#going silver

The picture below, was taken on November 5, 2013. I hope to recreate the shot in the next few weeks. Let’s hope the fall colors cooperate, so I can share “before and after” photos soon! It’s so exciting to get to this point and I’m proud of myself for persevering! I’ve met some naysayers along the way, but far more people have encouraged me to buck the cover-up trend and to “be me”! I’m so glad I did, because I am much more confident today than I was back in 2013. Further, this process of digging under the layers of cover-up has made me realize that deep down, I am truly awesome and do not need to hide! In fact, I learned to celebrate my sparkly silver strands as a badge of honor for a life well-lived! And, I encourage you to do the same!

http://www.qglenda.com/2014/11/28/going-silver-from-highlight-and-lowlight-to-nolight/

Fall has always been my favorite time of year, but even more so now … as I move into the “fall” period of life … I find it is a time of reflection and celebration. What an awesome opportunity to look inwards, to discover the richness that life experiences offer, and to shine and sparkle with all my silver might! How refreshing, exhilarating, and empowering! So, to all you wonderful people who are on the fence about letting those silvers shine … I say, buck the trends and be yourself. It will change your outlook on life, you will learn to love yourself THE WAY YOU ARE and, as a result, you will love others in a much more vibrant way!

And, if you need some encouragement along the way … sign up for my blog! I plan to keep posting about my experience. I run into people on a daily basis who are ready to give up coloring their hair … you are not alone! So many are afraid! I realize a lot of people just need to see their friends and neighbors standing strong and accepting their age and everything that comes with it! So, join me and many others on this journey down Silver Linings Lane!

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 18, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 18, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 21, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 21, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty-six months, no color Oct 28, 2016

Thirty months, no color: Apr 3, 2016

I went on and expressed how embracing my silver and my age was invigorating and liberating. But my neighbor kept pushing, to the point where her mother started to agree with me. When I responded, I was mindful that they both color their hair and didn’t want to say anything that would come across as judgmental. I simply stated that I am comfortable with my age and everything that comes with it. As I walked home, I realized that my neighbor’s comments didn’t hurt or make me question my decision. I thought of my mother who has embraced her silver strands and started me on this path by setting an excellent example of living life to the fullest. And, I thought of all the beautiful souls on Facebook Forums who have encouraged me on the journey down Silver Linings Lane. I am so blessed. I am at peace and wish the same for others. So, I will continue to share my story and pictures hoping that my experience will help others break free from the social pressures of coloring their hair to “look young”!

Thirty months, no color: Apr 4, 2016

As always, I added pictures to my gallery from this month–my 30th month–of Going Silver. As you can see … I am living life to the fullest! Check out this video of me on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa! Oh my! 

If you enjoyed this post, please sign up for more! And, please … feel free to comment. We Silver Sisters must support one another.

So, back in February I posted about Millennial men dyeing their hair gray. Interestingly, I had not encountered one millennial male with gray hair in the US, but that’s not really surprising, I work in a solitary setting and do not get out much. However, in March I visited Hong Kong and walked around the city a lot. I was surprised to see so many young Asian men with obvious dye jobs. I wish I had been brave enough to ask if I could take pictures and ask them questions. Unfortunately, all I have are visual memories. In the short time I was there, approximately two weeks, I saw at least 15 guys with dye jobs. It was obvious … like the guy below.

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/269441990183348685/

As usual, I added pictures to document the monthly changes … sometimes the lighting makes me look so blonde that I feel the need to prove that I’m turning silver. I find myself parting my hair down the middle to show my favorite silver spot (natural highlights). Only then, do people “see”. I guess I should be grateful that the process is taking a while … but, after seeing some of the stunning silver hair out there, I find myself getting a little anxious for more. Breathe Glenda, breathe!

I’d love to hear from those of you who are transitioning. Are you like me — noticing all the silver sisters and brothers out there and wishing that yours would fill in soon? Here’s to patience and enjoying the moment. I believe the pix below capture just how much I am enjoying this stage of my life! All thanks to the silver – I sparkle!

Screen Shot 2016-02-26 at 5.41.35 AM (Source: http://pix11.com/2016/02/04/millennials-dying-hair-gray-as-part-of-new-fashion-trend/)

Here’s another screen shot from the Pix 11 video of a millennial dying his hair silver/gray:

Screen Shot 2016-02-26 at 5.40.10 AM (Source: http://pix11.com/2016/02/04/millennials-dying-hair-gray-as-part-of-new-fashion-trend/)

When I was in my twenties and thirties, I remember thinking that men with salt and pepper were “hot”! And, I still feel that way! :) Now it’s time to brand women with silver as “hot” or, as we say these days “hotties”! Young people are showing an interest in fast-forwarding the aging process. No doubt because it will help them gain respect and land good jobs. But, it’s a step in the right direction. I say a big thank you to the millennials who are getting a taste of going silver/gray! It makes me hope that these young people will have a new perspective on aging that will help them down the road.

To that end, here are some pictures of me this past month. February marks my 28th month of no highlights or lowlights! As you can see, I’m enjoying the process and the fact that I’m still on the planet! Care to join me on the journey down silver linings lane? I would love to have some company. Please sign up for my blog and let’s rebrand women with silver as “happy hotties”. Until then … all the best! :)