been out of their mind to agree to make that look atop your head a reality. Then comes the walk of shame to your car, making sure to dodge as many glances as possible.
The worst is yet to come: your peers will soon be exposed to this new “look” of yours that was intended to provide a slight change/relief from boredom/a little extra attention, but failed so very miserably. And now you have to live with the results of this tragic decision for at least a few months.
Life can be similar to this bad haircut situation. Sometimes you need to change it up, so you make new (and occasionally questionable) choices, surround yourself with different people, and try to break old habits. You just need a little extra spice when things start to feel dull.
What you have to consider is that the choices you make do affect your life. I sincerely hope that the bad haircut situation doesn’t have long-term awful affects, but honestly, it might. It could severely damage your self-esteem or cause other issues related to perception.
However, PLEASE do not let this one mistake define you. You’re going to make a million other choices in your life, just like you’re going to get lots of other haircuts. In my experience, dwelling on one mistake doesn’t do anything but hurt me more. Actually, dwelling on one mistake usually causes even more harm, and can lead to other poor decisions.
SO…
when life starts to feel like a bad haircut: embrace it.
Learn from your mistake and maybe visit a new salon next time or seek advice from a trusted friend regarding your new hairstyle. Mistakes, like haircuts, are temporary and don’t have to ruin your life. The most important thing is that you are able to look yourself in the mirror at night and own what you chose to do. Recognize your error and to the best of your abilities, let it go.
Love yourself anyway, because you’re worth it; your beauty, your happiness, and your value, is NOT defined by a hairstyle (or a mistake).
