What's it to you?

As I approach the 8-month mark of being natural, I have to stop and think about what this journey has meant to me. It has taught me so much about myself in such a short time. Or, as my husband puts it, freed me.

At the time, I didn't realize I was enslaved! But it makes sense when you think about it. Not being able to exercise because you don't want to "sweat my perm out" or go out in the rain, or the infamous head pat in the days before it's time for a touch-up. These are things I don't have to worry about anymore.

Being natural has given me the can-do attitude I needed to get in the gym and work hard to shed a few pounds. It has allowed me to explore creativity through accessories, something I really didn't give much thought to in the past. I've had more people tell me they like my "style" in the past 8 months than I have in my entire life. Who knew I had a style!

Don't get me wrong, there are still things that I worry about. Sometimes I forget that I'm natural and that when people meet me for the first time I may not look exactly as they pictured. Or if they haven't seen me in a while, they might be taken aback. And I still haven't figured out the perfect style or been really good with trying new products. But I haven't gotten any rude comments like some people I know, so that's a good thing. Plus, I see it as an opportunity to encourage other women to take this courageous step. I've found there are many who want to, but naturally, they're apprehensive. When you see someone else proudly rockin their 'fro you think, 'Ok I can do it, too.' And really, that's the biggest gift of all.

My hubby still asks me how long I'm going to keep my hair this way. I try to explain that this isn't a phase but I don't think he understands. Perhaps because as women we change our look so often. Honestly, I'm not sure if I will be natural forever but I do know that I have no plans to change my hair anytime soon. I love the person I've transformed into in such a short time and wouldn't want things any other way!

Why am I here?

I don't mean that in the theoretical sense as in "Why do we exist?" I'm talking about this blog. Why am I blogging? And better yet, why should you spend your precious time reading what I have to say?

Well, it all started about two years ago when a relative commented on my daughters' "good hair" and questioned where (as in, family lineage) they got it from. Wow, I thought to myself. Is this really what life is all about? Of course not! But it got me to thinking. My daughters are pretty observant and it wouldn't be long before they picked up on things like trips to the beauty shop for relaxers. I absolutely love their grade of hair -- although they are twins, their hair texture is as different as their personalities. I couldn't see myself ever wanting to make them suffer through a relaxer every 6 weeks.

So how would I explain why mommy gets this done to her hair but you don't?

Because I have "bad" hair? No, that's not exactly true.

Because I don't like my hair? Ummm...not so much.

Because it's easier to maintain! Well, not in my opinion. Going to the salon every 6 weeks for a "touch-up" is not how I like spending my spare time.

When I realized I had no answer for the question they would inevitably ask, I realized I had no good reason for perming my hair. (For those who are not of ebony hue, we typically refer to our relaxers as perms. I know, I know. For you a perm makes your hair curly but for us it straightens. Just thought I'd drop some knowledge while I was at it.) It was then that I decided to "go natural." Again, for those who aren't familiar with the terminology, going natural is when you wear your hair free of chemicals like relaxers and texturizers. I know that some women consider themselves natural or semi-natural when they only have a texturizer but to me, that doesn't count. Texturizers are still damaging to your hair!

So I gave it the old college try! Early in 2008 I had what I thought would be my last relaxer. From that point forward I attempted to transition my hair with various styles, mostly braids. It was a straw set in December 2008 that sent me running back to the creamy crack (e.g., relaxer). Let's just say 1-2 inches of new growth + sweat = not a good combination. I went back to my comfort zone but immediately regretted it.

When I shared my story with a friend who had been natural for several years, she told me it was like quitting smoking -- eventually it would be my last one. I laughed but that always stuck with me. So in March 2009 I again gave it the old college try: this would be my last relaxer. I spent the entire summer transitioning my hair with braids and this time decided to cut my hair (which was past my shoulders) as I transitioned. I figured this would keep me from reverting back to the perm. Growing my hair all the way out (it was shoulder length) could take 1-2 years and I didn't have that kind of patience.

Ok, this post is getting longer than I intended! Wanna know how I arrived at being the natural diva I am today? Stay tuned!