“Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.”—Chinese Proverb.
Do you want to stay the same, or do you want to grow and improve? Are you afraid you might fail or make mistakes? Or do you see the growing pains that always come before success as a normal growth process? Resign yourself to the fact: mistakes are inevitable; expect to stumble. That’s part of normal growth. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”-Proverbs 24:16
“Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”―Mandy Hale
Historical Haircare
A few months ago, I began watching videos about natural historical haircare.
In the video, Katherine explained how unhealthy her hair used to be and how she changed her routine to get waist-length hair. She proposed a list of things to do to have healthier hair. I desire healthy, long, strong hair which retains its length. I needed to make all the changes she suggested. Here is the list:
- Use a clay wash instead of conventional shampoo
- Use a vinegar rinse instead of conditioner
- Oil your scalp
- Take MSM supplements
- Seal the ends with oil
- Use a boar-bristle brush
- Finger-detangle your hair when it’s dry
- Do scalp massages
- Use protective hairstyles
- Wash hair less frequently, for example, once every one or two weeks
- Use homemade hair powder between washes
- Sleep with a silk pillowcase.
This list may not be exact, but it’s what I remember. When I heard that, I knew I wouldn’t be able to add all these to my routine instantly. I am a person who gets overwhelmed and will give up—overwhelm paralyzes me. But since I had already decided to change my haircare routine and wanted to use historical methods from now on, I tried a few.
The changes I implemented and will follow in my routine are:
- using a clay wash and vinegar rinse (no more conventional shampoo), also an egg shampoo with the clay wash every other time
- washing my hair less frequently
- using hair powder to keep my hair looking clean between washes
- using protective hairstyles
- using a boar-bristle brush.
I can focus on a few changes for the health and length of my hair. After implementing those changes, I will practice another. Soon, I will have made all the changes.
My whole point is, it can be difficult to look at an enormous change and say, “How can I ever stick with it?” Don’t approach it that way; make little improvements, and once they are part of your regimen, take the next little step. In time, you will consider and be so proud of your accomplishments–and thankful. You can implement changes step by step; let the minor changes that you have made encourage you to advance.
“Little by little, inch by inch;
By the yard it’s hard,
By the inch, what a cinch;
Never stare up the stairs;
Just step up the steps;
Little by little, inch by inch.”
-Ron Hamilton
I’m working on decluttering my house–we moved. So I will take all the encouragement I can get. I know that every small part of the house decluttered is evidence that I am moving forward.
Growth in Action
For a brief season, I recorded my faults in a journal. Any time I noticed a new fault, I wrote it down. And each time I overcame a fault, I crossed it out and wrote the date next to it. I could see progress that way. Even though the list of faults lengthened, the triumphs were adding up as well. I challenge you to try this today before you close this page. Grab a piece of paper and write every fault you can remember. Then take some time in prayer and beseech God’s help in these areas of your life. In the days to come, when you overcome a fault, write the date next to it. Seeing the changes God has worked in your own life–now that’s encouraging!
“I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me.”-Philippians 4:13
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