I have worn my hair short for most of my life. Not because I lacked hair, but because it became habit—almost instinct. Long hair touching my ears always felt uncomfortable. As a child, during school holidays, my brother and I would sometimes shave our heads completely. It felt freeing, simple, and familiar.
When I entered matriculation, I experienced culture shock. In an attempt to escape it, I grew my hair long—almost shoulder-length. It was the first time in my life I let it grow that far. Soon after, in my first year at university, I joined PALAPES, the Army Reserve Officer Training Unit, for four years. From that moment on, short hair became part of my identity again. I cut my own hair at home, sometimes once or twice a month. I rarely owned a comb, rarely used hair oil. Whenever I did, my scalp would itch.
From 2000 until 2025, it was always short hair.
As I grew older, more grey appeared. Combined with a slipped disc, I began to feel my body weakening. In Lahad Datu, I met a friend named Zul. Like me, he shared the same name, but his appearance was different. He kept his hair long, tied neatly. He never missed his prayers. He was calm, disciplined, and well-groomed. That image stayed with me.
When I received a new assignment in Nilai, something shifted. At the beginning of 2025, I decided to change my image. I let my hair grow. I bought combs—now I have almost eight small ones, easy to slip into my pocket. I still trim the sides; I don’t like hair touching my ears. I dyed my hair too. The result surprised me.
My image changed. And so did my soul.
I felt fresher. Healthier. That was the real goal.
Traveling frequently between Malaysia and Indonesia, immigration officers often look at my passport photo and then at me, puzzled.
“Short hair in the passport… but now it’s long?”
I usually just smile.
Image matters. More than we often admit.
A friend once shared a military insight: in war, soldiers are encouraged to dye their hair, especially if it has turned grey. You don’t want the enemy to see you as old, weak, or worn. Even in warfare, image carries power.
Something as simple as hair can reflect strength, renewal, and intention.
Sometimes, changing the outside is not about vanity—but about giving the inside permission to heal, to reset, and to move forward.
#Reflection #PersonalJourney #Identity #blog #blogger #KembaraInsan #ImageMatters #Growth #MidlifeReflection
#InnerChange #Resilience #SelfRenewal #LifeLessons
No comments:
Post a Comment