I feel as if I've reached the beginning of a sense of freedom. When I talk of freedom I mean freedom from self, inner relief, freedom from restrictions.

I don't want to get into this sad tragedy of my hair loss at 13. It happened, I struggled, I got bullied, and I went through a long stage of hiding behind wigs and generally hatting myself.

I wanted to say, however, for all those loosing their hair right now, it doesn't have to be that way. When I was 13 growing up in a smaller BC, Canada community, there were not many resources. I felt alone, different, and generally not accepted. Today there's resources such as this page, counseling, and support groups. I think this is amazing.

The freedom I've come to for myself has been through self acceptance and affirmations. I spent over 10 years telling myself that I was ugly, wrong, and different, that I would never fit, and how could anyone tell me any different. Those negative things I told myself, I learned to believe them. They manifested themselves in my life. I blamed the disease, Alopecia, because really I did not have any other tools of coping. Today, I can look in the mirror and I like myself. I love myself, and I trust myself. In daily life, whether I am having a good or bad day, I choose to hold my head up high and be present.

I have so much gratitude for having Alopecia Universalis as a part of me. I can truly say that it has helped me take a different, I guess you could say, humble view of the world. I have compassion and love for others of all types, races, ages, and financial status. I have a great sense of what true beauty is and where to find it (inside, not outside). I am a good judge of character, and can tell the flakes right off the bat. Hence, Alopecia has helped me form true relationships with people. I am strong and confident, and because of my struggles, I can face the world head on, life is less than a struggle today. It's beautiful and I enjoy it every moment. I am not held down by what people think, peoples assumptions. Those who have something negative to say are not worth having in my life. This relates to my friendships, my work, anything in my life.

I believe everyone can find this freedom. Its a journey that starts inside. It's getting rid of the shame and sadness, that dark cloud that lingers around your heart. I dare you to try to look yourself in the mirror, look straight into your eyes, and tell yourself, tell your inner child that you love yourself. It's not easy at first. It's uncomfortable, it sucks, it hurts. The puddles of tears that come out, are the beginning of true internal freedom.

I ask: What could really be better than this?

I don't wish I had hair anymore, I could not imagine it. I don't hide, I am myself and that's all that I need to be.