"Why did you do it?" and "Don't you miss your hair?" are some of the most common questions I hear right now. I am sure Kenya can agree to this; but most people that know us KNEW our hairstyle. Mine was a short cropped, sassy haircut that definitley became my signature in the past 5 years. I was absolutley, positively sure that shedding my signature cut wouldn't cause such a spectacle. BOY was I wrong!!! (smile) Even my daughter said, "Mom, you need a wig."
Whatttt! Kids say the darndest things, right!? Well, I knew that secretly some other people were thinking the same thing. Jada just said it out loud. So, this journey has now become two-fold for me. a.) I will have healthy natural hair b.) My daughter will see confidence isn't a signature hairstyle, it is Mommy's smile and the way she moves. I LOVE IT! Jada is a "joule" already and she doesnt even know it. Her hair doesnt flow like the Disney channel characters she idolizes. It is curly and puffs up when moisture hits it. However, you can not tell that little girl she is not the BIZNESS, ok!? I sent her a picture of my baby 'fro ( she is in Louisiana for the summer) and I was nervous for her response. No one (besides my husband) made me nervous to hear their inital reaction to this new look I was sporting. Jada wants to be just like me. She thinks I am the most beautiful and coolest creature in the world... It is important I keep that image for her and my self esteem! So, I pause ... and wait.
"Jada, what do you think, does Mommy need a wig?"
"Awww man, Mommy... I like your make up and your eyelashes." She proceeds to yell into the phone, " CAN I WEAR MAKE UP TOO IF I CUT MY HAIR OFF!!!??"
I smiled. She gets it, kinda. (Smile) It isn't my hair. It's my eyes, my skin, my smile... they are healthy and balanced. Confidence can only exude when you have that formula. *sigh* I love that little girl. Hopefully, when my son is older to know better... he will love it too!
Now 7 weeks into it I hear, "Jas, this looks good on you." I want to say "I know." But I smile because my 6 year old daughter told me and that means more to me than any other validation.
Whatttt! Kids say the darndest things, right!? Well, I knew that secretly some other people were thinking the same thing. Jada just said it out loud. So, this journey has now become two-fold for me. a.) I will have healthy natural hair b.) My daughter will see confidence isn't a signature hairstyle, it is Mommy's smile and the way she moves. I LOVE IT! Jada is a "joule" already and she doesnt even know it. Her hair doesnt flow like the Disney channel characters she idolizes. It is curly and puffs up when moisture hits it. However, you can not tell that little girl she is not the BIZNESS, ok!? I sent her a picture of my baby 'fro ( she is in Louisiana for the summer) and I was nervous for her response. No one (besides my husband) made me nervous to hear their inital reaction to this new look I was sporting. Jada wants to be just like me. She thinks I am the most beautiful and coolest creature in the world... It is important I keep that image for her and my self esteem! So, I pause ... and wait.
"Jada, what do you think, does Mommy need a wig?"
"Awww man, Mommy... I like your make up and your eyelashes." She proceeds to yell into the phone, " CAN I WEAR MAKE UP TOO IF I CUT MY HAIR OFF!!!??"
I smiled. She gets it, kinda. (Smile) It isn't my hair. It's my eyes, my skin, my smile... they are healthy and balanced. Confidence can only exude when you have that formula. *sigh* I love that little girl. Hopefully, when my son is older to know better... he will love it too!
Now 7 weeks into it I hear, "Jas, this looks good on you." I want to say "I know." But I smile because my 6 year old daughter told me and that means more to me than any other validation.
Jas,
ReplyDeleteThis is so inspirational! I can totally appreaciate your evolution and the purpose it serves. We are inspired and motivated by so many things - and in the process we inspire others... even unknowingly sometimes.
As mothers (of daughters in particular) it is up to us to establish that initial standard of beauty.... To show them how beauty truly exudes from the inside out. Its starts with really loving and appreciating the uniqueness that is only you. When that happens "swagger" can only soar.
It sounds like little Jada is learning a really valuable lesson at a young age. She is so blessed to have a Mommy to pass these jewels to her out the gate!