Hair opinions?

Hey ladies!

So, I just got out of an abusive marriage a few months ago, and one of the things my ex used to do was control my appearance: how much I weighed, what clothes I wore, what color lipstick I should wear (oh yes) and my hair color. He constantly told me I would look better blonde (I'm naturally brunette) and nagged me until I finally dyed my hair, and even then, he told me it "wasn't blonde enough."

Well. Things finally blew up and he got arrested. Since then, I've been reclaiming my appearance. Slowly but surely, I cut the blonde dye out of my hair as my true color grew back in, and I've been growing it out with the goal of going back to shoulder - length curls (which I loved; low-maintenance, feminine, and versatile). But lately, I've been clipping back the sides into a faux hawk of sorts, and it feels great! It's a new look for me for sure, but it's easy, and it's not hot under there, which is a huge plus when you have thick hair. I've also been getting a lot of compliments, which is nice, not that I need affirmation from others to enjoy my own appearance, but let's face it ladies, it does feel good to get a kind word about how you look.

What do you think? Should I take the plunge and shave off the sides, make this hawk fly?