Counter Assertion

I used to enjoy when women stroked or even pulled my hair. One morning, I was dismayed to notice the first revealing signs of hair loss while brushing my teeth: there was hair in the sink and the top of my head was noticeably less full than the crown and sides of my head. I would never have thought that I would suffer from hair loss: Most of the men in my family have a full head of hair. It was clear that hair loss is already occuring to me, as I bent my head to look at the top of my head.

Once I noticed the thinning strands, I felt my confidence shake. I was self conscious of what people thought of me, I stopped brushing my hair and started wearing caps when I went out. My partner and I weren’t as intimate as we were because I was anxious about her noticing the thinning patch on top of my head. I was suffering from anxiousness and my performance at work worsened due to the inability to concentrate.

Thankfully, I found Advanced Hair Studio. One of my friends mentioned it in passing. As far as I remembered, he has been bald ever since I met him. However, one day at the gym, I noticed his hair looked full and fresh. He told me that Advanced Hair Studio was to thank.

That very night, I purchased my first Advanced Hair Studio products and had them delivered via overnight mail. The results were quickly evident: my hair felt stronger and thicker in just a few days. A month later and the thinning patch that caused me to worry myself sick was full of hair. I’d never before believed anti-balding products worked. However, after my experience with Advanced Hair Studio, I now know that there are products out there that can save men a lot of stress, grief, and worrying.

Hair loss and baldness can often affect self confidence, causing depression and lack of confidence. Genetics, aging and hormonal instabilities all contribute to hair loss. Nevertheless, those who suffer from baldness or thinning hair, have many hair loss solutions to select from.

For the males, Propecia (generic name Finasteride) is the only obtainable doctor-prescribed hair loss solution. The Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone causes baldness and this drug brings down the levels of this hormone. When consumed daily, Propecia reduces DHT levels by up to 60%. About half of all men who take Propecia regrow hair on their scalps.

Another hair loss treatment that is available for men and women over-the-counter is Minoxidil (Rogaine). Based on research indicates Minoxidil works in approximately one out of every three men who apply the product twice daily. While the five-percent strength is not recommended for women, some physicians will prescribe the higher concentration. Patients applying the higher dose increased their hair growth.

Natural supplements are also used as hair loss treatments. Supplements such as flaxseed and primrose oils contain necessary fatty acids that make hair look thicker and healthier. Vitamin B3, B5, and B6 also stimulate hair growth. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 stimulate hair follicles to enhance scalp circulation. Zinc, Kelp and Copper boost immune functions, aiding hair growth.

Laser hair therapy (LHT) is the latest hair loss treatment approved for women and men. This procedure uses low-light lasers to repair damaged hair cells. Research suggest that around 90 percent of patients regrow hair. Laser hair therapy also prevents additional hair thinning and loss.

Currently, more hair loss treatments are available to treat male-pattern baldness. However, researchers are conducting studies to further understand which hair loss treatments work best for women. While many options exist, early intervention is the key to improving hair loss and regaining self confidence.

My mother and I couldn’t believe the radiant Amelia Upton, my youthful partner in crime, might someday accessorize with wigs. Her terrific hair and fashion added so much to impeccable style. Have you seen her lately? The one and only remains the center of attention for her hair. Not many in town realize she lives confidently wearing lace wigs. It’s not so unusual.

When we were blossoming ladies in high school, we always stole the spotlights to every dance. A few years went by before her medical hair loss reared its head and she went bald. I mentioned these lace wigs. Oh well, she just shaved her head. She aggressively unveiled her innate beauty.

At our university’s homecoming, we taunted the players till someone accidentally hit the puck (or however you say it) into the bleachers. My bff went to grab it when her head scarf landed in a beer, uncovering her naked head. As though nothing were amiss, she tossed the ball to her man. She’s that kind of girl.

However, nobody is perfect. Months later she invited me over for a mid-day lemonade chat, where she very sincerely said that she would rather go bald as a statement. She would never look at medical wigs, though she would wear them. At that disclosure, the punk became beet pink in the face and asked that I shouldn’t concern myself with it. I thought “oh, well.”

We got so worried about her. Later on, I asked her about taking care of this wig problem. Finally the two of us arrived at an agreement: we’ll think of wigs as fashion, and we love fashion. We have a knack for making online wig shopping fun.

We had a great time, floored by the wide selection of hair colors, textures and styles. We couldn’t believe that wigs were this fashionable for a lot of people. These lace front wigs complimented her natural beauty. Personally, I built a comprehensively creative wardrobe to match my synthetic wig. Its become an inside joke, if you haven’t heard. For my birthday she gave me a photo of us in our wigs and thanked me for invisible lace front wig, and explained it encourages a feminine mystique in her life. It’s delightful to have helped her reclaim her beauty. I love her so much!

Not that I am not so miserable, but dating games don’t “get” me. Get this, this morning I filed three years of back taxes. During my birthday party while being single, for once. Don’t judge me (j/k!). Does that tell you anything? Honestly, it’s when I seriously thought about getting out to date in my area.

Nothing that can’t be fixed. Figured I’d boost my dating life with professionally hosted Denver singles events. And it turned out to be my golden ticket. The reason I mention my dating woes: While eating corn on the cob at little Brent’s Easter egg hunt at Oak Park yesterday, great aunt Judy asked me if I have settled down with a special lady. They always bring this up, every year. So, I said, “what’s your deal, yo?”

