Le désir n’a pas d’âge (Desire has no age)
Last week when I decided to go for a much-needed haircut, little did I know that this routine trip would lead me to a heartwarming encounter that would stay with me for a long time.
As I entered the salon, I noticed a gentle commotion near the styling area. Curiosity piqued, I approached to see what was causing the excitement. To my surprise, I saw an elderly woman sitting patiently in a chair, her eyes swallowed inside, her frail body adorned with countless wrinkles, and her gray hair cascading down her shoulders. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, wearing a soft smile that revealed a lifetime of stories.
The hairdresser, a young woman with vibrant energy, approached the old woman, and with a warm smile, asked, “Ma’am, how can I assist you today?” The old woman, her voice delicate and filled with grace, replied, “I would like to have a hair treatment done, with a blow dry if possible.”
I couldn’t help but feel astonished by her request. There was an elderly lady, barely able to walk, longing for hair treatment and blow dry! Like a biased person, I wondered what motivated her to desire such a service at this stage of her life.
As the hairdresser began her work, gently washing and pampering the old woman’s hair, a sense of admiration washed over me. Despite the wear and tear of time, this woman had not lost her desire to feel beautiful, to embrace a small moment of self-care, and indulge in the simple pleasure of being attended to.
As the blow dryer hummed softly, the old woman closed her eyes, cherishing the gentle warmth enveloping her. It was as if the revitalizing air breathed new life into her, restoring a sense of vitality and confidence. Her delicate smile grew wider, radiating joy and contentment.
When the hair treatment was complete, the old woman slowly rose from the chair, her steps unsteady but determined. She turned to the hairdresser, her eyes filled with gratitude, and softly uttered, “Thank you, dear. You’ve given an old woman a glimpse of her youth today.”
Unable to resist, I stepped forward and complimented her by saying, “It looks absolutely lovely on you.” Despite her existing happiness, my words amplified her joy. She radiantly smiled and responded, “Thank you, dear,” her gratitude shone through her words.
Touched by the sincerity of the old woman’s words, tears welled up in the eyes of those witnessing this beautiful interaction. At that moment, age, wrinkles, and fragility were surpassed by the resilient spirit and the innate human need for connection and self-expression.
As I left the salon, my heart brimmed with inspiration and a newfound appreciation for the simple desires that reside within each of us, regardless of age or circumstance. The old woman had taught that beauty knows no bounds and that in honoring our desires, we embrace the essence of our humanity. Indeed, beauty and desires are timeless.
Nurture simple desires
Often, we become consumed by the complexities of life, chasing after grand achievements or material possessions. We may overlook the power of acknowledging and nurturing our simpler desires—the desires that connect us to our authentic selves and bring us moments of joy and contentment. By honoring and prioritizing these simple desires, we can cultivate a sense of well-being and fulfillment in our lives.
In a world that often celebrates youth, the old woman’s request challenged societal norms and expectations, that age should not restrict our desires or our ability to find beauty in everyday experiences. The old woman’s heartfelt gratitude to the hairdresser was a reminder to appreciate the kindness and small acts of service that others extend to us and bring positivity into our lives.
The encounter was a good reminder of seeking fulfillment in the present moment, appreciating the small joys that life offers, and extending empathy and compassion to others in their pursuit of happiness.
Dylan Thomas’s adage right goes,
“Do not go gentle into that good night … Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
#asmajanwrites #pearlsofwisdom #Reflections
Author’s Bio:
Asma Jan Muhammad is a finance specialist by day and a writer by night. Her extensive exposure to corporate financial management has honed her analytical skills which she aspires to use to inspire others. Her publications include “Reflections” and co-authored books “She Dares” and “She is Remarkable”. Asma believes in enabling others and in promoting tolerance, diversity, and equality through her writings. He online address is https://www.linkedin.com/company/asma-jan-muhammad-author/
