Smiling through it

 Some days, I feel like a light switch. The moment I walk into the salon, I flip “on.” Smiling, upbeat, fully present. I listen closely. I care deeply. I lift spirits. I make people feel beautiful, heard, and whole—even when I don’t feel that way myself.


Being a hairstylist is more than just hair. It’s therapy with a blowout. It’s pep talks while trimming dead ends. It’s carrying pieces of other people’s lives in my hands while holding scissors in the other. And while I love what I do and the way I get to connect with people, I won’t lie—some days, it’s emotionally exhausting.


Because while I’m pouring into others, I don’t always have the chance to refill myself. It’s a strange kind of loneliness—being surrounded by people all day, yet feeling like no one really asks me how I’m doing. I’m expected to be the one who makes everyone else okay. And I do. But sometimes, I go home completely drained, like I gave away all my energy and forgot to keep a little for myself.


But I’m learning that acknowledging this isn’t weakness—it’s honesty. It’s self-awareness. And it’s necessary if I want to keep doing what I love without burning out. I can hold space for others while still making space for me. I can care deeply for my clients while also remembering to care for myself.


Today I showed up. I gave my best. But now, it’s okay to take the mask off, exhale, and just be. I don’t need to be “on” all the time. The world won’t fall apart if I pause to rest.


I matter, even when I’m not performing. Even when I’m not fixing. Even when I’m just me.

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