I took down our Christmas tree on New Years Day. I actually felt a little sad.

No.

“Sad” is not quite the right word.

I think it touched on a more basic instinct…

More like FEAR.

Well, brand new year, clean slate, new expectations…you know the drill.

I feared that 2016 will be more of the same 2015 crap. I knew I was not keeping in the moment but I could not help it.

Yes, I enjoyed the little break between Christmas and New Years…went down south to get a break from the cold, got a nice tan, went snorkelling, had some tequilas.

However, there always seemed to be an undercurrent of unease that when I go back to reality, it’s as if I never left. Work will still be work, family life will always be family life, winter days will turn to warmer spring days, then the heat  of summer will be replaced by cooler autumn breezes, then before I know it, I will be setting up the Christmas tree again.

Of course, accusing thoughts that I should be more grateful rushed up…..”At least you have a job; at least you have a family who loves you, at least you can enjoy the passing of the seasons…AT LEAST YOU ARE ALIVE!!”

I am grateful, yes, but I had this nagging feeling that I needed a change…something different, something new.

I went to get a haircut.

As I saw my long hair fall to the floor, I realized, yes, this is good. This feels good.

Went from below the shoulder length to a boy-cut in a matter of 5 minutes.

My daughter said I look like Katy Perry in her “Part of Me” video.

Well, that’s not so bad…

…or perhaps she was just being kind.

No matter.

I like it. I love it.

I realized then that one simple thing as a haircut can change one’s perspective.

Yes, the undercurrent of unease is still there and when I went back to the office after the Christmas break, and sure enough, it went into overdrive. Many changes are expected to happen this year and we are all bracing for it.

At any rate, I keep reminding myself that it is out of my control and that things will work out. Somehow.

So, if you feel that perhaps you are in need of a change, get a haircut. At least, if you don’t end up looking like Katy Perry, you have the rest of the year to grow it back….

Here’s to 2016, everyone!

Debbie.