A momentary thought,
That returned, and returned.
Pausing each time.
Like the tide being turned.
I laughed in the beginning,
A sweet girlie giggle.
The thought did not care,
My courage needed the prickle.
The thought became regular,
Daily almost.
Hinting and reminding,
Like a letter to post.
My husband said something,
He was thinking it too.
I considered it more seriously,
Could I really change the hue.
I looked in the mirror,
A long and detailed inspection.
It was comfort I saw,
In the familiar blonde reflection.
Comfort is not,
What I crave most these days.
There is a magic I have found,
In a discomfortable blaze.
It was time to take action,
To get the process started.
I consulted an expert,
A friend I trusted wholehearted.
She was excited for me,
Considered my request.
We talked through the options,
And then I said YES.
Then came that moment,
That split second tingle.
Butterflies in my tummy,
Giving me the signal.
I was about to step out,
To that magical place.
Riding my courage,
Comfort? Not a trace.
I was terrified and exhilarated,
In one big, juicy moment.
Elation and fear,
I gulped down like a potion.
There is still no comfort,
It has yet to return.
I am enjoying the ride,
Taking my liberated turn.
Do you have a sweet, delicious thought, something to change, something to do?
Does it return, and return wanting you to act.
20 seconds of insane courage has led me to some of my most incredibly satisfying, liberating and fabulous moments.
What are you waiting for?
This is your one life go live it.
Wow! It does bring out your eyes.
I’m a big fan of both, to be honest.
I’ve never colored my hair but since I’m too young to show all my grays, I’ll be doing it within the next few years, I’m sure.
Maybe I’ll go lighter!
Wow, you have never coloured you hair. I have not stopped since I was 15. Your hair is so gorgeously glossy and healthy now I know why.
Wow, Karen! What a gorgeous difference! It really brings YOU back into focus. I love the contrast between the dark hair and the beautiful blue eyes. Lovely! 🙂 ♥
Jean the impact on my eyes has been surprising, thanks for noticing.
Love the poem of your journey with this, and I LOVE your new look! It can be fun to make changes that feel like they shake up the you you recognize, because they can be such a wonderful way to welcome more of you into you.
Deborah so so true. The me I always recognised was blonde, for the first day I wondered who I am now, it did really shake me.
I now know I am a more courageous version of the same me.
You look great with both! Enjoy the new look!
Thanks Michelle so kind of you to say and I am enjoying the brunette look, I can now stop wondering if it would be okay.
Karen, I enjoyed your poem and your process . . . I agree, you are beautiful with either color. “20 seconds of insane courage,” love it!
Janet that 20 seconds is all you need to hit send, or publish, say YES, say No, take the leap, walk through the door, raise your hand, speak your mind, show your work.
Oh yes the 20 seconds that can change your life. GO FOR IT !
Love your courage and your new look! I’m in process of considering allowing my ‘color’ to fade to its more natural grey. You’ve inspired me…:-)
Marcie to think I have inspired someone is the greatest compliment ever. Thank you for letting me know.
Love the color on you!! And the poem. And then, I have to wonder……if I’m subtly being led down a different path as well. For 55 years I’ve been a brunette, and of course as the days of gray came upon me, I lighten a little for my years, but still in the hues of brunette. But as of late, the front part of my hair does not want to take color like the rest of it does, so I tried and tried to let it go gray….one inch and then another, but I couldn’t do it. I colored it again and yet the front is lighter…I wonder and ponder whether it’s time for me to change my color too. Although, I’m not ready to go completely gray. I’m to young for that. LOL
Kelli, I do think a colour change is calling you down a different path. Please let me know where it leads. Send me a picture.
Hi Karen:
This is awesome! What a wonderful way to share this courageous moment. I love how your hair turned out- the color makes your eyes really shine (I bet there is also a glimmer there from the pride you have in knowing you have been courageous!) 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Also, thank you so much for stopping by my website, The Mindful Shopper!
Thanks for the wonderful comment, yes I do believe there is a glimmer in my eye to reflect my courageous spirit today.
Wow!! That’s a big change all at once that would certainly require courage! I think both blond and brunette look great on you! I can’t imagine ever going to a totally different color than my natural…unless it were blue. I could always imagine blue hair. 🙂
Rachel blue hair, that is fabulous.
I think the change is fabulous! I love how the brunette brings out your beautiful blue eyes. I hope the comfort will return back but until then you can enjoy the excitement! (Stopping by from SITS girls party)
Carrie thanks for your wonderful compliment. I am enjoying the thrill of my new reflection, no comfort yet.
Brilliant, love it… Just got my hair colored 9 weeks ago with highlights for the very first time. Know the butterflies in the tummy thing all to well…. I love my hair too.
Wow Ray, that would have taken lots of courage. Those butterflies would have been in a flurry. Glad you love your new hair do too.
LOVE it. Looks absolutely beautiful on you. And you have a talent for poetry!! So glad SITS led me to you 🙂
Jen thanks for the comment on my poetry, it is a new writing voice that seems to tumble out or me. It delights me knowing it is enjoyed by others.
I love how “little things” are so big for us, can make such a difference in our outlook, our attitude, and our feelings. It’s that time of year to make changes! Your choice is terrific; the brown looks lovely on you; I know you’ll have fun with it! 🙂 Found you via the SITS Girls. Your blog looks like it’s just my kind of place; I’ll be back to visit again!
Oh Nicole what a wonderful comment I look forward to having you visit more too.
Stopping by from SITS Sharefest and the new color looks great!
Being a brunette myself I always love the warm , rich color of the earth. Very inspiring words penned by you. I have dyed my hair all colors from the color wheel, but always go back to my virgin brunette.
Visiting from SITS
Thanks Barbara for your lovely comment. You sound very courageous with your hair colour and also grounded by your earthy warmth.
Going through the same thing right now! I dyed my hair from black to blonde about 5 years ago…..it was so hard to get it blonde back then! Recently though Ive been thinking about dyeing it chocolate brown……….decisions, decisions!! The brown looks fabulous on you! Stopping by from #sitssharefest
Shauna hair colour is so much fun to change. Chocolate brown sounds delicious.
I love your new dark hair. You look fabulous! Congratulations on having the courage to do this!
Harmony thank you, I feel fabulous too.
i agree with everyone – it brings out those beautiful eyes. If I was 20 years old – I don’t know what color my hair would be – I might change it with outfits (when I cared about those things) – so I think your hair shouldn’t define you – but be an accessory. does that make sense
Vickie, yes it makes perfect sense. I was feeling defined by my hair and I now feel free from that. Thanks for your wonderful compliment.
You look incredible! The dark brown brings out your eyes, which are captivating. I think if something’s on your mind for awhile, you gotta go for it, no matter how scary it may be. Like the saying goes, ‘the magic happens outside of your comfort zone’. This is me and surfing…it’s been a constant for me and so I am doing it. I just need my doctor’s all clear. 🙂
I always admire brunettes with blue eyes, it always looks so beautiful. 🙂