Sean's Beard Must GO! {or not?}
Donation protected
What’s this all about?
So, I turned 40 this year. At first I thought no big deal, it’s just a number, and you’re only as old as you feel right? But, as you probably guessed I’ve ended up spending a lot of time contemplating my life purpose, aspirations, successes, failures and if I am making a difference in this world. In the midst of all this reflection came “No Shave November” and I had a profound revelation ...I’ve never grown a beard. I’ve tried to make it past a few days in the past, but I always gave into the itchiness and pressure from those around me to “clean myself up.” This time it would be different, I mustered up the courage and made a decision that I would do it this time, I would grow a beard before I turn gray. I was driven by two purposes. One, to support a family member I love dearly who is courageously battling cancer, yes she is way tougher than me. And second in the middle of all this serious mid-life reflection that came with turning 40, this seemed like the most fun and light-hearted bucket list item to tackle. So the decision was made and the razor was put away on November 1st. After about 2 weeks the beard was evident and I realized quickly that there were strong opinions for and against my latest “project.” People I hadn’t spoken to for years at work would stop by with comments. Friends on social media, at church, Cub Scouts, family etc., everyone had a story or opinion they wanted to share. My children say it makes me look 40,000 years old. My son covered his eyes the first time he saw it and said “Dad, you have to get rid of that!” But, there has been a lot of support for the other side and I have to say I’m a fan of not having to shave every morning.
Why the GoFundMe campaign?
1) It’s a great opportunity to have friends, family, and coworkers that mean so much to me come together on a topic that is rather lighthearted where we can have some fun. 2) Help your friend decide if I should keep this thing. 3) Most importantly it’s an opportunity to give back to beautiful people in need. Make a donation and then vote to SHAVE IT! or KEEP IT! by entering a comment. I will take the action of the side that raises the most money by December 21st at 6PM CST.
All the money raised will go to Compassion International specifically for the work they are doing in The Philippines. In one picture you see my “after” sporting a beard, but the other is me clean shaven with one of the beautiful children our family supports outside of Manila.
What have I learned?
I will leave you with a list of 10 valuable insights I’ve learned growing a beard. The list is essential for anyone mentally preparing for their first beard. Share with anyone in your life considering a first beard.
1. Refrain from blowing bubbles with gum, I learned the hard way. (Why is a 40 year old man blowing bubbles anyway???)
2. There is an instant camaraderie with other beard growers. It similar to what you see among motorcycle riders. Be prepared for “Hey, Nice growth man!” comments.
3. Everyone in your life will have an opinion on your beard and they will not be afraid to share it.
4. There is no middle ground. People will really like it or hate it.
5. Beards hold way more liquid than you probably realize.
6. You think much deeper thoughts when you stroke your beard.
7. You actually begin to invest time in shampoo and conditioner choices.
8. Watch out for children under 8, they like to pull on your beard. Strange really.
9. You will end up with food in your beard, it’s just inevitable. Learn to recognize the look of alarm on your lucky dining companion’s face.
10. You gain the confidence to do things you’ve never done before like wearing black socks with sandals. Or, maybe that’s just a 40 thing!
So take a look at the pictures and submit your donation and cast your votes in the comments! And please know that the rest of my family is hoping for the SHAVE IT to WIN especially with Christmas family photos coming soon!
Voting will end Sunday, December 21st at 6:00 PM CST!
So, I turned 40 this year. At first I thought no big deal, it’s just a number, and you’re only as old as you feel right? But, as you probably guessed I’ve ended up spending a lot of time contemplating my life purpose, aspirations, successes, failures and if I am making a difference in this world. In the midst of all this reflection came “No Shave November” and I had a profound revelation ...I’ve never grown a beard. I’ve tried to make it past a few days in the past, but I always gave into the itchiness and pressure from those around me to “clean myself up.” This time it would be different, I mustered up the courage and made a decision that I would do it this time, I would grow a beard before I turn gray. I was driven by two purposes. One, to support a family member I love dearly who is courageously battling cancer, yes she is way tougher than me. And second in the middle of all this serious mid-life reflection that came with turning 40, this seemed like the most fun and light-hearted bucket list item to tackle. So the decision was made and the razor was put away on November 1st. After about 2 weeks the beard was evident and I realized quickly that there were strong opinions for and against my latest “project.” People I hadn’t spoken to for years at work would stop by with comments. Friends on social media, at church, Cub Scouts, family etc., everyone had a story or opinion they wanted to share. My children say it makes me look 40,000 years old. My son covered his eyes the first time he saw it and said “Dad, you have to get rid of that!” But, there has been a lot of support for the other side and I have to say I’m a fan of not having to shave every morning.
Why the GoFundMe campaign?
1) It’s a great opportunity to have friends, family, and coworkers that mean so much to me come together on a topic that is rather lighthearted where we can have some fun. 2) Help your friend decide if I should keep this thing. 3) Most importantly it’s an opportunity to give back to beautiful people in need. Make a donation and then vote to SHAVE IT! or KEEP IT! by entering a comment. I will take the action of the side that raises the most money by December 21st at 6PM CST.
All the money raised will go to Compassion International specifically for the work they are doing in The Philippines. In one picture you see my “after” sporting a beard, but the other is me clean shaven with one of the beautiful children our family supports outside of Manila.
What have I learned?
I will leave you with a list of 10 valuable insights I’ve learned growing a beard. The list is essential for anyone mentally preparing for their first beard. Share with anyone in your life considering a first beard.
1. Refrain from blowing bubbles with gum, I learned the hard way. (Why is a 40 year old man blowing bubbles anyway???)
2. There is an instant camaraderie with other beard growers. It similar to what you see among motorcycle riders. Be prepared for “Hey, Nice growth man!” comments.
3. Everyone in your life will have an opinion on your beard and they will not be afraid to share it.
4. There is no middle ground. People will really like it or hate it.
5. Beards hold way more liquid than you probably realize.
6. You think much deeper thoughts when you stroke your beard.
7. You actually begin to invest time in shampoo and conditioner choices.
8. Watch out for children under 8, they like to pull on your beard. Strange really.
9. You will end up with food in your beard, it’s just inevitable. Learn to recognize the look of alarm on your lucky dining companion’s face.
10. You gain the confidence to do things you’ve never done before like wearing black socks with sandals. Or, maybe that’s just a 40 thing!
So take a look at the pictures and submit your donation and cast your votes in the comments! And please know that the rest of my family is hoping for the SHAVE IT to WIN especially with Christmas family photos coming soon!
Voting will end Sunday, December 21st at 6:00 PM CST!
Organizer
Sean Alcott
Organizer
Georgetown, TX
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