How can we be worried about hair in such perilous times?

[Ramya]

Things may be falling apart around me but that doesn't mean that my life is over or that I can't continue to look my best, do things that make me feel good and/or be entertained. The hard times aren't hitting me so hard. I plan everything so if I want to buy a $50 bottle of shampoo or a $300 purse, I will. I will continue to enjoy my life and live it to my liking. If that means growing out my hair or buying a new shade of nail polish, I will. There is no way in hell that I will spend my days worrying or fretting over the economy. I'd much rather live my life to the fullest and enjoy the fruit of my hard work

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

For one, our hair is something that we have control over. We do not have control over the global economy, weather, celebrities, etc.

For two, when our hair is done, we feel better, confident, pulled together, etc., which can help us better deal with the stresses of life.

For three, focusing on our hair distracts us from #1.

ITA

When I focus on the economy I get scared... then I remember what mama taught me. I know how to grow my own food and do what needs to be done to survive.

 

[MonaLisa]

I am good for something!!!

Yes you are darlin

thank you for pulling me out of my funk at work today...

 

[Mz.Shug]

I too have thought about that. And it's not that I don't think about politics and what not,it's actually apart of my job...so when I come home I don't want to think about anything sad,depressing or stressing I just want to relax and do something I enjoy.And I don't just come here for hair....getting to know and form friendships with the women here has been a blessing in these hard times.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

"Pleasant distraction" is the term I was looking for.

I usually don't care about expensive things or keeping up with the Joneses. But my life,hair, beads, family, friends, and laughing keep me going. I don't have to have money.... hell I don't have any now! That WEN purchase was a splurge for me fa sho! lol

One thing's for certain LHCF has brought some great, honorable, beautiful (inside and out), and respectable women into my life. It's worth so much more than $6.50.

I don't have to look like I stepped out of a fashion mag to be beautiful or appreciated... but that's another thread.

 

[Supergirl]

I was once a consultant for Mary Kay and I remember upon joining that we were told that even during times of economic depression, the cosmetics industry continued to thrive. The belief was that women wanted to continue to feel pretty and probably more so with such rough conditions all around.

 

[PuffyBrown]

I agree what ladies in this thread.
They are right; don't worry about the economy.
If you look at the conditions of the United States we have been here before. The most memorable ones Revolution; War 1912; Civil War; WWI (Great Depression); WWII (stockmarket crash); 1980's recession. If we look at women of these times, they were still working to make themselves look their best with what they had; We are actually luckier than they were but they still managed a way to get it done; so that they could get married and have someone to take care of them as women at that time could not vote or have a job until 1920 womens rights and even more at the start of the Women's Revolution in 1948. We are still fighting today. The economy will snapback. By looking my best and staying on the right track than I feel that I am moving "with" the economy and not waiting for it to change. Life will pass you by quickly if you worry about things that you do not have control over....

Puff

 

[Irresistible]

Ive been feeling alot of fear and guilt with all these recent threads about this at some of my recent spending. Ive resolved that I am done with that kind of spending for now and using up what I have now and sticking more with simple basics

ya'll done scared a PJ STRAIGHT!

 

[loved]

I get your point and thought about myself when a dear relative lost her hair during cancer treatments. Then I saw how emotional Robin Roberts of GMA was when she cut her hair, but now she is absolutely gorgeous with it gone.

On the other hand my appearance is part of the package that I am selling when
I am going about my professional life, so looking raggedy will not help me. Hair has always been a fun distraction for me & these times are no different. Although I spend big dollars for a few items, I am a coupon junkie so most of my hair products are free or close to it.

I listen and read way more news and political discussions than I should and I am involved with a financial institution so entertainment and hair provide nice distractions and IRL hair is a way of bonding with other women. My family knows that I love hair and when I travel south, I get to spend time doing their hair and talking.

When my relative whose hair fell out from cancer passed away last month, I was surprised to find myself in the ENT forum in the hours after her death. I had to wait for another relative to arrive home from work to share the sad news and the ENT forum was a nice distraction that relieved some of the crushing sadness of that moment.

 

[SouthernTease]

We are complex beings.

Just because we're on forums talking about hair
doesn't mean we don't talk about/take action with things
involving our world and serious issues.

I don't think anyone is that one dimensional.

I hope not.

 

[Neith]

I'll keep it short and to the point.

LIFE GOES ON.

We live our lives day to day. There will always be something terrible going on in this world. Imagine if those are the only things we ever think about.

There is whole bunch of things going on... but we are human. We gotta work, we gotta eat, we gotta be strong, and we gotta enjoy life as much as possible.
​

 

[belle_reveuse28]

Hmm... I've thought about this, but concerning other things.. LIke going to this concert on Friday. Yeah, I probably should pay a bill with the money, but the truth is this, I've been quite stressed lately. And if I'm going to be broke before and after the concert, I might as well go because it wont change the situation. Honestly, it might make it worse, but considering the times, worse is gone get worse. But I do hear what you're saying? And I will answer more intelligently here....

