Done on a whim instigated by a case of the 'crazies', the days are dwindling down to a decision point. Do I stay with an edgy style to keep my coworkers in question or do I slowly relax into a more accepted style more neutral to the conservative environment that I want to respect?

It has been quite an experience for sure. At first I just noticed the looks. The abnormally long stare complimented with the muffled smirk out of one side of the mouth. Always reciprocated with an awkward smuggled check to see if my zipper is down totally forgetting that my hair makes me different.

Reaction tells a lot about a person. Driven by emotional response, lying nearest to truth, exposing honesty in the briefest form. Seeing a person's reaction to my style, or lack there of for that matter, allows me to better read them. Knowing a sliver of how they perceive me, shows me a sliver of how they tend to take on the world, go about life in general.

Its funny how conversations have also changed. While some people that are straight and narrow use my looks as a way to doubt my positives, the others use it as a comforting reason to talk to me about things that are not normally socially acceptable. Assuming and looking for someone to share experiences with. Someone to which they can expose their secrets, or void their guilt. On the other hand, I have been accepted into the super liberal community with open arms. The conversations just as random, only instead of wanted consoling or advice, they want a partner in crime. Perceptions and assumptions are tossed to the side while expectations decline and everyone has this ability to just, 'be'. A respect is also defined, broken free from its hierarchical enamel found in other environments.

It has been a consistent reminder of the impact of our surroundings. Assumption can cause us to doubt our selves. Weaken our confidence and distance our relationships. A Quick judgment can furnace the feeling of inadequacy, can crash the opportunity for innovation. It has reminded me in my own life to not categorize. Something that is easy for all of us to forget. Always look at the personality, listen to the laughter. Noticing the positive can make someone's day. Feeling heard, lightens the soul. Acceptance is a security that we all need, to which safety nets our ability to thrive.

Either way, I'm about 1/8th of an inch away from a female mullet. A style that I will never be brave enough to sport. Hence, the motivation for a re-design.




Cheers!, to a little crazy, topped with a bit of growth.