I have actually attempted to go natural twice before.  The 1st time was when I was 16 after graduating from high school, and the 2nd time was when I was 19 years old.  Neither time did I take the journey to natural hair BLISS as seriously as this 3rd time!  My last perm was in April 2008 and I BC'd in September of 2008 and wore my hair in a mohawk for about a year.  I decided to go natural because I was tired of living my life around my hair.  I just went swimming for the 1st time a couple of weeks ago in YEARS because when I had a perm, I didn't want to mess up my hair.  When I looked back at my childhood pictures when I was permed, I saw my kinky curly hair healthy, full and all the way down my back and said to myself, "THAT is me! This perm is NOT!"  I am putting my foot down and embracing Maiya as God created her!

My friends and family were VERY supportive of my decision to go natural.  But honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less from them because I surround myself with people who uplift me and want the best for me.  A bit of advice for new naturals/transitioners- only allow people in your life who will support you in your journey.  You will have good hair days and you will have bad hair days.  Days that you feel absolutely beautiful and days where you think you look CRAZY, lol.  You don't want people in your corner pushing you back to that "creamy crack." You want people to tell you, "Girl! Stick with it! Before you kno it, your hair will be exactly where you want it to be!"  Those are TRUE friends and they will be there for you for more than just a hair disaster.  They will be there for life!