An Experience in Bearding

For the first time in my life I decided that I would let my beard grow out over the winter break. Before this I think I had never gone more than 4-5 days without shaving. I'm not sure what got in to me--well it was probably curiosity for the most part--but I determined not to shave for at least 2 weeks.

There were a few obstacles along the way, but I let my beard grow for about 16 days. Here's the result.

After a while I felt like I looked older and it started to itch less. People say that after 2-3 weeks it isn't so bad, and I started to like it--sometimes. Overall it was a good experience for me. I learned that I can grow a beard (albeit a little spotty) and it taught me a lesson in self-judgment.

As I began to grow my beard, I started to feel like a different person--even though I really wasn't. I felt like everyone was noticing my beard first and thinking something like, "Why is he growing out a beard?" or "Can't he do better than that?" And some people did make comments, but they weren't ever critical. My favorite was said by a friend in Utah who attributed my new-found strength to my "Samson Beard." Slowly, I began to realize that most people didn't care to note my change in facial hair, so why should I be so critical of myself?

I imagine that you may have had a similar experience when you got a new pair of glasses or woke up with an unattractive zit on your forehead. The lesson: Remember you are generally your own harshest judge. Don't get down on yourself. Be proud of what you have and do the best you can.