Here's the thing with my fears...I gotta pump myself up sometimes. I have to get comfortable with "them." Pretend that I am a serious contender. Yesterday's post was my "Rocky like" attempt to face "them." I need to rally my internal troops and wrestle my ego (that wants to take over and shut down my attempts at growth and doing new things). My ego is a big scardy cat too...my ego likes the status quo and does not feel that changes are necessary. And when pushed out of it's comfort zone, my ego goes from little kitty to big bad ass hungry lion! Do you know know hard it is to tame a lion? Sheesh! I do agree...that acceptance is better...gentler...but come on...sometimes you gotta just get in there and fight. Well, at least for me ;). Then when the dust has settled...be thankful for the lesson learned.
So... I do have a permanent reminder that I can overcome anything:
Getting this tattoo had to be one of the most painful and scary things I have ever done. I made a point of doing this alone (and after 10 years of thinking about it) because I wanted to prove to myself that "I could". Getting this tattoo was a journey to say the least. A journey of acceptance, transformation...and yes overcoming fears...
I choose the lotus, because in Eastern philosophies, it represents growth...it begins it's life in the mud at the bottom of a pond and goes through much hardship to grow. After a long journey, the lotus finally emerges and blossoms into something magnificent and beautiful. I love my tattoo. It's a permanent reminder to stay mindful, strong, and faithful. And most importantly, it represents my journey...that I made it through some serious crap. And yes...I faced my fears and knocked them flat on their face ;).
Take a peek...I am blooming 365 days in 2010
Honestly I am more of a lover than a fighter...sometimes
28 comments:
It's beautiful, Caroline! Not only because it's physically beautiful, but more so because of what it represents. Keep fighting, Ccaroline. I'm behind you all the way.
Now go get em, tiger!
I love it, loved the story, you put a lot of meaning into yours, you go girl, I think your wonderful.
It is gorgeous!! I'm so proud of you Caroline!
Nice tat!
Dear Caroline,
The lotus is beautiful.
We all have fears, and it is scary to deal with them.
You are right though, the worst thing that can happen is that you get knocked down - and get back up again!
Peaceful is great - and when you have to, that satisfying lion's rage/roar can feel quite good and be effective too!
You can be a woman who is agreeable - and a woman who has clear boundaries that she enforces. It doesn't HAVE to be one or the other, but a healthy balance.
Tats can be a reminder of many things....yours is a good one! Beautiful too. When my daughter decided to get one, she wanted it drawn by me. Permanent art of her mama's and her love of daisies and ladybugs. It turned out really cute and is so her. She had it placed in the same spot as you!
so beautiful!
LOVE IT!!! I have three and want more. Good for you!!!
I love when there is a "back story" no pun intend (ok maybe a little intended, ha) to a persons tattoo. I think your tattoo is beautiful, it is even more beautiful to me because I know what it means to you and how much thought you put into it. Thank-you for sharing your beauty.
Fantastic tat! You go girl!!
I LOVE your tattoo, Caroline, and the meaning behind it. I have my double spiral tattoo that I designed for my ankle and I LOVE it...the double spiral has a similar meaning to the yin yang symbol. I would love to get more.
Life seems to be a constant balance of ups and downs. How we handle them is what counts. xo
It's beautiful, and beautifully photographed. I have a special relationship with the Lotus, as well. Tattoos, I've discovered can be surprisingly powerful talismans.
I am happy that you finally did it Caroline. It looks beautiful and the choice of a Lotus is excellent.
(reporter junior2000)
I love the tattoo! Sometimes an external reminder keeps us internally sound. I'd like a tattoo but I'm still daring myself to get one.
As for Fear. You are such a bold person--Fear doesn't stand a chance. You step out almost daily with something fresh and new...it's taken courage and strength to become you, so draw upon that as you continue moving forward. Fluidity is a beautiful thing:)
looooove the tattoo and the bravery behind it...
and that bad ass hungry tiger and the ability to tame it...I'm a leo...lion, tiger....whatever....it's a beast that can be difficult to cage.....
so maybe we can just hold hands when we need the extra strength ?
May your fears blow away like dandelion seeds.
You are one strong woman, Caroline, if you can "take" the pain of a lotus tatoo right there... I don't think those fears stand a chance with you. :-)
Breathe on....
you remind me of the song "eye of the tiger"..wow you rock Caroline..bravery is speaking about the fearful things !!!!
it's beautiful.... as are you...
you go... face your fears head on...embrace them...whatever works. :)
xxo, kim
is this is your first and only tattoo, then you have join me and a minority group. there are fewer people with 1 tattoo than there are with none and multiples.
lovely choice. nice to find you and - although it goes without saying - i invite you to drop in at my place.
Beautiful and a great reminder of your strength and bravery.
I like the "back story" bit. Way to unleash the muse. Speaking of unleashing... why do we have leashes? Is it to try to force the lion back into some cage. Whatever comes out of us is always right, even if it appears messy. Mother Nature is always there taking care. Who are we?
Nice looking tattoo but cannot help but to think about the pain (winces).
You go for it. It is scary, but we must keep fighting. I have a very small business and your words are an encouragement to me to keep fighting and make it something special. Thanks!
I love the story about the lotus.... It has great meaning for many of us, I'm sure. And what a reminder for you.... Stay strong!
Wonderful encouraging story, full of mind, body and spirit.
Lovely soft focus dreamy photo.
Gorgeous! You're one brave lady. Wear that beautiful badge with pride :)
Love the tatoo, especially what it represents for you.
You go girl. Tame that wild beast but be ready to roar when neccesary.
Woman, you amaze me all the time. You are soft and sweet and bold and fierce. You are a woman after my own heart.
I love this tattoo, I love how you wanted to do it alone to prove that you could (the best kind of quest!) and I love the meaning behind what you have chosen.
As beautiful as you are.
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