LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM A BAD HAIRCUT

1. Effective communication is key.

Don't assume the other person, or in my case the hairdresser, will understand what you want just by using hand gestures and inadequate language. Do your homework, practice your language, learn how to ask for exactly what you want, and utilize visual aids. (I should have brought a picture of Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.)

2. Don't be afraid to speak up.

I saw him going for it - his shiny scissors in one hand, my hair in the other. If I had stopped him and had spoken up after the first chop, instead of sitting in my seat with my eyebrows raised, maybe just maybe, he wouldn't have continued layering my hair as if I was Cyndi!

3. Cry on someone's shoulder. Especially of those who know how to make you laugh.

Sitting in a puddle of tears alone is okay for a while but having a support system is better. I didn't "cry" over my haircut but I was hysterical as I approached my best friend. She held me as she asked, "Who ate your hair?" She then reassured me that she could fix it and reminded me of all her tools at home. She made fun of me, of course, but it made me laugh which made the problem insignificant.

4. Focus on the positive.

It's easy to dramatize a small problem. When something goes wrong, take a step back and look at the big picture. It will remind you all the things that are going right which normally outweigh the wrongs. So, sure my hair is a goner, BUT I recently got an 86 on my Italian quiz! (Which is better than my previous 84) Yay me!

5. Learn to slay with what you got.

We all know the quote, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade," don't we? Instead of being sorry for what you don't have, embrace what you do - maybe I'll start channeling my inner Cyndi with all these uneven layers. And don't forget to be resourceful. (Wigs, weaves and hats are all good options.) With a little sugar and a dose of confidence, the possibilities of what you can do with your lemons are endless.

As for me, this lemony haircut inspired a blog post.

Till next time,

May