I wasn’t able to create the post I wanted to for tonight because it requires gathering a lot of pics, but perhaps tomorrow.

It’s hard trying to recap the last year of my journey, when there’s so much that’s happening now that I’d like to write about.

I think there’s a point where u feel so compelled to do the big chop (BC) just to rid yourself of what’s left of the perm. I think I’ve reached that point. The only thing holding me back is that I’m scared to death of having short hair.

My hair has been long all my life. Well… since I was 2 (My hair didn’t actually start growing until I was about 2). There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having short hair. I actually think I would look nice with short hair. I’ve just never had short hair, I wouldn’t know what to do with it. I need the comfort of my emergency ponytail for the bad hair days (and there’s been many of them). It’s too much change. I’d be getting used to natural hair AND short hair. Yikes!

Although it’s very tempting at times, I’m going to try to work with my hair at this length for as long as I can. I’ll continue to trim my hair regularly, but just a little more often than if my hair was permed. I’m hoping slow and steady really does win the race.

The first time I really fell in love with my waves was around mid March 2011. I was getting ready to wash my hair and I happened to part it on the side. To my surprise, all I saw were beautiful waves. This was motivation to keep going.

I had just passed my 1 year mark and I expected my hair to be at least 1/2 natural, but I was only about 1/4 natural and maybe 1/3 natural in some areas. I was extremely discouraged. I expected it to take about two full years to grow out my perm, but having only 1/3 new growth at most at the 1 yr mark made me realize it would take much longer. The waves gave me a second wind.