Recently, I did something that exposed me on a vulnerable level to my work colleagues. I took an emotional risk! I doubted and questioned myself several times before I posted a bald picture of myself on our internal company Facebook group.
Each day there is a post recognizing the day. On October 14, it was Be Bald and Free Day! In the caption, the request to staff was “I know there are some proudly bald people out there! Post pics if you’d like!”
I seen the poster at the water cooler and seen the post on the internal Facebook page. I pondered if I wanted to expose myself to work colleagues that may not know that I am bald. Of course, there are a few staff that know that I have Alopecia. They get to experience my random wig style changes but there are a large number that are not aware.
Why would I want to share this with colleagues at the workplace? I didn’t want my colleagues to think I was looking for pity. Two things kept popping into my mind, it is away to educate more people about Alopecia, and it is a reminder to staff that being vulnerable is acceptable. Often, I think we don’t give others around us the space to be their true selves. Taking an emotional risk especially at the workplace seems uncertain and scary!
I have to say I was relieved to see some of my supporters giving the thumbs up and heart emoji on the post, I knew I had support if I needed it.
Just maybe I educated one person that day about Alopecia or made one person feel less alone in their vulnerability. A small positive impact is all that matters.
Be proud of who you are!
baldbrillance 