While it made a slight difference on the inside (yes — certain shades did make me feel freer and even sexier at times), the most enriching part of this experience was learning to appreciate my own eye color and the place it, along with so many other little pieces (hello, unmanageable hair!), has in making me ME.
My eyes are nearly identical to those of my sister. This seemed like a miracle since mine were light and hers were dark as children (never mind the fact that she was obsessed with the blue shade). They're also the same shade as my dad's only sister, with whom I'm close and am proud to be told I look a lot alike. Plus, it's cool how they have a chameleon effect, taking on a different tone depending on how the light hits.
I may not have blue eyes (or, as Dr. Chernich would counter, we all do hide behind all that pigment), but they're healthy. And, to revisit one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books growing up (in which a bunch of Sneetches get stars on their bellies in hopes to stand out only to end up the new ordinary), the world would be a pretty boring place if we all looked the same.
As for those times I still want to mix things up (after I give my own eyes a little time back in the spotlight, of course), it's nice to know that switching out my eye color is now as easy — and safe — as throwing on a new necklace or dyeing my hair.
