The meaningful stories and lessons behind all of my tattoos
Let’s Talk Tattoos!
Today I wanted to talk about my tattoos. I have many tattoos and they all mean something to me. I think tattoos are beautiful and tell a story. I am very fortunate that I work in the business world and do not have to hide them.
I got my first tattoo as soon as I turned 18. These were more spur of the moment tattoos and not carefully planned out with a reputable tattoo artist. I have several small tattoos but almost all of my large, visible detail pieces are done by @prettyboytatt.
My sleeve
I decided to get my first large visible tattoo a few years ago. My then husband, had gotten tattoos completed by a very talented artist. I had never seen such a beautiful tattoo up close before and it inspired me to get my own.
I started with a lion and a single rose on the inner side of my forearm. I got the lion because it represented strength and leadership. It was to remind me to be strong and brave. The rose tattoo symbolized new beginnings for me. I was entering a new chapter of my life at the time and wanted a way to permanently remember what I had gone through and overcame.
The next tattoo I got was on the outside of my forearm. This tatoo was a female warrior with an owl on her head. This tattoo was completed by Prettyboytatt. He perfectly captured what I wanted my next big tattoo to be of and was able to beautifully blend his work with another artists. I had gone through a very hard year, but had come out on the other side. I got the warrior to remind myself that I am resilient. I am a warrior.I can handle hard things. I will get through it. The owl on her head represented wisdom from the lessons I had learned through all of the pain.
At this point I had decided to fully commit to getting a complete sleeve on my arm. During this time I had gone through even harder things. My marriage had ended. A huge piece of me was no longer there. I began to identify with butterflies not just for their beauty but for their struggle. It takes time. Trust the journey. God will give you beauty for ashes. I added another rose with raindrops on it to symbolize the tears I had cried mourning what felt like a death to me. I added the lotus flower because the lotus blooms in the dirtiest waters and is undeterred by its environment.
The sunflower at the very top of my shoulder represents happiness. I went through some extremely hard times but with time, with self improvement and reflection I came out of it better. Happy. Healed. Focused.
My hand tattoos
My left hand has a triangle on my ring finger. This is a word my boys and I use when we talk to each other and want to make sure it stays between just the three of us. We simply say “triangle” and it’s known that it means family to us.
I have two lines on my left pointer finger. It symbolizes “you create your own reality”.
I have a unalome on my left thumb. A unalome represents how life is chaotic and the path to enlightenment is not a straight line. Its just another reminder to myself to be patient and trust the journey.
On my right hand I have an eye of intuition with a moon. Its a reminder to trust my intuition. My gut is never wrong. I need to lean into my empathic abilities and let it guide me in the right direction.
I have “promise” on my left pinky. This is an ode to my sister Christie. Christie, if you are reading this know that I will love you and will be your sister forever. Pinky promise.
My right arm has “resilience” on the inner forearm. I know that I can overcome difficult situations and bounce back better than before.
I have a cross on my back. This was the first tattoo I ever got. Shortly after I got a “cancer” sign on my lower hip. Each of those tattoos were not planned and I can’t say I went to the shop with intention of what I wanted. I was young. I went in to the shop with no idea what I wanted and picked out what spoke to me in that moment. Luckily for me I don’t regret either one and have not had to cover them up!