An Unconventional Adventure

Months ago, I started seriously considering getting my nose pierced. I couldn’t tell you the exact origin of the idea, only that one day it wasn’t there and the next it was. As I began to think it over, process my reasons why, and ask a few people their opinions, I realized it went deeper than I expected. It’s possible I’m giving my decision more credit than it deserves. Maybe getting a nose piercing was simply a whim I followed through on. But maybe it wasn’t. Maybe it is something more.

Here is my two-cents, plus a little more, on my personal reasons why. Take it with a grain of salt and try not take any of my parallels out of context.

I like to consider myself a practical and logical girl. I don’t often go for extra fluff or recent trends. I keep it simple and easy whenever I can. I can’t bring myself to take the time to apply make-up or convince myself it’s worth the money. My ears aren’t pierced and I have no real desire for that to change. A sizable portion of my apparel has been gifted to me because shopping for clothes is so low on my priority list. I could probably count the number of times I have painted my nails without running out of fingers. My hair is its own master most days, getting brushed once a month if I’m feeling ambitious. I don’t wear rings because I have a history of losing them. To put it simply, I’m a bit of a mess and satisfied to be so. If you know me, you are most likely aware of all this. If not, I think you get the gist. A nose ring seems a bit out of character, even to me.

My first thought was that it would be fun. My dad firmly disagreed with my idea of “fun” in this case. But in my mind getting a nose piercing would be something new and for all intents and purposes, harmless. It’s doesn’t cause any harm to anyone else, and it most certainly doesn’t go against any moral code I have. A nose piercing isn’t permanent and it’s an adventure. It isn’t the most logical or frugal choice, but I don’t think life is always about playing it safe. We should enjoy life, within the proper bounds.

Recently I have been reflecting on what it means to fully and completely be one’s true self. It may seem unrelated, but bear with me. I once heard it said that one of the hardest and bravest things a person can do is grow up to be who they truly are. It is difficult in many ways. Growing up, I had one close friend who often made me feel small for having different ideas or opinions. I think I became afraid to disagree or have healthy arguments outside of my family and closest friends. During college, I had another friend who would call me terrible names and stop talking to me altogether over disagreements, and then simply pretend like nothing happened after a couple weeks had passed. It isn’t healthy to be afraid of sharing one’s opinions, big or small, for fear of being losing friends or loved ones treating me differently. I want to be brave enough to say what is on my mind and engage even when its hard. I don’t do it enough, but I want to do it more. I need to do it more. The right people will understand, and the others will fade away.

I know not everyone in my life will understand or agree with my decision to get a nose ring, be it though a small thing in my mind. But it is something I wanted. After considering all, I still wanted it. It most certainly wasn't a need or obsession, I would have been just as content without one. On some level, I needed to prove to myself that I could do something which in the scheme of life is neutral, even if loved ones disapproved. I needed to prove to myself it would be okay and nothing would change, as silly as it sounds. I am confident of it in my mind, but my heart still needs to be convinced from time to time.

Thus, I did it. My new friend Samar, who is becoming near and dear to my heart, offered to drive me. We picked a time and found a very nice place. I found it comical when the man asked my age. When I answered 24, he asked to see my ID. If I was making up my age, wouldn’t it make more sense to choose something closer to whatever age it is one needs to be haha? As he prepared everything, I found myself doubting my decision. Was this really what I wanted to do? I’ve always struggled with decision making and change is not my forte. But I had my well thought out reasons, and in that moment, I found them more than sufficient.

To sum it all up, I now have a new accessory. A nose ring. My next challenge is keeping it clean and uninfected until it heals. Maybe I’ll take it out after a couple of years, but presently I’m quite happy with it. I don’t often do things purely for the sake of doing them. Normally I have some purpose, goals, or reason behind it. But I’m realizing, it is important to do things simply to experience the joy from being in the moment. So be bold, be brave, and be you. Live and experience joy fully. Maybe it’s just a nose ring, but maybe to me it’s more.

All of this within reason of course. ;) Just as the following verse reminds us,

“You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.”

Ecclesiastes 11:9