And of course Gramps chimed in on the topic of true relationships. I quipped to the family gang: “Dating isn’t for me, but my romantic destiny is right over there!”

Can you believe this? Each one of them scoffed. Shortly after, I emailed my astrologist so I could clear my head. What a waste of time! I didn’t learn a thing. Nina, who is now a Budist monk or something suggested that I join Great Expectations. I said, “You know, that’s a good idea.” Should have thought of it myself. I am truly grateful for Great Expectations Dallas.

At the time, dating services were new because I’m a traditionalist of sorts. I showed up already a little anxious, that I spilled a glass of wine on my blazer. This emotional anxiety didn’t put an end to a great time. The evening was a limo pub crawl from heaven. The truth is I’ll never forget all the honest, desirable singles.

Appearing at these amazing Dallas singles nights with Great Expectations, I ran into a handful of marvelous guys and gals who I could tell feel the same way I do when talking about real-world dating. I really shouldn’t allow everyone get on my back about living the bachelor’s life after all these years. Surprisingly enough, matchmaking in Dallas with Great Expectations is a lot of fun and care-free social experience.

Pat

Dating, and Loving it

I look out my window at daybreak as the sunrise creates tiny sparkles on sheets of frozen snow. Two mornings later, the snow and sparkles are gone. Even the warmer weather will not last long.

Within a few months, many people will realize that the sparkling changes they’ve worked for, and perhaps achieved, were short lived.

Maintaining personal change requires inner conditioning to clean out old beliefs and assumptions. It requires strong reasons, focus, self-discipline, and commitment. It also requires enough faith to be flexible for continued growth.

People begin with the best of intentions to change. However, it is easier to settle back into familiar habits. The changes do not feel comfortable enough to last. Often, desired results are not clear enough in mind to warrant long months or years of persistence.

Motives and Reasons for Change

Positive personal change requires strong reasons and compelling ways to do the work. Sometimes the person is inspired by the need to live differently. He or she says, “I’ve chosen this long enough,” or “I’m not tolerating this any longer.” Instantly, they change,and their lives soon begin to mirror that internal change.

A Steady Focus on Passions

Change and growth require a sharp and steady focus. They require looking through a powerful and steady mental lens to see clearly the person’s passions, strengths, and gifts. As children of a perfect Creator, we have the potential to stay focused, shining with our own unique light.

Self-discipline and Commitment

Maintaining change requires self-discipline and commitment. We fall down and get back up. It is difficult to practice or train for a new skill on days that we don’t feel like it. We need to rest and balance as needed but stick with the necessary actions.

Flexibility and Readjustment

Change also requires flexibility. Readjustment is part of the natural process of growth. In knowing this, we must consider that changes, at least in this world, are not actually permanent. Everything we know and experience here is subject to the “law of impermanence of all things”.

Faith in Purpose

We will also need the faith in our purposes to re-adjust — to grow through trial and error. This is where adversities become universities. We can study and observe the process over time; what appears as change is another lesson, a path to spiritual growth.

Consider these timeless thoughts:

“It is not the years but the changes that make us grow.”

~ Neal Maxwell

“Earth changes, but thy soul and God stand sure.”

~ Robert Browning (1812-1889)

We will experience many changes throughout the seasons of life. However, we can view changes as did Robert Browning and Neal Maxwell. Changes are sparkles that shine from the heart to make us grow spiritually strong. Beginning today, we can introduce new sparkles - lights of faith and soul that continue to illuminate the path ahead.

© Copyright by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

I am trying to create a discipline where I blog daily. This alone requires effort and commitment. But isn’t that what our lives ought to be about especially if we are trying to achieve our goals? That’s just a teaser.

Anyways, yesterday was another day when I learned something. If not learning, I needed to recall something I had read.

I am a person who likes to try things out. Positive things. Sometimes when I do and people around me make what you call ‘uncalled for comments’ it cuts right through me. And trust me, I like to be agreeable with everyone. Okay, is this the part I say I am learning that it ain’t possible to be agreeable with all? I thought so. Yesterday I just learned it on a higher grade. I needed to graduate:-) And I did.

The lesson dawned on me as I was being told of someone’s catty comment and action of trying to change what they thought I had done wrong. I wanted to go defend why I had done what I had done. Plus why I thought it was right. But as I walked away vowing to approach the person, it dawned me. I keep saying dawn I guess it really did open my eyes to a new light.

Lesson: I don’t have to defend myself every time I do something outside the box and somebody doesn’t like it. Some people will just never get it. And its meant to be just like that. Ce la vie!!! Even if you do something that is highly positive, they will always see the negative. They will always seek to drag you down.

But, I have many a times abandoned my dreams at the altar of negative thinking because l took a portion of that thinking from someone who really has hell for a life. In the moment I did that, I always abandoned what kept me going - my passion.

Yesterday, I decided I was not here to please anyone. I will think outside the box. And if you don’t like it, well my condolences. But this is not to say I won’t reason with you because sometimes someone will see the pit before I do. Just between me and you, rarely is there a pit. It usually is someone trying to pull you down.

So go out - think out of the box, and let they that shiver in their boots for fear of trying new things enjoy the view:-)

I love writing. I especially love writing inspirational lessons that I learn as I try to achieve my goals. Trust me they are ambitious. So join me and share in my goofs…