Breaking Barriers I Created Myself

There were some things that I promised myself I would and would not do as I entered my 30s. One was to live unapologetically and to embrace who I am. I've walked on eggshells most of my life and always aimed to please people. Yes, I have always been a people pleaser.  Admittedly, I always cared what people thought of me. I also have always erred on the side of being conservative with my attire, behavior, speech, appearance, and my views. It always mattered what I looked like on the outside.

On December 31, 2017, I got inked. 

Not only did I sit through an almost 3 hour session, but it didn't even hurt like I thought it would. Oddly enough the process was somehow therapeutic. I originally wanted it on my back but then realized that I wouldn't be able to see it, especially if I had to take care of it. But I needed to make a bold statement for myself so I decided on my upper arm. Now I can flex whenever I look in the mirror when I admire the beautiful art on my arm. My anxiety was on high after the tattoo artist laid the template on my arm. Even after having three babies I consider myself to have a low pain tolerance. And then he began. I laughed after I realized the pain was not really pain at all, but just a constant, annoying, pinching pain. And BAM! I was officially and permanently inked with a red, thorny rose shattering through a glass encasement.  

Yes, it's the enchanted rose from my favorite Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. 

I love the new piece of art on my body. It reminds me that I am fragile, yet bold; gentle, yet capable of shattering through any barrier. I do not have to conform to my surroundings. I can think outside of the box. Elegant but tough. I am learning to look at myself through a different lens -- not only loving myself, but admiring myself and who I am as a woman. After all, I have to see the golden in me before I expect anyone else to.

What are you ready to do this year? What bold statement are you ready to make? What big step are you ready to take?

Plan that trip. Write that book. Create that LLC. Start that blog. Take that test. Enroll in that program.
Take the plunge. It will be worth it.

-Stephanie