Dear Athena, as you are more than aware, some difficult changes have recently taken place in my life. I used to be an ordinary, beautiful – if I do say so myself – young woman, happily living my ordinary, beautiful life. About a month ago, I was punished for a crime of which I was the victim and not the perpetrator, and now nothing is the same. My looks are lost, and I am unable to interact with others as I used to. I couldn’t even if I wanted to, I am an outcast, a reject, a monster.
For clarification, my once luscious locks are now snakes, and anyone or anything who dares to gaze upon my formerly fine features is in for a shock: one glance from my eyes turns all to stone.
So, “dear Athena”, I’m hoping for the impossible, and asking you if there is a way of undoing this wrongfully bestowed curse. If there is not, as I suspect is the case, then I sincerely hope that you have some suggestions for how I can adjust to this new life and this new identity. –can’tdoathing_withmyhair
Athena says: I’ll be honest, when I first saw this question, my instinct was to ignore it, throw it out, pretend that it never existed. I’m the goddess of wisdom, I’m supposed to be infallible. How could I advise on a problem which I caused?
However, something stopped me from casting this issue aside, and it wasn’t my editors – I promise! I’ve treated you badly enough already, you don’t deserve to be ignored on top of that. I made a mistake, and for that I am truly sorry. I wish I had an excuse, but honestly I was just so angry that I couldn’t think straight. I needed somebody to take it out on, and you were much easier to get at than the person who deserves to be punished.
Trust me, your inner beauty is shining bright.
You are right, this was a wrongfully bestowed curse, but unfortunately what’s done is done. I cannot reverse it. Once more, I am sorry.
Luckily, I do have something to offer you other than this – undeniably – lame apology. In response to your request for suggestions for adjusting to your new life, I’ve put together this list:
1.) Remember that change is normal
While you have gone through an extreme physical transformation, you are by no means alone in having to cope with alterations to your appearance. Time, age, and life itself offer up surprises every time humans look into a mirror. Babyteeth fall out and are replaced, weight is lost and gained, lines of worry and laughter are slowly etched onto faces. By reminding yourself that bodies are changing all the time, you will begin to feel less set apart. After all, you’re really not so different, your hair has just turned to snakes where for most people it would turn grey.
2.) Accept the things you cannot change (sorry again)
Right now, a huge part of what’s making you struggle to adapt to your new identity is that you are still hung up on who you used to be. Now that you know that it is not possible to reverse the changes, it should be easier to let go of the past and instead, focus on who you have become.
How could I advise on a problem which I caused?
I completely understand if you don’t feel able to do this right away. Take the time to remember your former self and your former life, grieve if necessary, prepare yourself to walk forward into your future in whatever way works for you.
3.) Embrace your power
The ability to turn anything to stone at a glance is going to take some getting used to, but if you learn to control it, you have a remarkable new power on your hands (or rather, in your eyes). No-one, mortal or immortal, will dare oppose you again. Mastering your new strength may take some time, but it will certainly be worth it.
4.) Focus on your inner beauty
As I have said, change is normal. It can also be beautiful. Yes you were good-looking before this transformation, but who’s to say that you’re not now? Take a step back to consider what you like about yourself and your body right now – do be cautious around your reflection though!
While you might have changed externally, on the inside you are the same person. A woman bold enough to tackle an unjust goddess, a woman unafraid to ask for help, a woman of remarkable strength, trying to accept who she is. Trust me, your inner beauty is shining bright.
I will spend eternity (literally) regretting my rash punishment of you, and sincerely hope that these ideas go some way towards helping you to accept your new identity.
You are unique and special, but that is not because you have snakes for hair and the power to turn all to stone.
Do you have a question for Athena?
Dear Athena 