If you’re a textbook overthinker like me, the sheer thought of changing even the smallest thing about yourself often takes a ridiculously long amount of time. Not only do you have to consider every possible outcome of the project itself but you have to prepare yourself for the opinion and reaction of every person. What if it turns out terrible and people make fun of me? What if I look like I’m trying too hard? What if I can never go back to how I looked before? The questions keep coming, the risk gets higher, and ultimately I end up not making a change because I’m too afraid.
This all changed the week I decided to dye my hair pink. I was sitting in my intro to special education class doing anything but the assignment I was supposed to be working on, when an add for pink hair dye popped up on my side bar. My immediate reaction was to mock the very idea, who in their right mind would want to dye their hair pink? All my mind could conjure up were images of box dyed pink hair that had come out splotchy or way too bright. But as I sat there pondering the possibilities, I decided, why not?
There were about a million reasons in my head why not. It could kill my hair, it could look awful, I would get unwanted attention, or even worse I would stand out, and not in a good way. But in the moment I decided to just go for it. I absolutely LOVE how my hair looks and I can’t imagine how much I would have regretted it if I had chickened out like I usually do. I get so many compliments on it and it has lead me into some great conversations with strangers.
Ultimately the key to pulling it off, was my confidence and contentment within myself! Since I am happy in my own skin, others find my appearance more appealing! If you’re thinking about taking a risk on a change in your physical appearance, I highly encourage you to take the leap and here are some things to keep in mind when doing so:
Do your research!
Before making your decision, find out what the best route to take for you is. Don’t just commit to the first product, tattoo, piercing you see. There is a huge difference between overthinking a decision and being rational, so find that line and go with your gut! I researched many different brands and techniques so whatever the outcome was, I knew it was the best choice for me.
Don’t overthink it!
As much as I encourage you to be knowledgeable about the process, I also know how easy it is to talk yourself out of something like this because you are afraid of what could happen or what others may think. Many people will have an opinion, especially if it’s a big change, but all that matters is if you like it and that you are comfortable in your own skin! This leads me to my last and most important point…
Be confident and know where your worth lies!
Your worth is in so much more than your physical appearance. You were created wonderfully and uniquely by the God who designed the universe! He made you perfectly in His image and He loves you just as you are. And believe it or not, He will continue to love you no matter how much artwork is on your body, what color your hair is, or however you choose to express yourself. Knowing this makes it easy to take the leap into a new look because no matter what the outcome, you will still be seen as beautiful and perfect in the eyes of The One who truly matters. Of course there are going to be the people around you that want to voice their opinions, and they won’t always be positive, but as long as you are happy and know your own worth it won’t matter.
I am so happy that I ended up taking a risk and I love not only the outcome but all the unexpected opportunities it has given me. I definitely stand out and I have been able to have many conversations with some really cool people about how I took a chance that paid off. I love hearing people tell me how they have always wanted to do something similar but lacked the courage, so if that’s you, I encourage you to take the risk and it could be one of the best decisions you ever make!