The Dreamer's Pen

It’s wild how much we can put off when we’re just trying to survive.

For me, something as simple as a hair appointment slowly became this massive emotional hurdle. I hadn’t been to a real salon since before my mom passed away—over 4.5 years ago. And then, earlier this year, I had surgery, which took even more out of me physically and emotionally than I expected. Healing from that, while also carrying grief and just trying to function day-to-day, left me depleted. Hair? Style? Self-care? None of it felt reachable.

But then I did it.

I booked the appointment. I went. And honestly? It was everything I didn’t know I needed.

From the moment I sat in that chair, I felt myself exhale. My stylist was the sweetest—so warm, funny, and kind. We spent a good chunk of the appointment laughing and just vibing. She gave me space to be, which was exactly what my nervous system needed. It felt like this quiet little retreat, like I got to be someone who wasn’t just recovering or grieving or surviving,but someone who was just… living.

And let’s talk about the hair.

SURPRISE!

She gave me a gorgeous accent highlight—this soft, cool-toned grey that added a whisper of edge and sophistication without warming up my color. It’s subtle but bold, and it brought my whole look to life.

Then came the cut and you guys, I’m still not over it. A sharp, confident, sassy pixie that just feels like me. I saw my reflection and thought, “Yep. There I am.”

After everything, after the surgery, after the loss, after feeling like I’d disappeared inside myself, this wasn’t just a haircut. It was a moment of reclamation. A little spark of joy that said, “Hey, you’re still in there. And you deserve to feel good again.”

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to come back to yourself—even in a small way—maybe this is it. You’re allowed to feel good. You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to heal and be happy, all at once.

And if you’re curious to see the full transformation, the video’s live now, please go check it out.

You might just leave your screen feeling inspired to do something kind for yourself, too.