Comment

Comment by Aileen on August 15, 2010 at 8:06am

Hi everyone. I am new here (although NOT new to AU). I find it interesting that no one but us will ever know what we have been through. We can talk and talk and smile and move forward, but in truth it is a truly personal journey we are all on. I guess our experience is the perfect example of "whatever doesn't kill you will only make you stronger", lol. We are the survivors of all that we "think" will kill us, only to discover that in the end it makes us more powerful, compassionate, and accepting of the differences in others. Many of you that are new to AW will take years to see this. There are so many stages we much go through: horror, mortification, humiliation, determination, acceptance, hope, finally peace. We need each other. I am so glad that I found all of you after so many years.

Comment by Galena on February 22, 2010 at 11:09pm

Hi Linda, it's so good to hear from you! Yes it's a good feeling to be appreciated for your authentic self. Some women officers consider me a role model; I'm humbled and honored that they feel that way. Lots more talking about the subject of alopecia than I care to do in a given week. But I have an opportunity to make a positive impact for all of us and I don't squander the moment acting impatient. I'm trying to get to 100% confidence like you, Mary and the other Sisters who are comfortable in their skin. This process has shown me that I had yet to overcome some insecurities before the hair loss and now I'm getting stronger each day.
Take Care,
~G

Comment by Linda on February 22, 2010 at 8:34pm

Hi Galena, YOU GO GIRL!!!! I'm so happy that you decided to shed your headcover and show the world your full beauty. I went back to school and plan to unveil my Alopecia story during one of my speeches in Speech 101. You are truly the model of strength and I'm sure you are much more relaxed now that you've walked in your "BALDNESS"!

Comment by Mary on February 15, 2010 at 8:11pm

"Ambivert" - perfect!

Comment by Galena on February 15, 2010 at 7:51pm

So we are ambivert--having aspects of both. Sounds like the proper balance to me.

Comment by Mary on February 14, 2010 at 7:30pm

I've always thought of myself as an extroverted introvert, Galena! (Or, maybe I'm the other way around.)

Comment by Galena on February 14, 2010 at 6:56pm

I hope so Mary. My male training director is supportive. I'm very grateful that he is willing to defend me against anyone who may be critical of my look. I will probably still pick my moments to come out--the attention was overwhelming and I'm an introverted extrovert.

Comment by Mary on February 13, 2010 at 8:38pm

This is awesome, Galena! It seems like a lot of male LE officers have adopted the shaved-head look. It's very powerful-looking and easy to maintain, so I can understand why. A bald LE instructor should fit right in.

Comment by Galena on February 13, 2010 at 8:04pm

Thank you for your inspiration Mary! I remembered your story and thought of you and The Sisterhood before I decided to walk into that classroom.
Hi Rick! I'm a law enforcement instructor. LE officers are very observant--many were curious and a couple of female officers asked me why I was wearing a wig. I was known for my beautiful long hair, so it was somewhat shocking to my co-workers that I kept this hidden and kept working. Someone said it showed great strength when actually I was just trying to survive through it.

Comment by Rick Seymour on February 13, 2010 at 5:20pm

"If I had not pushed through this psychological hurdle to be my authentic self" That is excellenet! Did they not know about Alopecia and you? take care

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page