So the visual calendar works for you?

It definitely works for me. I have a years worth of printed calendars in an A4 display folder on my bedside table. During each month I put that particular calendar up on the wall next to my bed, and when the month is over I put it back in the folder. So I have a record of my pulling for a whole year. I rate each day out of 10, 0 being zero hairs pulled and 10 being the most I'd ever pull in one day. I draw a smiley face each day on the calendar if I've had a low pulling day (a rating of 3 or under), and I draw a smiley face with sunglasses for each day I pull zero hairs.The goal is to get lower numbers. It's great because it shows my progress much faster than my hair does. I think it's important to take the focus off our hair for a while and celebrate whatever progress we can make.

Nabby, you describe me...sigh...no, we are not crazy, our levels shoot sky-high, and we keep going longer than a duracell battery. I agree with C, you are awesome!

C, you have balance, and you are managing with all the changes in your life over time, and keep up with smiling faces!

That's awesome. I like that.

Me too blissa! Its so encouraging.

I love having records of progress over time. I used to have records of pulling or not for a whole year but it was on my iphone which is now gone forever unfortunately. I love the folder and printed calendar idea though! I used to keep a blog with records and pictures as well (private blog) but my phone no longer has a camera and paper gives a better visual!

Oh that sucks you lost your records.. Yes, im a big fan of digital, I have many digital to do lists (I love wunderlist). But paper and beside my bed is the best method for tracking my pulling for me. That way I cant ignore it, also it makes me feel great every time I look at it if im doing well, and if im not I want to collect more good days to make the calendar look better.

Yep. Visual works for me. I have a habit of accidentally deleting...so paper is safer, especially for this project. You go, C, you've got this!

Thank you!

I did so well in July, every single day was low pulling or pull free. 29 pull free days.

August has been a bit of a struggle. Hormones plus sugar, caffeine, alcohol and no exercise equalled a few days of non low level pulling. A 4 and a 3. But im feeling positive again and im ditching those unhealthy foods for a little while.

whoo! Keep at it!

Thanks, what I eat and do during the day makes all the difference. Last two days have been zero's.

Oof august has been challenging, trich wise. Up and down. Then down. It feels so weird sometimes. I have a fresh wave of motivation so I'm riding it. Using barriers to help me out.

Hurrah for you! Making a difference, one step, one meal, one voice at a moment counts!


So proud of you, and know you have your support cheering squad available here!

Thanks mid! You're always there for me :)

Still struggling a bit. I'm up a few days then I have more pulling the next few days. Gotta focus on the good days.

I haven't been actively posting, but I am following your thread C! You're such a positive voice in this recovery group. The ups and downs can be exhausting, I agree. I'm sorry for the zeros...BUT mid is right, it is one step at a time and you are doing great! The two most important things are that we are not alone and that each morning is a blank sheet of paper for us to make beautiful art with. *Hugs*