I think it's all about balance and priority. My hair and looks are a priority, but how much time I spend on them versus other things that are a priority sorta lets me know where I need to change focus. If you're a Christian, like me, and my late night binges on LHCF is keeping me away from my quiet time with the Lord, then maybe I need to be thinking about setting my priority straight. and yes, I've been there before which is why I left the board for quite some time. If you aren't a Christian, I"m sure there are other priorities in yoru life, like family or marriage or kids, and if it takes time away from them that's important, then you might want to consider where all of this has a place in your life. So in essence, it's about balance. Sometimes we may have the opportunity to serve others and miss out on it because we can easily become self-centered, celebrity focused, etc...

These things entertain, but the real substance in life, IMO, is honoring God (if you believe), honoring yourself and your family, and serving others while trying to keep things in good perspective. Is this important, absolutely! A woman's hair is her glory--but shouldn't be an idol (if that's your belief system). My hair became an idol here and there, and I put it before God, working, and other things that I shoulda been doing because I was hooked. So I had to fall back and regroup. We all get there one time or another, and sometimes we gotta check ourselves, that's all. I'm quick to buy something and skip a bill, so if you're like me, then you prolly got a little issue. If you're not, then OMG, so wanna be you! Haha... Everything in moderation and balance and we'll all be fine.

I am thankful for this forum because it's been a saving grace but I will prioritize it in my life just like everything else needs to be. Sometimes we gotta grab joy where we can, and I get it here at times when I need it! I had a rough, crybaby emotional morning.. And one thing made me happy today was recognizing in my little pikistrip all the growth that I got from 6/28 to the beginning of September pic which was actually taken the end of August. So all that in two months! Made some of my tears dry up.. I keep lookin at it and am like wow! Maybe, just maybe, and I totally believe I'm goinig to reach my goal, BSL! HHG!

 

[Mystic]

Girl, you are brave to ask this question but I totally understand. I haven't posted here in a while - constantly on the political forum. But to keep the sanity, hair matters is the perfect distraction right now. As for the entertainment on Beyonce..., even if the country was in imminent danger and people were afraid of their lives been snuffed out any minute, they will still be talking about everything Beyonce.

I am sure I will get a beat down for this one but I just have to speak my mind. With everything falling apart as we know it economically and obviously getting worse before they get better. How could we bring ourselves to care about another inch of hair growth or what beyonce has on in her photo shoot another minute? I posted this in the hair section for a reason. Also, I am not preaching to just you ladies but to myself as well for being so superficial in deep, serious times. Comments anyone?

God Bless!

 

[belle_reveuse28]

Agreed. Letting my looks go to hell isn't going to change the state that the world is in.

OMG! Weak!!! Soo true... Sooo true...

 

[Jade Feria]

Life is how you view it....not how the world may see it or how external factors seem to measure it. You may see it as perilous times, but others may see it as the beginning of their success. We each create our own environments. Whatever we focus our thoughts and emotions on has no other choice but to materialize. If you focus on a bad economy and perilous times, that will become your reality. I for one, am focusing only on the positive, because that's what I choose for my life to be.

 

[PreciousPearl]

I lost alot of hair due to depression stressing over the economy, and mine and DH's unemployment issues. I had to get the BC last December. Now that we are rebuilding our lives and as my self esteem rises, I have began to focus on the one thing that I can now control.. my precious tresses.

 

[jada1111]

I am sure I will get a beat down for this one but I just have to speak my mind. With everything falling apart as we know it economically and obviously getting worse before they get better. How could we bring ourselves to care about another inch of hair growth or what beyonce has on in her photo shoot another minute? I posted this in the hair section for a reason. Also, I am not preaching to just you ladies but to myself as well for being so superficial in deep, serious times. Comments anyone?

God Bless!

Great thread.

Even though the financial stability of the country appears to be falling apart, it doesn't mean I should stop neglecting my hair or appearance. I don't care about growth, but I do care about health.

As far as caring what celebrities are doing - I DON'T.

I do dig what you're saying though, but instead of worrying about it, we need to figure out a way to put a stash away. Cause we're not getting out of this mess anytime soon.

 

[Str8~Curly]

I don’t see why just because there are economic problems in this country that I should neglect caring for myself. I do not think I am overly hair obsessed though. I keep it prioritized in its proper context. For example, of course my hair doesn’t get the attention that my family, grad school, and everything else like that gets. But yes, my hair IS important and seriously, there will always be problems, economically or in other aspects.


What is giving up one’s hair journey going to do to help the situation? Nada. It’s a result of incompetent leadership in this country.

 

[Chicoro]

Thank you for posting this, OP!

This thread epitomizes for me why I love this board. You ladies all know how to put things into perspective and handle business when you need to do so. You are also very wise. You know how to laugh at yourselves and you know how to support one another...ya'll know how to fight too...I wouldn't mess with any of you.. !

More importantly, you know how to survive and thrive no matter the times. And even if no one says a thing to any of you, somebody is always watching and being inspired, able to make it through that next moment, minute, hour, day etc. 'cause of something each of you may have said at some point, here on this board. On more than one occasion, one of those people, was me!

