It has now been exactly two months since I began my dreadlock journey. They kind of look like the “poor unfortunate souls” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” – you know that scene when Ursula sings about the ones who couldn’t pay her price and became the sad little seaweed people: connected to the sea floor by a lump, then a stringy little body with a head on it and wavy seaweed hair? Yeah, they look like that right now. I keep reminding myself: they will continue to improve over time. It takes time (repeat).

For those of you interested in the physical changes:

1. The hair has shrunk up quite a lot – at least half my length has been drawn up into the bunchy tangled masses. I was reviewing my initial pics last night and I had almost forgotten how long my hair really was back when I started this (so I added the comparison slider above as a reminder)
2. Baking soda soaks and salt water have been super helpful with the progression of loops and bumps.
3. Still lots of loose hair, obviously, but the only totally loose part is the super fine hair right around my face on one side – bummer this process doesn’t happen symmetrically – HA!
4. The knots are getting tighter and closer to my scalp. All good. Still a long way to go.

For those of you interested in the spiritual learnings:

1. The process of doing something that takes a long time is messy…
2. …but solid. And necessary.
3. It’s humbling, walking around looking so obviously imperfect and unfinished.
4. I may be able to see myself as I wish to be seen, but my flaws are generally noticeable to other people. Most of the time, I think I can hide it but that’s usually just my own blindness or willful ignoring of myself.
5. Willful ignoring isn’t always bad. Self-confidence despite obvious flaws can be valuable and admirable.
6. …and sometimes not. There are limitations. If I can become aware of when I’m doing which, I’m really on to something.
7. Developing an idea requires long term commitment to that idea and belief in its outcome, the flexibility to adjust when need arises, and the willingness to look less than fabulous along the way.
8. Sometimes detours are a necessary part of the process. Sometimes they’re just procrastination. Again, part of the work is knowing which is which.
9. I have enormous appreciation for those who walk with me and are supportive in the midst of the mess as it is and I am becoming. Even my husband with his “dreadful” jokes. Yes, frequently.
10. Imagining an ideal future can be very motivating.
11. My belief about it alters my attitude and emotional energy (for better or worse). My perception is the reality – for me in that moment or over that span of time.
12. Every journey is unique to the person traveling on it, even when we’re walking together.

So here’s to two months of this adventure. Many thanks. Looking forward to whatever comes next.