Alopecia World
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Share The Love--Be Authentic!
This has been an exceptional week for me in my worklife as an instructor. For the first time since I shaved my scalp in '08, I chose to stand before a class of adults without a head cover. The positive reception was more than I expected. But more importantly than that, I had an opportunity to share Alopecia World with others who are experiencing alopecia in their lives. Mostly it was with women who have children or family members with the condition. And one man showed me his chronic bald spots that he just recently presented to his doctor after hiding them for 10 years!
If I had not pushed through this psychological hurdle to be my authentic self, I would have missed out on an opportunity to have a positive connection to others. I would have missed out on the healing aspect of LOVE.
Happy Valentine's Day To Everyone!
~Galena
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Comment by Mary on February 13, 2010 at 4:46pm
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YES!!! Good for you, Galena! Did you read my blog last year about coming out bald at my synagogue? Same kind of experience. I also remember the first time I taught my dance class, or performed with my band bald. It's all about first steps, and this was another huge one for you. You're so right about missing the chance to have a positive connection with others, too. I've met so many wonderful people because of my lack of hair. Congratulations! Mary
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Comment by Rick Seymour on February 13, 2010 at 5:20pm
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"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
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Comment by Galena on February 13, 2010 at 8:04pm
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I've always thought of myself as an extroverted introvert, Galena! (Or, maybe I'm the other way around.)
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So we are ambivert--having aspects of both. Sounds like the proper balance to me.
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"Ambivert" - perfect!
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Comment by Linda on February 22, 2010 at 8:34pm
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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"!
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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
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