Happy Sunday! It was an interesting week at the salon. There was a lot going on. It was a busy one for sure. And for that we are truly blessed!
One story that stuck out was an act of service. This one tugged on my heartstrings. It was a special day and this particular client came in to have her long hair donated. This was in honor and remembrance of some one very special who had lost his battle with cancer. This special day was his earthly birthday. This was her inspiration to have eleven inches cut off. So, we placed it in a ponytail and we lobbed it off! Created a new haircut and added a bit of color. She is beautiful and so is her act of service.
It is in these moments that I realize that there is way more to the story. She could have gone anywhere and had this done, but she chose J. Andrews Salon. In fact, she has chosen me as her stylist for several years now. For many of us at the salon, it is about building relationships with our customers. Walking with them through the good and the bad. Smiling with them when things are right in their world and crying with them in their brokenness. This is so completely humbling and so rewarding all at the same time. It is in these moments that I am reminded that we serve a purpose greater than ourselves. It is always such a gift and an honor to share in these precious moments. It is our inspiration and one of many reasons why we love what we do.
I would love to hear from you. Leave your comments and questions.
Things I Can Control & Things I Can Not Control
As a sexual abuse survivor, I have learned a great deal about trauma and how it can affect our health and overall well being. I have learned that because of a traumatic childhood that life expectancy could be reduced. BUT I know my Jesus and I know that we are not defined by a label or diagnosis. I also know that because I now have this knowledge that I now have a responsibility to take back my power for my health not only for myself but for my family. Through this journey, I want to share things that have helped me and just maybe they can help you too.
Everyday, I have to actively choose a healthier lifestyle. Why? Because I want to live a long life for my daughter. I want to grow old with my husband. I want to be around to see all the things possible! I love working behind the chair and seeing all my beautiful customers and visitors to the salon. I want to show up and be present everyday!
So, I have to actively choose:
Not to drink, to exercise. To get enough sleep. To be mindful of what and who has access to me. The pay attention to the products that I use and the ingredients. To guard what I read or watch. To choose wisely the foods that I eat BECAUSE they have the power to help my body heal and to combat illness and inflammation. I know my body is designed to heal itself BUT I have to do the work.
Everyday I have to choose to forgive others and myself. To let go of any bitterness or anger and to say goodbye to shame and resentment. To reframe from negative thinking and to trust God in the process.
These are things that through God’s goodness, mercy and grace. I find freedom in. He gives me the strength and through His power the ability to control the things that I can and to let go of the things that are completely out of my control. While we can’t control what happened to us, We can control how we respond.
Maybe this is true for you? Maybe you are learning how to overcome trauma? What is it that you are holding on to that you need to let go of? What is one active step that you can do today to take back your health?
“Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” -Helen Keller
