new thread
I've done a lot of soul-searching this past week. I've never been one to care what people think. Women exert considerable power over us that find them so attractive. I've come to the conclusion, however, that I'll not let an outside source dictate who I am.
This is not some passing fad. Having long hair is not something I'm doing for fashion or just cause it looks cool. My hair has always been extremely important to me especially because I've always known long hair is intrinsic to my being. Being a person who enjoys precisely documenting things, it only seemed natural to do this with my hair.
I often attempt with my pictures to attain some artistry. This may be something only I appreciate but it still remains a creative outlet for me. I honestly find it a joyous thing to celebrate each month's longer growth and the resulting images. If someone is so shallow and so judgmental to view me as unacceptably weird because of this then obviously there is no connection there. To hell with them. I choose to be me and I'd rather be me alone than trying to fit some mold cast for me. I'd not be happy in that role. My hair interest will not disappear so I choose to accept myself.
Some pics from a walk in the woods on a fine November day...
Forgive my expression on this one..
Cheers, Jason
Great to hear you're keeping your site, as I'm sure all the guys here are. It is a true inspiration to all of us, and any newcomers deciding to grow for the first time.
Also, your latest pictures of your hair are awesome. Keep it growing, to waist length and beyond.
David
Hi Jason
I think you have arrived at not only a very correct opinion, but a healthy one also for yourself and I applaude you for it.
Your site is just so great and unique. The photos done magnificently! I dare say all of we posters couldn't have been wrong about that as the odds would be just too high.
All the best, and I am very happy for you.
Justin
I was pleased to see new photos on your site just a little while ago. Definitely happy that you came to a sound and wise decision. You're an inspiration to us newbies on here and the site, even though perhaps just a creative hobby to you, is quite educational for the rest of us. Glad you kept it! =)
-James
Good call, Jason.
Great looking pictures, too!
- Oren
Reading your post was like feeling a breath of fresh air.
I am very glad for you that this was the decision that you came to, as it is was the most appropriate one that you could have made.
As for the pics, they seem so peaceful to me, a real example of how long hair is part of us, how it comes from our scalp, and while for many (and there is nothing wrong with this) long hair can be a fad or a fashion statement, for others it can signify a lot more.
Bravo Sir.
KUDOS
You have made, IMO, a deep and wise conclusion. What intrapersonal intelligence you exhibit to be able to soul-search like that and come up with an answer. Good for you....and the pictures, shiny long hair with autumn in the background...THAT is why I want to grow my hair, too! It is very inspirational and provides a very grounded, natural reason for wanting long hair as a man. If my only examples of long (men's) hair were from Milan Runways, I would be less enthusiastic to be sure.
Great photos.
Greater Decision.
Thank You, Jason.
- Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Thanks Shawn. I appreciate your kind words.
While I find it amusing that some guys far more than many women get caught up in their hairstyle (or at least the length of their hair), or how people in general respond that way towards one aspect of a person, I do have to admit that their looks really do change based on how long or short their hair is. I guess it's comparable to a person buying a shirt or blouse that once it's put on cannot be removed unless it's completely shredded or cut off.
So just as a shirt that has bright colors or polka dots, or is beautiful or ugly, or is nicely or poorly tailored, will affect the image and reputation of a person for however long he or she wears it, the same holds true for how long or short that same person wears his hair.
I guess I'm trying to say that it is understandable why you or others make a big to-do over the length of your hair (by documenting it on web pages), even more so because it takes several months or years to achieve a certain look, and because all of that, with the arrival of a pair of scissors, can change quickly in the blink of an eye.
You did good. It is always best (but not always easy) to be true
to yourself.
And I know how hard that can be sometimes as those female types
can really really mess with your thought process.
Jason
Congratulations upon this logical and considered determination of something which I know goes to your very heart.
Your hair continues to look brilliant and even outwardly is so very much part of you. It must always prosper.
D
If they don't then I would be glad I found it out before the relationship became serious.
Just be yourself. Living your life under the guise of someones else's ideals or perceptions will surely fail at some point.
Just my thoughts
Dawn
way to go!!you've made the right decision..I take my hat off to you...I know decisions like these are hard...but necessary.Eventually you will find someone that accepts you unconditionally :)oh...and the last pic is my favourite :)
Man, do I ever miss the autumn colors of back East and the Midwest, --- and your wonderful pics only verified that emotion even more! Northern California has a *faint* hint of autmn's glory (especially the farther North, the farther East, or the higher up in elevation one goes in this state...); but nothing compares to my memories of seeing the Appalacians of Pennsylvania, Upstate NY, Vermont, & New Hampshire, etc., and also the Northern Great Lakes region (like Upper Peninsula Michigan). Thanks for sharing those pics, --- and the hair is just as spectacular as the autumn colors!!
Re. your decision to keep your website...
I totally understand & agree with your feeling of not caring what others think anymore. But, one time when I actually stated to someone the words, "I don't care...", I suddenly found myself having to defend myself & clarify that this had nothing to do with me still being a caring person, --- it only referred to the "issue" of long hair being important for me to have on my own head... and that other's opinions about my own hair would no longer hold any power over me or my own personal decisions. To an outsider who's too set in their ways and values (especially if they are anti-longhair), the "I don't care" statement sounds very selfish, willful, and stubborn. But, in reality, when someone ELSE tries to impose THEIR views, tastes, and personal standards, etc., THEY are the ones being selfish, willful, and stubborn!
I'm sharing this because i kinda had to learn this the hard way, --- until I got a clearer grip on realizing that I had every right to be totally in-charge of my own life (and the personal decisions that only I could face and decide on my own). This includes self-expression, and what we choose to tell the world about us.
I've always found that once I get to a point of no longer wavering in my convictions and decisions, that people then leave me totally alone. It's as if they intuitively sense that they can no longer mess with me (or rather, my *mind*)...
And, I'd say that's exactly what your recent decision is all about!!
- Ken
Thanks Ken. I love having the four seasons here in Massachusetts but autumn is my favorite.
I agree that if we carry ourselves with confidence and have self-respect, it projects onto others. As long as we're not hurting others, I think the don't-care attitude is healthy. As I've found out, you can't run around forever worrying about what other people are thinking.
Hair looks great as usual and the scenery is beautiful. Glad you came to a decision. If you had cut it I'd bet anything you would regrow it at some point anyway.
Thanks. Actually, though, this wasn't about me cutting my hair but rather me getting rid of my website. I would never cut my hair but for awhile I wavered about the site.
Glad you made the right decision Jason.