So, I've finished plucking out my locks. This picture is the result.
When I first set out on the journey of locking my hair, my goal was to keep them until I finished school (undergrad). Well in the midst of chasing my degree, I was informed by my professors that I needed to do "something different" with my hairstyle. I'm a business major by the way.
Now my first thought was NO! Who are they to tell me what to do with my hair? The second thought was NEVER! Besides, haven't times changed? Don't most, if not all companies, have an EEO department? Not to mention, I like to do things my way. Those of you who know me personally can attest to this statement.
However, I didn't. This time ;)
Instead, I conjured up some maturity and decided to do a bit of research.
When googling black female CEO's, much less black women of power-- I found none with locks. I did find a few with natural hair but their mane's were cut rather low. For example, Delegate to Congress Eleanor Holmes Norton who represents Washington, DC (my hometown); or Ms. Ursula Burns of Xerox who became CEO in July of 2009.
I also noticed that our first lady Michelle Obama maintained natural hair --in the sense that she doesn't wear extensions (weaves). Lastly, the least influential pieces of information: "many" view locks as hygienically poor; societally rebellious; and ethically offensive.
Now I had been on this locking journey for a year and change, so I needed to make sure that taking them out would be the best decision. Of course I questioned it, and I also thought I would lose a huge sense of self. The fear of losing all the virtues gained on my journey was overwhelming. The strength I had aquired from keeping them as opposed to cutting them, the patience I learned by watching them grow ever so slowly, the tolerance it took to wear the same hairstyle everyday, and the love I felt after finally accepting my locks as a part of who I am -- I feared would all disappear with the unravelling of each strand of hair.
I talked to friends, but I still couldn't make a definite decision. Alone and unsure, there was nothing left for me to do but pray. (1 Kings 3; Esther 4-7). Then it hit me, locking your hair is a self-discovering journey!
Realizing that idea offered immense security.
No matter how much I googled, sought advice from peers or nagged my boyfriend --- no one could give me a better answer than I could give mySELF. Self meaning the spirit of God inside of me.
So---my spirit told me "You'll be fine. Take your locks out. You've come far and you've learned. It's time!"
Now I could have questioned that, kind of how I questioned my boyfriend. "Are you sure I don't have more to learn? Have I really come far enough?" "They have'nt even reached my shoulders!" "People will think I can't make a commitment--that i can't be taken seriously"
But I didn't, I just obeyed and began the process.
It took me a week, and it was painful. Very painful, but there's no progress without pain.
I lost alot of hair, but alot remained.
Before I knew it, it was over. I looked at all the hair jumbled in a massive ball, and then gave an unbroken stare at the hair on my head.
I couldnt help but think that all the dead hair I was leaving behind is symbolic to the negativity I'm leaving behind in this transition.
All the hair on my head is symbolic of the virtues (strength, patience, tolerance, and love) that will always be a part of me. No matter how much they are yanked, picked or combed.
It's my time. I no longer have to "lock" these virtues up for fear that they will fail to endure. It's called having faith.
I was committed to my journey.
I'm happy.
It all happened one humid afternoon here in Atlanta, GA...
into a delectable lemon drop. Lemon cake is my absolute favorite! It's complex sweet and sour mixture. Sort of like me. 
