A Fresh Look
In 1983, I decided to cut my hair shorter. My friend, Maria, got a snazzy fresh look, and I played copy cat.
I loved my shorter locks on the front and side. The layers made it easy to blow dry and style. I walked the halls at school feeling lighter and way cooler.
In case you are wondering…. Yes, it is true. I was proud of my mullet.
In 1983, my mullet was all the rage.
The problem is that I loathe change. (I mentioned this last week, remember?).
When I looked in the mirror, that mullet looked great to me over a decade later. Many kindhearted people tried to help me adopt a different perspective. I can’t tell you how many of my 10th grade English students asked, “Ma’am, have you ever considered growing out your hair?”
No. No. No.
I kept that mullet until 2005. (No, I am not kidding. I am picturing you reading this e-mail and shaking your head in disbelief.)
Every time I considered growing out my out-dated hairdo, I’d reach a point where the discomfort of the long scraggly sides made me reach for the scissors. I’d stand in front of the mirror and chop away.
It looked clean and crisp and easy to manage to me.
I might have gone on this way forever, but one day I finally experienced an epiphany. I finally frowned into the mirror and perceived how completely archaic and unappealing I appeared to the world.
So, I hid my scissors.
I grit my teeth when the hair on the side reached down below my ears and looked uneven and messy.
I tried not to stare too long at my current reflection, and instead I imagined how beautiful my hair was going to look in the future.
A year after my scissors went into hibernation, I started a new job and made an appointment with a fancy hairdresser. I got lovely honey-colored highlights and completely updated my look.
Soon after, I met my husband. He is not a fan of the mullet, and I am probably married today because I parted with my scissors.
So my friends, I want to confess that this week I realized that I have a new “mullet” to tackle. For years now, friends have encouraged me to re-brand this blog. I know that I need to, but frankly, I didn’t want to deal with the discomfort. I like things the way they are, and updating didn’t seem all that necessary.
The time is now. If I don’t refresh and move forward, this space will grow redundant and ineffective.
I want to sparkle instead of fizzle out.
So, for the next few days, I am going to grit my teeth and deal with the discomfort.
A fresh look is coming. You don’t need to do a thing. I’ve invited someone to help dress up things a bit, and although my new home will be LyliDunbar.com, you will still receive encouragement in your inbox if you are subscribed.
My blogging friends should know that the link-up is going to move to Fridays soon under a new name. I will e-mail you all the details once we are ready to roll out the revamped blog.
How about you?
What’s your mullet?
Sometimes we must take a hard look in the mirror and make changes if we want to glitter for God’s glory.
Something to think about…
You’ve made me smile today, Lyli. Thank you. I look so forward to seeing the changes ahead for your blog!
Sounds oh so exciting, Lyli! Can’t wait to see the new “do” around here! Thanks for being such a steadfast and faithful host! Blessings on the Make Over!
Lyli, I”m so excited for you! Can’t wait to see all the changes. 🙂 I was trying to think of what my “mullet” might be. Hmmm. Will have to keep thinking. I don’t mind change. I like the evolution of things growing into new things. Glad you went for the change in time to snag your hubby. 🙂 Look forward to watching the Lord do new things in this space, friend. Yay you. 🙂
Thank you, cheerleader friend! xo
Did we really just have a conversation about a mullet?
Hugs to you! Can’t wait for the roll out of all the new goodness here.
And thanks for challenging me to embrace change.
Ha. Yes, we did. I knew that mullet story would make it to this blog eventually. 🙂
A mullet…I can’t even imagine it! LOL I’m glad you were brave and decided on change! 😉 And, I’m excited for the new changes you have planned for your blog! I’m not sure if I subscribe by e-mail (as I see your posts through other avenues) but I’m going to sign up today just to be sure! I don’t want to miss the big reveal!
Change is hard, but it is constantly happening, isn’t it? I’m trying to look at the changes as exciting things…you know, to look forward to what God is going to do!
Blessings Lyli!!
Aw, thanks for subscribing, Joan! Yes, I struggle with letting go, but looking forward to what is to come helps.
So excited for you and the new look and for the changes that your bravely looking towards. May God continue to use you as a wonderful encouraging heart to so many.
Blessings!
Dawn
Oh, girl! I smiled, laughed, AND found myself trying to visualize a Lyli with a mullet. Seriously…. Sounds as though hiding those scissors was a key turning point in life. And now the blog. I’m so proud of you. The scissors have been hidden once again. 😉 May God’s wisdom be your guide, my friend.
Oh boy can I relate! Not to the hair part, but the blog part. I finally moved to a big girl blog in WP, leaving my Blogger to fend for itself. But like a dog to vomit, I keep returning. It’s easier. I know it. My subscribers are there. I’m having a hard time learning WP, but I’ll come around. And so will you! Looking forward to the new “do”
Yea for a new site! Mine’s also under some tweaking and you are going to be so happy with the updating! You got a husband last time – I wonder what God will surprise you with this time! Ha! Blessings.
Oh, I wish you’d included a picture of your mullet. I’m sure you still looked beautiful! I have a friend who still hasn’t changed her hairstyle since 1983. We’d all go in shock and not recognize her now if she did. 🙂 I’m excited about your new upcoming blog look! I’m sure it’ll be sparkling. Blessings to you, Lyli!
Congratulations on the courage and insight to change! I’m excited for you!
You’ve made me chuckle today. Now I want to see a picture of you with a mullet. 😉 How exciting for a new site. Can’t wait to see!
Lyli,
Ha! Now you have to share the photo of you with your mullet 🙂 Congrats on moving forward with the change…I know it’s’ hard but it will be worth it 🙂
Woohoo!! I’m so excited for you, Lyli! I can’t wait to see what you do! ?????? Praying for peace as you let go of the old and usher in the new! ❤
I actually had to google mullet to see what kind of hairdo you used to have. 🙂
I think you made a wise choice. I like your long hair! Very pretty.
I subscribed so I don’t miss the big change on your blog.
Lyli, I love how you share your stories. 🙂 Change is hard, but sometimes we need to make changes to follow how God is leading us. I’m looking forward to your updated blog, though I like what you have here, too.
Blessings to you! I’m subscribing so I don’t miss anything. 🙂
I like your site, but many have very fancy sites. I don’t feel the pull to follow the crowd. I am staying at my site even though it is humble. Thanks for the party and enjoy your transformation.
Sherry
Love your place, Sherry. Makes me want to sit down & have a nice cup of tea. — When I started this blog, my name wasn’t anywhere on it… & part of the reason I didn’t want to change it is because I want to point to Him, not me…. I wrestled with that quite a bit. In the end, the Lord was pretty clear in letting me know that He speaks through our redemption stories, & that my story is really all about Him… so it’s okay to use my name for His glory. Each of us has different callings… & I am trying to obey mine, even though sometimes it’s uncomfortable to do so. Blessings to you as you continue to flesh out your faith. Hugs
How exciting (and scary!), Lyli! I can’t wait to see your new look. I should probably update my blog, too, but . . . well, you know. I’m just not ready to hide those scissors!
Lyli – This sounds fantastic – I don’t like change either, but sometimes things are necessary for moving forward and taking the new territory that God has for us. So looking forward to seeing what is new and fresh and sparkly with you!
I look forward to seeing the new “you”, I bet you will like it a lot! My mullet was being comfortable with status-quo. I am walking out PURPOSE this year and trusting God’s plan for it!