I just wanted to start off by saying I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Looking back on the year pass, I amaze myself by how genuinely happy I have been. Yes I still have bad days but dont we all? And yes I still have hair memories. But how can you not when you see commercial after commercial with hair flipping all over the place. We definitely need to see some fabulous bald ladies in commercials. But during those moments I just rub my smooth head and I feel better. LOL.

This past year has brought alot of new elements to my life. Some wonderful, some not so much. Wonderful being setting up the first alopecia awareness event for my city. Wonderful for having my story published not only in my company's newsletter, but on the CANAAF site. And most wonderful for having friends near and far that have supported, shared, and inspired me throughout my continued journey. For being there, when others try to bring me down. Telling me "I am a symbol of a disease." "an ugly bald woman" "delusional to think that I could be happy being bald" and my personal favorite "my wanting to support and bring awareness is just an act of wanting sympathy".

Then my wonderful friends here on AW, friends at home and friends from afar, remind me that I am beautiful inside and out. "I AM BALD AND FABULOUS" LOL. Then that negative group of people mean less and less to me. I just rub my smooth head, knowing that my being happy is what matters, not those negative voices.

My goal in the coming year and longer is to bring more awareness to this disease. And yes it is a disease. Its an autoimmune disease. More research needs to be done for all autoimmune diseases, and that will only help with alopecia research. In saying that tho, like I said to others before, a cure for the physical means nothing with a damaged soul. In my opinion support heals the soul. Educating the public about alopecia aids not only to bring in more awareness, it helps those that are still hiding their alopecia to come forward.

And that is my driving passion. To show and give the unconditional support that I have received to those that are needing it. To show them that even in the midst of this disease, there is something stronger inside of them. A light that shows you who you really are. And who really matters around you. What you are capable of, if you let go of the fear. The fear of OMG my hair is falling out. The fear of what others think or will say. Please, to all let go of the fear that binds you.

I am a work in progress. And I am happy with that notion. I dont want to be a finished product. I dont want to ever stop learning or seeing new things. To ever stop sharing what I learn. To ever stop self growth.

This years resolution to all should be never to stop self progress. To let go of the fear that stops you from doing all that you are capable of.

Thank you so much for being there
XOXO