The Big Chop: What Cutting My Locs Taught Me About Fear and Letting Go

I did something I’d been wanting to do for a while — I cut my locs off. 😱

Even though I loved them and felt I rocked them well (I mean… let’s be honest, I did 😌), they had become a part of my identity. A visual descriptor of who I was over the years. My locs held memories, milestones, and transitions. They’d been with me through it all.

But one day, I stopped wondering:

• “Should I?”

• “What if I regret it?”

• “What if I don’t like it?”

I just knew it was time. And so, I did it.

✂️ I cut them all off.

And guess what?

I. LOVE. IT.

But after the cut — which I didn’t regret one bit — I had to ask myself:

Why did I wait so long?

The answer?

Fear.

Fear that I’d miss them.

Fear of the unknown.

Fear of what a new version of me would look or feel like.

Fear of change, honestly.

But as I reflected deeper, I realized this wasn’t just about my hair.

Fear had been keeping me stagnant in other parts of my life too — places where I already had clarity, but was dragging my feet because “safe” felt easier than “new.”

This haircut was more than just a new look.

It was a release.

A reminder.

A reset.

💭 If you’re holding on to something — even though you know it’s time to let go — here are a few reminders for your journey:

1. Clarity doesn’t always feel comfortable.

You might still feel fear even when it’s the right decision. That doesn’t mean you’re not ready. Move anyway.

2. Indecision creates weight.

The longer you sit in “what if,” the heavier it gets. Fear feeds off delay.

3. Growth requires release.

You’re not being disloyal to your past — you’re honoring your evolution.

4. You don’t need permission.

When you know it’s time, trust that knowing. Don’t wait for perfect circumstances.

5. Freedom is on the other side.

Letting go of what’s no longer aligned creates space for peace, purpose, and possibility.

✨ Your Turn:

What’s your version of the “big chop”?

What are you holding onto even though it’s time to release it?

You don’t have to be fearless — just faithful to the next version of you.