A Short Story: The Pixie

It had taken a few years to achieve a hair length that was elbow-level. Every day, I would wash it with care and thoughtfulness, though I never really bothered putting so much effort into styling it. I liked my hair just the way it was.

One day, I was feeling incredibly invincible, a little scared, but pumped up nonetheless. Without hesitation, I tucked my phone inside my bag, booked a cab and headed to a place where I know my spontaneity would now etch a new, crazy memory in my head. Prior to this, I had already saved dozens of photos of the looks that I'd wanted, now pinned on my Pinterest page. I'd received nonstop motivation from my fiancee, giving me that boost of confidence to finally make it happen. When I did reach my destination, it took me a moment to step inside the building. I took a deep inhale, held the door handle on my hand, and pushed open the door as I made my way inside the little shop.

Now, the fun begins.

I've just gotten my hair shampooed and I'm sat on a salon chair feeling quite uneasy but certain. I watched my hairdresser from the large mirror. I met her gaze there; she was looking at me, worried that I was about to make a wrong decision. "There's no turning back.", Gemma, my hairdresser said. "Are you really sure about this, Miss?", she asked me one more time while holding my damp hair tied into a loose ponytail as she held a pair of scissors on her other hand. 

Sat on a sofa near the shop counter, another stylist who was free at that time gasped out loud making us turn towards her direction, before I could utter a response to Gemma's question. Her eyes widened, staring at both myself and my hairdresser. "Oh my God, that's really short!", she exclaimed. I laughed at her surprised expression. It's either because of that, or I'm laughing because I was nervous. I wasn't sure anymore. "Are you in pain, Miss, brokenhearted maybe?", she added. I laughed a little harder saying a humorous "No." before shrugging. It was all I could muster. 

She pulled a chair, walked hastily towards us and she positioned it almost beside mine, slightly in front so that we both could see each other. Her face painted an eager look like a kid watching an exciting circus show. I turned my attention back to Gemma who was still holding my hair and with an air of trust and confidence, I uttered, "Cut away." So she did. 

Suddenly, the entire shop went quiet. 

Feeling the scissors shear through my hair, snipping it in large volumes made me flinch. Within a few seconds, Gemma had cut a generous length of my hair. She showed it to me from the mirror, subtly, as she placed the bunch of it on a tray beside her. I followed her movements meticulously and whispered goodbye to my long hair as she proceeded to style my shorter crown of glory.

I had shown her the style that I wanted. She gave me a look and told me she'll work her magic and make it suit my small-framed face. This was one of the reasons why I chose to come back to this shop. I was lucky that Gemma was still working there. She's a person that I trust whenever I want to have a spontaneous haircut. She snipped and sheared, and brushed my hair. She would carefully study an angle before trying to cut. She handled the work well. She was meticulous and focused. 

Then, when the hairdresser was finished, I looked at myself in the mirror. My first impression was amusement. I laughed with glee because I had finally done this. I had finally said yes to cutting my hair the shortest length it had ever been cut. Then, I felt empowered. My head felt lighter now with pixie-cut hair. I was contented with the look, and I loved the outcome. 

--

If we discount even the tiniest feeling of bravery inside of us, and not heed its call, it may mean sacrificing a sense of happiness and fulfilment that we should have deserved. This feeling sucks and will eventually build up. Then, we will start to believe that where we are now will always be where we are meant to be - which is not, and should not be. We can be more. You can be more. Definitely. 

/ PRESENT /

1. How did I show up? 

By actually coming to the salon and making the decision to cut my hair.

2. What gift was I grateful for about the day? 

Gemma was around, the outcome was fantastic.

3. What energized me in that particular moment?

The thrill and confidence I felt by ticking off a bucket list!

Know more about PRESENT here: https://blogbyjedde.blogspot.com/2020/01/present.html

"Is there something on your bucket list that you have always wanted to do? Is there a plan you have on your mind, that you wanted to implement? Is there something you have always yearned to say to someone that you have kept for so long? Try to listen to that tiny brave voice inside and who knows - you might end up loving the outcome!"

--

Having cut my hair this way meant I was ready for more new things in my life this year. It meant trusting in the process even more and remembering that I can make a choice that would shape my life. Thinking about it makes me feel butterflies in my stomach. But, I'm excited for it! Trusting and respecting myself as I do these are the best takeaways for me.

What's the one brave thing did you do today?

I hope to hear what it is! I'm pretty sure you did great.

Love,

Mary Jedde

Salon: Beauty Hall

Address: Unit 33 - Alfresco 1, Park Mall, Ouano Avenue, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, 6014 Cebu, Philippines