Hotshot, your hair is so thick, all-natural and pretty. You mentioned stress, a major factor that affects our hair's health, as you know, as well as how we feel about anything. It sounds like finding ways to deal with the stress (i.e., meditation, B vitamins, flaxseed oil) is part of the answer.
I really like what you said about just needing a change of pace and about putting it away for a while, which sounds like turning the focus towards something else.
Someone on this board wrote about her amazing hair results with just letting go and putting her attention on other goals. Looking feminine and pretty with your hair can certainly be done in the meantime. You already look feminine and pretty now! So no, IMO, I don't think you should cut off your hair.
ETA:
I've been trying to comment in your Fotki but I'm having problems logging into mine!