new thread
I actually posted this a while back but for some reason it was put as a follow up on someones thread so no one commented on it and probably didn't read it. (The thread was one of those "Is There A Pill That Makes My Hair Grow Long Because I Dont Want To Wait" types.) But anywho. I just thought you guys might be interested. Comments are welcome as always.
I started growing my hair to symbolize a change in who I was. At that time I was, and still am going through a growth, self discovery, and change period of my life as most people do at some point in their life. I believe it’s called maturity, and since I have no plans to recede into ignorance, I also don’t plan to cut my hair.
It really started when I was around 11. A radio station in Atlanta played rock music and the signal was strong enough to reach my small town. I had always loved music and this distortion and energy fascinated me. I had a lot of anger and stuff held inside from current events of that time and early childhood so rock music was a release. Rock music saved my life. It took everything I was feeling and gave it a voice so that it could escape. I think if I hadn't found it I would have become someone quite different and miserable. I also started tinkering around on a Squire Strat when I was 13 or so. I had received it around the age of 6 or 7. It became my passion and over the next few years I taught myself to play it.
I began to listen to progressively heavier styles of rock, but nothing really came of it until I was about 15. At that time I had adopted the whole theory that the mainstream was evil and I needed to counteract that. So I thought by growing my hair out and dressing like the musicians I was listening to that I could set myself apart from everything. My parents opposed this so my hair was only allowed to be kept at a shaggy length.
This was a horrible thought pattern, that every thing that was considered cool was bad, but it really initiated me finding who I truly was. After my first love broke my heart at the age of 16 I figured out that I had no idea who I was or what I was doing with my life. I was completely lost with no true hold or understanding of the world around me. I set out to fix this. To symbolize the beginning of this journey I got a mohawk, another hairstyle that I loved, since I couldn’t have long hair because of my parents.
I began to read tons of literature, spend time in meditation and deep thought, and really question everything around me. I found the answers within myself. I found out who I was, why I did what I did, and my own thoughts about the universe and human nature. My parents had decided that my mohawk was even less acceptable so I finally was able to grow my hair out. In the period of nearly a year I have gone from "16 and angry at the world" to being incredibly happy, confident, youthful, and ready to face my life and all that it may bring. I know that there is so much more to discover. I try to learn everything I can, and find meaning in most actions and events. To me my hair is a symbol of my growth and future. I have gained much, and have so far yet to go. -Katamah ^.^
I could really relate to a lot of what you said. I'm glad that you're able to find yourself through finally being able to grow your hair long at this point.
Good story katamah,
I've always wanted long hair but always gave in to pressure to cut it. Now I have moved out and am on my own...no parents telling me what to do anymore..I also look up to many rock bands who have long hair...its inspired me to grow my hair.
really excited for when it really gets long. (I'm at 11 months)
Cheers
Buddy
ghfhgr
Some good thoughts there. I hate the way nearly everyone's parents (including my own) make such a big deal out of unusual hairstyles and even facial hair.
My dad had long hair in the '70s but he doesn't seem to understand why I like it. Of course, everyone else was doing it in the '70s. I'm gonna do my best not to become some bloody conformist when I'm older.
Glad everything turned out well for you.
Good Luck with your Hair Journey and...
...with you Life in general!
