Hippies and Free Spirits

            “You’re a hippie!  Why are you such a free spirit?”  This weekend I had a close family member call me a hippie and asked why I was such a free spirit.  This particular family member said and asked this in the most negative tone.  

            Now that I’ve had a few days to dwell on it in my hippie mind I came to a realization, yep I sure am.  Yes, I do blow in the wind, I’m amazed by everything, so much excites me, I’m willing to try most things, I’m comfortable in my own skin, I love who I am, I wear me out-loud with confidence, I love who I am, and I really enjoy being with me.  I have so much fun with myself and by myself sometimes, I can’t even believe it.  Lol  

            I don’t believe in violence, I wish there was no such thing as military, I wear exactly what makes me feel like me, I dance my heart out and I can dance all night long!  I’m so comfortable in my own skin that I love me naked.  After-all weren’t we all brought into this world naked, I’m comfortable nude in front of people, I play the guitar, all of my tattoos are about love, I like freedom.  Does all this me-ness make me a hippie?

            The same person who I still love no matter what although they told me they hate me, criticized me for being a free spirit.  What’s wrong with my spirit being free?  What’s wrong with me loving me for who I am and being comfortable in whichever room I’m in.  Is it my dreadlocks which I don’t keep tightly maintained, perhaps my tattoos on my neck, my back, my arms, my body?  Is it the way in which I can’t stop smiling that possibly offends?  I wish everyone smiled more, I wish everyone felt comfortable in their own skin, I wish everyone didn’t rush into relationships and first discovered the relationship with self.    

            I was homeless for five months and wandered and made some of the best friendships, met the most amazing people, fell deeper in love with myself, gave up everything I owned, walked away from my Camaro that was used against me, left a city where people wanted me dead and gone, sat on beaches for hours and watched the sunrise and sunset, stood in awe of nature’s beauty, slept outside, on buses, at church, on the floor of friends rooms and homes, slept on trains, yet I was so content.  Does this make me a hippie or a free spirit?  Or does this make me, ME and not you?

            I stand in amazement as people stand by and judge one another and talk about what people don’t have.  It’s as if some individuals think their way of living and their opinions mean everything.  Why do humans have such a need to give their opinions about other people’s lives or what someone else should be doing with their time or money.  PEOPLE OF EARTH, WE ARE NOT ALL ALIKE AND WE DON’T WANT THE SAME THINGS.  We are all in different places in our lives although we are one, we have different minds, values, and beliefs. 

            Yes, I am “hip” and “aware” of what is going on around me, however it doesn’t mean I have to conform to societal views nor yours.  Yes, I’ve done sit-ins and refused to leave public places, yes I believe in no borders, and I don’t prefer Donald Trump’s views.  Do I hate Mr. Trump?  Nope, I do not.  I simply see him as a man who may need more love and awareness to spread more love and awareness.  We are all in this world we call Earth, yet we as humans created boundaries and borders to separate one another.  I don’t believe in boundaries and borders, I love every person I meet whether they show love for me or not.

            If all this means I’m a hippie and a free spirit, then so be it.  All I know is I have a strong desire to spread love and compassion.  I have a strong desire to live in a world in which all beings feel and display unconditional love and unconditional positive regard for each other and self.  I love you and I love me.  Most important I hope you love you more to love each other more and more!  My free spirited, hippie heart loves you so much!

Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn't accept DREADLOCKS

            Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn’t accept Dreadlocks.  Yes, I didn’t miss type a word, Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn’t accept dreadlocks, however they do encourage and accept braids.  One of my Nomad dream jobs was to work on a cruise ship and cruise the ocean while capturing amazing shots and writing about my journey across the seas.  I was so excited to see a Craigslist ad soliciting for cruise ship employment, I dropped everything and jumped to the opportunity.

            I got all dolled up and caught the train from Los Angeles to Long Beach and entered the Marriot ready to go on a life changing adventure.  The ad stated to arrive for check-in an hour prior, which I did.  Filled out the application, then went in to the informational meeting regarding cruise ship employment with Norwegian Cruise Lines.  Halfway through the meeting we were informed dreadlocks were not an approved hairstyle, in fact dreadlocks were definitely not allowed.  He quickly stated following the no dreadlock statement that braids were acceptable.  Yes, braids are accepted as an approved hairstyle, however dreadlocks are not.

            My thoughts went back in time when I was dreading my hair and thinking my dreadlocks are going to give me the freedom to travel the world because my hair will take less time daily to maintain and it will be in its natural state.   

            I raised my hand and audibly and asked if dreadlocks were okay because I was confused by the statement that braids were okay and dreadlocks were not.  He nicely confirmed that dreadlocks are not allowed, however if I were to braid my hair it would be okay and I would be considered for employment. 

            I walked out.  Myself and another beautifully dreadlocked Queen walked out.  There is no way possible that I will remove my natural dreadlocks and braid my hair.  We walked out together wondering how Norwegian Cruise Lines would encourage braids over dreadlocks when dreadlocks is our hairs natural state.  Were all entitled to our own opinions.  Is black hair not considered beautiful by Norwegian Cruise Lines?  Do you not like our hair in its natural state?  Why do you encourage a hairstyle that when worn most women of African Heritage apply fake hair to?  That baffles me.  Please explain to myself and the rest of the black community why you encourage braids and dreadlocks are not acceptable.  It makes me wonder how many beings of African descent are employed in high up decision making positions with Norwegian Cruise Lines. If there are any, please speak up for the black community and let us know why Norwegian Cruise Lines doesn’t accept natural black hair and encourage a style most apply fake hair to.  Please enlighten us, because I’m personally very much offended.     

            I’ve worn braids in the past before and during my natural hair journey.  In fact braids helped me to grow my hair, so they were definitely a part of my natural hair journey, however fake hair was added to the braids every time.  Whether my hair was in corn rows or individuals, fake hair was added every time.  I stress fake hair as opposed to stating synthetic hair because I want to strongly imply that synthetic hair added to braids is fake.  Fake as in, it’s not real, it’s  not black hair in its natural state. 

            Norwegian Cruise Lines, wearing my hair in its natural state of dreadlocks has been the best and healthiest hairstyle I’ve ever had in my life.  My hair is stronger, healthier, I can get it wet without it drawing up, I can work out and not have to worry about straightening my hair or what sweat will do to my hair.  I can go on a cruise and not have to worry about a protective hair style.  I don’t have to worry about fake hair with braids thinning my hairline nor do I have to worry about my hair not being fully washed because of the buildup of gunk forming between my hair and the fake hair with braids.  My hair grows thicker and can withstand the natural elements of earth with dreadlocks. 

            Norwegian Cruise Lines and whoever else doesn’t view dreadlocks as an acceptable nor professional hairstyle please do the black community a favor and reconsider your hair policy and whether or not dreadlocks should be an acceptable style.  By your take on dreadlocks not being acceptable you are discouraging all who are considering wearing their hair naturally because they will be afraid they will not get the employment they desire and instead conform to societal pressures of black hair in its natural state as not accepted nor professional.

            I’m offended, that's not love.