Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Patience

I always used to roll my eyes when people said that they learned patience when locking their hair. However, it's become a definite part of the locking process for me. I want locks NOW! My hands are in my husbands 2 1/2 year old locks every day. I covet the mid back length dreads I saw on the sister in the grocery store. I drool over pictures in hair albums of fully developed locks of every size, shape, and length. But I must wait and be patient.

I look at my hair, and I can tell it's slowly moving toward what I desire. But it's not happening fast enough, dammit! I know I sound like a baby, but I don't care. And although I like the way my hair looks now (most days, let's be honest here), I don't know anybody that dreaded their hair to have it look like the in-between stage. Some time ago I read on the hair board where someone compared growing locks to growing a full beard. The beginning stage (5 o'clock shadow) looks good, and at the end you have the beard you want, but that in-between, patchy, itchy, unshaped, what-the-hell-am-I-doing-why-is-it-taking-so-long-nobody-likes-beards-anyway-will-i-even-look-good-with-one stage is trying. And some people don't get past that stage (and don't ask me how I know so much about growing a beard).

Or when you're trying to lose weight (which I am). You've changed your diet, you're exercising more, you're doing good. But it's been weeks and you don't see any changes yet. Well maybe you realize that you can climb the stairs without being out of breath, and you lost like 5 pounds, but you want to see more changes on the scale. One or two pounds a week is soooooo slow when you have 30 pounds to lose. And then your husband brings in a 50 pack of cookies from BJ's, and you have to stare at that crap every day when you get in from work. And you know that a cookie or two (at 200 calories a pop) every day would taste soooo good after the stresses of work. Do you give in? Or do you resist, knowing that if you're patient, and continue with what you're doing, you'll soon see the results you want? (Note to hubby: This example is just used for illustrative purposes and comedic effect. Who am I kidding? No, it's not. :-( )

You know what, though. I have made the commitment that I am going to see this through. No matter how I feel about it now, I know that in a year or so, my hair will be completely locked, and I will have the hair I used to admire from afar. I try to remind myself of that whenever I have doubts about the process. Angela, don't get impatient at month 3 or 4 or 7 and cut off your hair. You'd seriously regret that. Don't let the silly little side issues or insecurities distract you. Know what's on the other side: beautiful, unique locks.

10 comments:

missharvin said...

That's right!!!! Keep going strong!

aybee77 said...

I know I'm going to do it, but sometimes I need to give myself a pep talk and remind myself why I'm locking.

TamCM said...

What a great pep talk. I know exactly what you mean. I am not so concerned about my hair being long, I want it locked completely. I'm at the point where I have been asked if it's dreaded or twisted. I'm like halfway there and although day by day I see progress, just not fast enough. I shouldn't complain as I have heard some people taking longer to dread. Hang in there. You are doing great. I have a good feeling you will not cut them off this time.

aybee77 said...

Thanks tamcm. Yeah, you know what I mean. Be locked already. I'm impatient, but I know I'm going to see it through. :-)

Locksmen said...

I was just droppin' by to check your pics & here I see you mentioning my comparison between loc growth & beard growth, lol. The thing about the inbetween & early stages of growth is that it's rarely seen around. Mature crowns are more common to see & until you're there it's hard to imagine what they were like at 3-5 months. Most of my hair is locked now & still patience is an issue because now I'm waiting for length, so I feel you on this. I think your hair is lookin' good so be sure to keep going strong. Also, thanks for droppin' by my spot, you're always welcome.

Peace

aybee77 said...

LOL. Oh, it was you, Locksmem. I couldn't remember who it was.

Yeah, I never see the early stages around me, which is why I'm eternally grateful for those that put their pictures on the web. Not seing it around you makes it seem more isolating of an experience.

Anonymous said...

today on my way to work, I saw a sister that looks just like you! She was standing at a street corner {At GA. Tech} with another young lady. Girl, I mean, the skin tone, glasses, Afro {which looks like your-soon-2-B-Locks}, and wearing a Green coat. :)

Take Care~

aybee77 said...

Cool. I always wanted a twin. Always wanted to live in ATL too.

mscocontxus said...

Keep the faith sis! I sometimes wish I had started with freeform. I didn't so I've gotten over that, but patience indeed is key. Keep it up & you'll be locked up soon enough.

aybee77 said...

Thanks mscocontxus. You know, I was debating about twisting my hair, being tired of freeforming. Then I saw your comment. It's reminding me that this is the way I want to go. Not that anything is wrong with twisting the hair, but I really wanted to go a different route. So thanks for reminding me again to be patient.