Towards the end of December, I decided I would write a monthly piece which would give me an opportunity to reflect and take away any positives or things I learnt from that month. I don’t know if it’s the impact of getting a little bit older but time feels like it is slipping away all too quickly and there are things I simply don’t want to forget. In some ways, I wish I had done this last year – it obviously wasn’t the easiest year for anyone but would have been, perhaps, an interesting one to document.

January was difficult and I think the majority of people felt that mentally. Going straight into another month of the pandemic after not being able to see family and friends over Christmas didn’t feel comfortable. January isn’t a favourable month generally after Christmas so it was extra tough this year for most.

Having a couple of days off in January before heading back to work was a positive move for me. It gave me a bit of extra head space to think about the year ahead. One key learning point I took away from last year was how important it is to manage your mindset, and I felt like I entered 2021 more capable to do so after last year.

I didn’t know it at the time when I was out walking on New Year’s day but January was to be the month where I challenged my demons and revealed a new look. Having lived with Alopecia Areata for 24 years and as 2020 didn’t go to plan in that respect, it just felt that time was right. As preparation progressed throughout the month, of course, the doubt started to sink in and I contemplated waiting until February – new month, new look…but then I figured, why wait? What would I gain from waiting another week…probably more time in which to talk myself out of it! And I needn’t have worried as the support I’ve received has been amazing. 

It taught me a few lessons though; the main one being that you don’t have to be 100% sure of something to move forward and make progress. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet, go for it and worry about any aftermath later. There is rarely a perfect time but if it feels right for you then that’s the only sign you need…embrace the moment.