 

[Mook's hair]

I have been faced with some perilous times recently in my personal life.
I was laid off from my job. :-(
As of late, I haven't been on the board much, haven't been in fotki much and haven't dedicated very much energy to my hair.
A few days ago I set aside some time to do my hair and I was reminded of the reasons that many of the ladies have already mentioned. Hair comforts me. It is a nice distraction.I have complete control over it.
It gives me a great sense of accomplishment. There is a wonderful cause & effect factor connected to the effort and the end result.
Also, it's pretty. Hair in General...is just pretty to me. I enjoy the scents of various products too.

Yes,I'm addicted to hair, not just mine...other people's too but I'd rather be addicted to hair than crack or nicotine.

 

[Bubblingbrownshuga]

Girl, there has and will ALWAYS be perilous times.

 

[cutiebe2]

Mook I hope things start looking up


At any given time there is something going on in the world and in this country. Earthquakes, Tsuinamis, murders, starvation

unfortunately that is how the world is. If we allow these things to take over all our thoughts and actions we will never move forward.

 

[Ramya]

Umm I don't see how being broke, neglecting my hair and being depressed/stressed/worried is going to help the economy or myself. Shoot I'd rather be broke, cute and happy than broke, busted and depressed

 

[Jade Feria]

I have been faced with some perilous times recently in my personal life.
I was laid off from my job. :-(
As of late, I haven't been on the board much, haven't been in fotki much and haven't dedicated very much energy to my hair.
A few days ago I set aside some time to do my hair and I was reminded of the reasons that many of the ladies have already mentioned. Hair comforts me. It is a nice distraction.I have complete control over it.
It gives me a great sense of accomplishment. There is a wonderful cause & effect factor connected to the effort and the end result.
Also, it's pretty. Hair in General...is just pretty to me. I enjoy the scents of various products too.

Yes,I'm addicted to hair, not just mine...other people's too but I'd rather be addicted to hair than crack or nicotine.

Congratulations on your past, current, and future successes! You have to know that you ARE in control of your life, what happens to you, and what you attract. The first step is awareness. You just need to be aware of your thoughts and your feelings. Not just leaving them on autopilot and allowing external forces to influence them. Be proactive with your thoughts and feelings, because when you have control over those, you have control over your life.

 

[The Princess]

Did you forget this is a hairboard. Even if there is a tornado outside, please believe someone go be like dang, please let this site come up, before the tornado come and tear down my house. We come here to talk about hair, it relaxes us, and knowing others can relate to your hair situation. Don't stress on stuff you can't control. YOu will make it. You will be okay.

 

[Str8~Curly]

So true but so many people have been crippled by erroneous programmed thought passed down from various sources (i.e. the church, parents, etc.) and don’t realize that all that was set up to control them and deny them of their true power. Sit around and wait if you want to........

Congratulations on your past, current, and future successes! You have to know that you ARE in control of your life, what happens to you, and what you attract. The first step is awareness. You just need to be aware of your thoughts and your feelings. Not just leaving them on autopilot and allowing external forces to influence them. Be proactive with your thoughts and feelings, because when you have control over those, you have control over your life.

 

[MizAvalon]

Dayum...I did forget to mention I've turned to wine as my new bff...along with popping Benadryl...does that fall under drinking and drugs?

 

[adw425]

I haven't read through the entire thread, but I do know that I have only posted four times on the haircare board since I got fired up politically and truly got scared for this country in the last three weeks. Now, I am still very devoted to my hair and my practices have not changed one bit. I still pamper my hair just as much, which I will never stop doing, plus it is very comforting and relaxing to do so. I also continue to seek out new and better products and techniques for it and the time I physically spend on my hair (CO washing, DCing, refining my homemade conditioners, hair washes and scalp concoctions) has not diminished. However, my focus right now is on keeping up with the issues, the state of union, etc., so most of my posts (and time spent on this board) lately have been in the Political Forum.

 

[LadyPaniolo]

I'm glad you posted this thread, OP. I have been worried about the economy to the point where I get physically ill, many many times over the past several months.

There have been many thoughtful responses here, and I have to agree that doing my hair is relaxing: I can control it, and I feel better when I know my hair is looking nice and growing well.

I'm planting my peas and carrots for a fall crop today... after I finish installing my sew-in! Who says you can't get your business together AND look cute?

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

I agree that there have always been terrible times at some point, somewhere in the world. Frankly speaking, things could be a lot worst and ARE a lot worst in other parts of the world. It's always been that way and more than likely always will.

Another reason I will not feel guilty about caring for my hair is because I have been homeless, abused, and had terrible things happen to me in the past. Back when the economy was doing so great, my family was way below the poverty line. Now, I can spend time and money on my hair and I will, because I appreciate and am thankful that my main concern is not longer just where I will be sleeping tonight and how will I eat.

The way I alleviate stress about bad things that happen in the world is I try to help when I can. I donate my time and money to charities. I get out there and see that people do care and as long as that happens, the world is not going to hell in a handbasket.