The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

ONE of the great features I like about being in big shopping malls is that no matter where you are there is a huge map of the entire mall, usually near the entrance that says, “You are here”. This means that you are in the mall wherever you are.

This “you are here” truth is also very fitting when applied to the colossal subliminal mall of our lives. Wherever you are or whatever situation you find yourself in, it is imperative to acknowledge the neon sign that says, “You are here”.

As I pondered this truth in the context of our relationship with our hair, it seems there may be some connection to one’s hair and one’s “here”, which I believe may be a mirror of sorts. Further exploration reveals a few interesting details about the relationship people have with their hair.

In many ways, a person’s hair is believed to be a strong representation of their self-identity; often reflecting their fundamental religious belief. In many instances, the way one wears their hair is symbolic of the religious ideology/group to which they belong. Some may even venture to say the way they wear their hair informs the world of who they are.

The latter statement is very true, as we see in some religions, for example Buddhist monks who shave their heads or Rastafarians who are inspired to grow their hair. In these specific instances it is evident that their hair reflects their religious “here”.

But what about beyond religion, in our everyday lives? Is the way we wear our hair and the amount of money we invest in hair care a reflection of where we are in our lives?

Research suggests that the hair care industry generates an estimated $500 million per year. Considering a staggering half a billion dollars is believed to be spent on hair care lends credit to today’s question.

Let’s get some context around the hair and here issue. There’s no doubt that people everywhere are led to believe that the style and even texture of their hair matters. This is particularly true for women and men in the Western world, whose self-perceptions are influenced by a myriad of factors.

Consequently, many spend a massive amount of their financial resources addressing their hair care needs without much regard for their “here care” needs. Whether you acknowledge it or not, your “here” matters.

Let’s be real, much of what you do with your hair is driven and directed by how you feel about your “here”. The challenge is when you believe that what you look like on the outside is more important than how you feel on the inside; you become vulnerable to being a pawn in this supposed hair care game.

More than this, pouring thousands of dollars into your hair care needs while ignoring your “here care” needs is at best an ineffective strategy for living the life you love.

Whether you wear it kinky, curly, bone straight, shaved or so-called natural, the way you choose to wear your hair does in some way reflect the way you feel about yourself and or your situation.

There are many instances when this is more true than others. However, a great example is in the book and movie “Waiting To Exhale” when Bernadine, played by Angela Bassett, was going through a divorce. Her feelings, or better said her “here”, directly influenced her choice to cut her hair very short.

The key point of this message is simple – whether you choose to accept it or not, how you feel or where you find yourself directly influences what you do with not only your hair but more so your life.

Leader to leader, understand that how you feel is of much more significance than the way you look. Invariably, your feelings will influence not only how well you care for your hair, but how well you care for you whole self – body, mind and emotions.

Make today the day that you acknowledge, “You are here”; understanding that your “here care” needs are an essential piece of the puzzle to live the life that you love.

What do you think?

• Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or call 429-6770. You can also send mail to P O Box CB-13060 or visit www.michellemmiller.com

Michelle M Miller is a certified life-coach, leadership expert and creator of “Speak Fearlessly”.