Well, we are now 40 days into my year-long quest of growing a beard worthy of Duck Dynasty.
At the start of this great adventure, I posted some reasons why I’m growing a beard in the first place. And, as the facial follicles festively fill out, I’ve made a few observations about the whole process.
It’s amazing how, when you’re looking for simple life lessons, they seem to pop up in the most unusual circumstances. Like letting your hair grow.
In totally random order, here is some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from the experience so far:
- Change and growth don’t happen overnight. It’s a process that you need to commit to, something that happens daily. Sometimes the change is so gradual, you don’t notice from day to day. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Note your progress so you can look back over time to see the results.
- Change and growth can be uncomfortable. Any guy who has grown a beard can tell you about that stretch, a few days into it, where it starts to itch. Many guys will cave at this point and give up in the name of comfort. Only the truly committed will soldier through to see the reward.
- Change and growth won’t look good right away. Even the best beards started as unsightly stubble. Hey, you gotta start somewhere.
- Change and growth won’t appeal to everyone. You may get comments from others about how this new venture isn’t such a good idea. Some may have a valid point (not everyone can – or should – grow a beard). A few just might be jealous. Beard envy, anyone? Choose to get feedback from those you respect who will “tell it like it is”.
- Those who have been there will rally around you and offer encouragement. I’ve swapped plenty of beard stories with some great guys over the last few weeks, and don’t think I’ll ever tire of them. There’s a special bond among guys with beards, a kinship. A knowing nod and a smile that says, “Hey, me too!”
And a bonus thing I learned this past week – toddlers can stare for a very, very long time.
What changes have you been going through lately? What changes have you been putting off?
David Rupert (3)
Dallas Plumber (1)
Elizabeth Birak (1)
Jan Moyer (1)
Karl Grey (1)
Liz McLennan (1)
Raj (1)
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I can grow a good beard in a fairly short amount of time. Sadly, I can’t grow any on top (and no I won’t do a comb up-over). Therefore, when i do grow one I tend to keep it close to my face. If I had hair…
bill (cycleguy) recently posted..Messy
I once heard a guy describe that predicament as being “taller than my hair”. I like that way of looking at it.
My house has looked the same for 20 years. I renovated the bathrooms, updated the laundry room and redecorated a bedroom to become a guest room, but the living room, dining room, hall and the upstairs hall still has the colours of the late 80s. I like those colours. I’ve also known for a long time that they have to go, but haven’t had the energy to do anything about it.
Now I am remarried, and it seems like a perfect time for something new. But it comes with a price. 1. It isn’t happening overnight. I only have every other weekend off, and my husband had to work part of the last one. Progress is slow. 2.It’s very uncomfortable. I don’t do chaos well, and furniture in the middle of the floor and painting stuff everywhere is chaos. 3. It doesn’t look good right away. We have one wall finished, and it looks great. The rest is in process.4. It won’t appeal to everyone. We have chosen to do two walls in burgundy and the rest in cream. Not everyone likes that much colour.5. Those who have been there keep sending me encouraging notes through Facebook, and cheering me on. And my wonderful husband, when he came home from work on a Sunday and saw the progress I had made, was full of praise.
When it is all done, it will be awesome, and it will be “ours” and not the leavings of another season in my life. So, I will stop typing now, and pick up my brush…
This is why I love the comment section. Thank you, Ann. Happy painting!
Love the beard learning Larry! Being a beard guy myself, it’s great seeing the lessons one can grasp while undertaking the venture.
Joseph Lalonde recently posted..How Bad Habits Enter Into Your Life
I’m already looking forward to the next 40. Thank you, Joseph!
Larry
I just started a beard myself at Christmas — I’m 65 days in.
This is my first, so I’m very tenative.
I love your observations. And especially the last one. Who knew that there was a ‘beard club’ among men? But it’s true!
I’ll never go DuckDynasty tho. Those things just look nasty
David Rupert recently posted..Don’t Waste Your Trial, (Part 2)
You might say they put the “uck” in duck and the “nasty” in dynasty!
I’ve had a beard for almost 28 years, but have always, and I mean ALWAYS kept it trimmed so short that many people ask me if I’m just growing it.
I’ve found since we been on this Duck Dynasty growth spurt, that a longer beard tends to have a polarizing effect. No, I don’t mean that it helps me in the bright sun – people are either more negative about it, or more positive.
Best time was my grandson yesterday. He noticed my longer facial hair for the first time, and asked me to pick him up so he could play with it for a few minutes. Then he said something that sounded like ‘cool, Gwampa’ and squirmed away again. Best compliment yet!
Love it! You are a cool gwampa.
Pro-tip: If it’s itchy, shave the base of the neck part. Having the beard just on your jawline will make it more comfortable and look better (according to some). No itch.
Bryan recently posted..Daylight savings time
Great advice, Bryan. Thanks for sharing it here!
Larry you have my full support. I looks good so far. Go long, Larry go long.
You give me something to aspire to, Ken. Thanks for the encouragement!
I’ve being going through growth lately. Most recently I was voted in as board member for a Christian non-profit organization. Never did I image I would sit on a board and help make decisions. The thought is scary and I just pray that I am up for the task. It’s a great deal of responsibility, not to mention it’s going to take some of my personal time.
Juan Cruz Jr recently posted..Leaders know Email Etiquette
Congratulations, Juan! Just like those who voted you in, I’m confident you’ll do well.
I have had a beard for many years now, long enough that children think I am Santa. It’s fun most of the time but annoying sometimes. When my granddaughter, age 17, and I went to the State Fair last August, we were stopped almost immediately by a guy who asked me if I ever play Santa. Jessie was still talking about it a couple of months later. I’m not sure if I told her but while I was driving the 200 miles north to pick her up and bring down here for the fair, I was asked by the attendent at a rest area how long it took me to dye my beard. He couldn’t believe that it’s natural and I have never dyed it.
I am, at age 68, looking for another job now, so I may have to shave it off again, but not looking forward to it. I find I have more confidence and am a happier person with the beard than without it.
If you keep the beard, you will find the stories and memories fun and interesting for the most part.
I hope you don’t have to shave it off for your job search, Richrd. I like how facial hair can become a conversation piece, and a source of fond memories. Thanks for sharing some of yours here. All the best to you in your job search!