Last Saturday (August 3) was International Alopecia Day. A day created a few years ago to bring more awareness to the world and also to bring a supportive and unifying voice to all those affected by alopecia.
This year I decided to share my voice to this cause by spending the day at a local botanical garden. Enjoying a beautiful summer day and surprisingly bug free. For International Alopecia Day, a day of feeling empowered and confident I felt none of it. In the nearly 3 years since the day I shaved my head, I was shocked on how little confidence I felt that day. I go about my daily life as a bald lady and most times feeling confident. But that day I didnt. The reason?..... other people's perceptions of my baldness. It was a busy day, being a weekend and a glorious one at that. As soon as I stepped out of my vehicle in the parking lot I felt the eyes on me. Seniors gawking at my look, not knowing what to think as to why Im bald and toddlers opened mouthed yelling at their moms "look she's bald" and hearing the whispered moms reactions of "ssshhhh dont say anything" or "not so loud". I just brushed it off and worked on ignoring them. It got better once I entered the gardens, for the crowds spread out. I even had a woman walk pass me and noticing my camera in hand asked if I wished that she took my picture. A wedding photographer that was there for one of the many wedding receptions going on that day. My confidence was returning slowly after that and I started to feel better. Even when I would occasionally pass by rude gawking stares. At one point I passed by a couple of kids that had the audacity to actually giggle, point and follow me til finally I had enough and turn around to confront them. I didnt have to say anything but my look was enough for them to get the point. In all, on what should have been a day of empowerment, I felt exhausted emotionally when I returned home many hours later.
In contrast, this Friday (August 9) I attended my first folk festival. Where the crowds were going to be much much larger and just as many age groups. Walking to the event I felt some of that apprehension that usually comes from entering into an unknown. But as soon as I walked by the gate person who was going to take my ticket and apply my wristband for the event all of it disappears. Walking into the event and finding a place to put down my blanket and can I just say OMG, when they say show up early to get prime space they mean it. Having never gone to a folk festival I really had no idea what to expect. Picture it, an entire hill and field covered in tarps. Side by side. I laid down my blanket and turned to the person setting up their tarp and said "you dont mind me being your neighbour?" They in turn tell me of course not and we talk a little festival talk. Explaining that it was my first time here. Leaving my blanket and jacket on "my spot" I then proceed to go down the hill to check out the many vendors and smaller stages. It was an amazing experience, so many people of sorts and all ages, coming together for the love of music. I felt at home. I talk with people, laugh and share. I check out some of the smaller stages and the acts that are performing. Picking up a program I find out that the artist that made me decide to check out the Edmonton Folk Festival in the first place is not only performing that night's main stage closer but was also doing a smaller session that very afternoon. Along with other well known folk artists, they were doing a jam session. AMAZING. I saw not only the man I came to see; John Butler, but also John Smith, Jerry Douglas and Tim O'Brien plus others perform this "The Mindbenders" jam session. Unbelievable; sitting on the grass right in the front of the stage, chatting with others about this amazing experience. Much later I make my way back to my blanket, safely in its spot and many many new neighbours around me. All of us here to enjoy great music and meet new friends.

Two different outings and completely two different experiences. Peoples perceptions changing ones state of confidence and whether feeling empowered or not. The biggest thing I learned, which would seem a no brainer after everything I've gone thru, is that everyday is a new day. Do not let one bad day or moment spoil the remainder of your day and certainly not let it spoil you from going out and doing new and amazing things.
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