The Meaning Behind My First Tattoo

For many months, I had been debating getting a tattoo. Would I regret it? Would it look tacky? Or would I love it? I knew what I wanted and what I wanted to represent (stay tuned in the next few sentences!) I quite literally drew on myself to see if I would like looking down to a reminder of the why behind my daily work as a social worker. I fell in love with the idea. This past Friday night, I was out for a glass of wine with one of my best friends and my boyfriend and just decided to grab life by the horns and go for it! We called to see if they would take a walk-in so close to closing hours-and they said YES! We walked in and the shop looked so clean and the staff were very polite and professional. An artist took the time to draw out different ideas and I fell in love with the second rose he drew. Here we go! I signed the forms, went on back and it started! The pain level wasn't awful-kind of like the sting of any needle-I always think as long as you don't actively think of the pain, it will be ok! (PS-this is my motto when donating blood-something everyone who is able should look into!) Anyway, here's the reason behind my tattoo taken from my Instagram page "Trauma, life’s biggest thorn. My first tattoo was created with intention to remind myself that no matter what trauma we encounter in ourselves and find in others, life can be beautiful. I have experienced my own hardships and have seen children in the throes of trauma through my job as an elementary school social worker. I wanted a visual reminder to myself when I am de-escalating a child in crisis that this is their thorn. They can and will get through their battles, whether it be child abuse, witnessing domestic violence or homelessness, but may need help fighting through these trauma factors. This is my reminder to love them fully, support them at their bests, and be there when their lives throw more thorns at them. They show me daily how beautiful life can be, and I hope to serve as their reminder that I am there for them unconditionally no matter their circumstances."