Reflection

This past week was really challenging. I talked to a good group of girls about my Trich. They suggested that I sit down and analyze when I pull and when I can go without, if there are any possible triggers, etc... So I did!
I realized that at the end of my day with the heaviest workload is when my "good hair days," especially when I lasted for 48 and 58 hours, started! So I looked into that: what can I do on that stressful day? What makes me end the good days?

This past week, when I got to the end of that stressful day, I couldn't stop pulling. The next day, which for the prior two weeks had been Trich-free, was a mess as well. I simply could not stop. This frustrated me SO much!!! 

Then I had an exciting weekend. Lots of fun times with friends! This helped me to relax and not to stress so much about my hair. So starting yesterday evening, I was FREE again! I last 30 hours!!!! What's really interesting about this was my initial response to the situation, when I pulled again.
Check out the text conversation I had immediately following:

"30 hours! I was Finally was able to keep from pulling my hair- for a prolonged period. All last week was really bad. I couldn't even last an hour."

"Good for you! It's so good to see how 30 hours isn't considered as big an accomplishment as it used to be. I think that means you're getting over it!"

":) That's a good point! Thanks for pointing that out. I needed that check in perspective!"

It is because of this conversation that I am actually excited about the 30 hours!! I had truly lost sight of the fact that 30 is a pretty big number! I was focusing again on records.

"I didn't beat my record. I didn't even make 48 again. Come on. What's up with me? Well, at least it's better than last week. Maybe there is some hope for me. But I'm still not back to where I was. And why did it take me so long to get back to a prolonged period again? Why couldn't I do that this week?"

This was a dangerous train of thought to be following. Thankfully, I have amazing friends who keep me in perspective. I went over a full day without Trich- especially after more than a week of BONDAGE! That's an accomplishment! I AM making progress! I must be thankful for the small achievements and the small steps to get to the bigger ones and to the record-breaking stretches of time!

By the way, the gloves REALLY helped in these 30 hours! It's getting cold and totally acceptable to wear gloves! :D

*Life is Trich-y*