For about 10 years I had long, thick, only ever in a pony tail hair. Like you I thought about cutting for a few years and then, last year, I did it. Best thing ever! I had to go cold turkey on the pony tail, so I told the hairdresser to make sure it was short enough that it wouldn't go into a pony tail.

I use no product, I never blowdry it and I just wash and comb. I get it cut every 3 months or so, and my style grows out nicely (I think). I look heaps better with it short. DO IT!