That's the wrong door

I was walking into a public restroom at McDonald's and a lady across the room shouts, "That's the wrong door!" I immediately look at the sign on the door with a lady's icon. It was so hard for me not to laugh. I turned around, with my pearl earrings, gave her a smile and walked into the restroom. Sometimes you just have to laugh.

Hey that girl is....

BALD! I get so tickled when a little kid points out to their mom or dad that I am bald. The look of terror on the parent's face, the intense stare of the child, and a little smile from me make a great moment. I could probably count at least 15 times in the past month that a child has pointed out my baldness. These kids have truly lightened my soul and slowed me down in such a fast paced world. We often ignore things that need to be seen around us, but a lot can be learned from a child's perception.

Things Alopecians Like #12

A bandanna tan from not wearing sunscreen.
(This isn't really a like, but it makes people laugh when you're walking around with a bandanna tan)

Vegas ER

This summer I did some service projects in Las Vegas. One night I had to go to the emergency room with a friend who had a minor ailment. I sat across from a lady who was in scrubs and had noticeable bandages all over her body. I gave a little smile and she said, "I bet not having hair makes it cooler outside." I'm not sure if hair calculates when the temperature is 120 degrees F. We both laughed and she asked me what happened to my hair. In the middle of my alopecia explanation it hit me on how this lady was suffering, truly suffering, and yet her concern was about me. I forget what others may perceive of me in certain situations. Emergency Room + Bald Girl = Really Sick.
I've learned a lot these last few years about staying open to conversations with those who ask about my hair. I'm thankful for that night's conversation.

Dating...Is it the hair?

The biggest obstacle in my life is the overcritical thought process of myself. People say my bald look is beautiful and I believe I am beautiful. However, I still fight with stupid analysis of personal "flaws".

I started thinking about how I haven't been on a date in a year. Then, I quickly blamed it on being bald and the difference between acceptance and attraction. The thoughts quickly spiraled into despair. It's amazing how much easier it is to lie in despair, which is harder on the body, then to embrace hope for the future.

The bald card is a simple excuse. When in reality, the right circumstances have just not come together. Do I want someone to fall in love with my wig or with my personality? My brushed-in eyebrows or my intelligence? My fake eyelashes or my zeal for life?

I am so thankful for the way in which Alopecia has empowered my walk. Next time I hope to be less critical of my looks and more captivated by the challenge that lies ahead.