Good morning everyone, how are we doing today?! If you’re reading this it means I had to get up at 4 am and get to work by 5:15…LAST TIME THOUGH! 🙂
Okay, funny story. If you’ve been following the blog for awhile you might recognize the title of this post. I actually already had this on my old blog but I found out it got lost in the transfer.
SO, I’m re-posting it now because I love my tattoos but I know everyone has their own opinions about them.
You have that for life! I know.
Are you sure you want that on your body? Yup!
Isn’t it going to hurt? It sure will!
Sound familiar? Well here’s what my tattoos mean to me. 🙂
In October 2014, I received my first tattoo on my ribs, pictured below.
But hold on…let’s go backwards: what made me get this tattoo?
2 years ago, I was still struggling with food, body image, and weight. Sure, I was recognizing my disordered habits and seeing the nutritionist every week, but I was still miserable and frustrated. I thought I could get myself out of the hole, but I decided I needed a reminder. Something that I could look at and remind myself that it is all going to be okay. I’m stronger than this.
I had been thinking about a tattoo for awhile, so one day after rehearsal I wandered downtown and went ahead with it. I was so happy with what I received.
In Italian, the word “forza” (forts-za) means “strength”. In October of 2014 I needed to be strong, and this tattoo gave me strength. Hence the name! I got it on my ribs because my ribs have always stuck out so you could see the bones. Instead of seeing bony ribs as a good sign, I now see them as strong protectors of my heart.
Exactly one year later after my rib tattoo, I got this:
For those of you who don’t know what it means, this is the logo for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). It is easily recognizable as a stylized heart which can also be interpreted as the outline of a female body. The fluid lines of the logo also symbolize curves and motion; both are symbols of a healthy body image. It is also the symbol of recovery.
After experiencing a relapse in 2015, I knew I wanted another symbolic reminder of how strong I am and how much I advocate for a healthy body image. We have no idea how many women this affects, even if the person doesn’t have a “diagnosed” disorder. To me, this is a symbol of hope, strength, and self-love. I got it on my wrist so I could see it all the time and remind myself and others that I am beautiful, strong, and healthy.
I know some people have very different opinions about tattoos, but I am very proud of mine. The addition to my wrist is part of who I am. I am proud to wear this symbol as a beacon of hope for those who cannot help themselves and who are struggling. Of course I struggle too because I’m not perfect, but now I have even MORE strength.
For anyone wondering about getting a tattoo, make sure you do your research first. I wouldn’t get one until you’re ABSOLUTELY SURE that it’s what you want, but trust me, you’ll know when it’s right. 🙂
I love this candid shot from the dance photoshoot I had because it looks like I’m looking at my tattoo! 🙂
As always, I am here to talk to anyone who is having an issue or struggling with their body image, please don’t be afraid to reach out.
Now tell me…
- Do you have any tattoos?
- What would you get if you got one?
Remember to always be happy, strong, and BE WELL. <3
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