The Untold Story Behind My Tattoo
A story of ink, intuition, and embracing authenticity.
Question for people with tattoos: how do you feel when people ask about your tattoos?
When acquaintances see mine and ask about it, I just show them and let them make their assumptions. When friends ask about it, I get a bit awkward and would timidly say, “It’s just about self-love.”
Yep, that’s part of the story, but it’s a deeper tale than that. We’re all walking galleries of stories, and I’m finally ready to share mine.
The Day I Got Myself Inked
April 17, 2022 — the day I inked myself permanently.
I collaborated with my talented cousin, who sketched out a powerful image of a woman embracing herself, crowned by vibrant sunflowers. I wanted to make it subtle, so I placed it on my inner right arm.
I kind of knew already that I wanted to get a tattoo, and it’s going to be designed and inked by family. But I didn’t know what the tattoo was going to look like. Besides, I was also waiting for a meaningful reason.
And then it happened — the stars aligned. The artist, the meaning, the logistics — it all just clicked.
“Me and myself: We are till death do us part.”
The inspiration behind my tattoo? Glennon Doyle, the wise author of ‘Untamed.’
“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is a memoir chronicling her journey of breaking free from societal expectations. She bares her struggles with overeating, drinking, and drugs, along with her husband’s tumultuous divorce. The turning point came when she fell in love at first sight with a woman, Abby, who became her wife.
It’s a memoir of how she disappointed everyone’s expectations so she would finally stop disappointing herself.
Glennon’s story isn’t my own, but it’s a spark. It’s about tuning in to your inner voice, embracing your desires, and living your truth, even if it ruffles feathers.
I’ll disappoint everyone else before I disappoint myself.
(Glennon Doyle, Untamed)
I got my tattoo as a pledge to remain loyal to my authentic self. That I would commit to quieting down my fears and doubts and walk away from the cages of others’ expectations.
Intuition vs. Fear
Ever wrestled with that voice in your head, wondering if it’s your gut feeling or plain old fear? Here’s a way to tell them apart.
Fear’s the nagging critic that leaves you puzzled and uncertain. It makes you jittery, but can sometimes mimic intuition. However, fear creates imaginary scenarios that feel real. As a result, fear will put you into paralysis. You feel stuck, undecided, and limited.
Now, what does intuition feel like?
It’s like Glennon Doyle’s ‘Knowing.’ You might have your own name for it — Universe, Wisdom, God. It doesn’t matter; they all feel the same.
The Knowing feels like warm liquid gold filling my veins and solidifying just enough to make me feel steady, certain.
It feels like a gentle nudge guiding you toward the next right thing. It encourages you to take action, even if it feels uncomfortable. Although the future is uncertain, you don’t feel restless because there’s clarity and conviction. It feels like a sense of calm and reassurance, like how a mother empowers her child.
Final Thoughts
This story is here to inspire and remind each of you to embrace your own Knowing.
My tattoo is like a little source of courage right there on my arm, reminding me that I’m willing to let go of what others think I should be. I believe this mindset is key to thriving in any aspect of life — whether it’s business, parenting, leadership, or relationships.
So, let me share this with you: Lean into your instincts, your gut feeling, your inner Knowing — whatever term feels right. Life is too precious to be dictated by others’ expectations.
Stay unapologetically you, always ❤️
