This Morning’s Reminder That I’m Human (and Growing)

This morning, in the blur of pre-work hustle, I decided to try a little sample-sized dry shampoo I got as a freebie in some order months ago. I’m not usually an aerosol gal, but I figured, “Eh, why not?”

I started spraying. Nothing really happened. So I kept going. Still nothing. In fact, my roots were starting to look greasier somehow, and the scent? Let’s just say the chemical cucumber vibe went from “barely there” to “aggressively present.” That’s when I squinted at the tiny, poorly marked can and realized: I had just doused my scalp in spray deodorant. Not dry shampoo. Deodorant. Shit.

There was no time to wash my hair. I attempted to blot up the mistake with my regular powder dry shampoo and got myself to work—roots slightly matted, vibe fully cucumber-forward. And now, every thirty seconds, a strong whiff of my own poor decision-making floats up to remind me of this moment.

And honestly? I can laugh. Not because it wasn’t annoying (it is), or because I don’t fear a headache from the scent (I do), but because this kind of failure doesn’t carry the same sting it used to.

In the past, a mistake like this—especially one that left a trail of scent and self-consciousness—might’ve come wrapped in shame, frustration, or the nagging voice of “how could you not notice?” But now? It’s a gentle reminder:

• I am human.

• I still move too fast sometimes.

• And I’ve grown.

The failures I have now aren’t like the ones I had when I was younger. Not because I’ve stopped messing up (clearly), but because the risks I take these days are backed by wisdom, intention, and a much deeper relationship with myself. That means the stumbles hurt less, the lessons are easier to access, and the whole thing feels a lot more like growth than self-destruction. Today I smell (strongly) like cucumber deodorant, but if the price I pay for a dose of perspective and humility is a cheap cucumber smell that reminds me of middle school, I'll pay it.