For the first time in something like 18 years, I am beardless. For some reason, the last few times I’ve been shaving, I’ve had this really strong urge to shave my beard completely off rather than trim it. It took me some time to figure out why, but now I think I do.

First off, let me say that I loved my beard. Over my teen and adult years, I experimented with various styles of moustache, goatee, full beard and, finally, I settled upon the van dyke as the perfect style for my features. So, the question would have to be, what was it that drove me to shave it all off?

The answer is simple, really. I’ve experienced tremendous change in my life over the last two years. Much of that change has required that I shift my perceptions of myself and those around me. In every regard, the change has been positive and well worth the effort and even pain.

As I move through these changes, I find myself clinging to certain old ways of thinking. Shaving off my beard is symbolic of pushing to see myself in a new way. In being willing to see ourselves differently, we become more willing to see others in the same light.

I’m likely to grow my beard back, mostly because I like the way I look with it. Today, however, I’m enjoying a fresh, new feeling and giggling as I pass by the mirror to see that stranger looking back. 🙂