Your own skin

I've been contemplating for a long time about revealing one of my best kept secrets. It's a grey area that society has mixed opinions about. I often wonder what kind of Mother am I if I don't show our children that it doesn't matter who you are, what you look like, what your fancy in life is; that it should be accepted without judgements. One of my strong beliefs is having compassion for everyone regardless their walk in life. I also believe that everything happens for a reason, good, bad or indifferent, there's usually an educational reasoning behind things we don't necessarily understand or want to accept. I have issues with how society draws a fine line on what's acceptable or not. For example; how big a family should be or having two parents consisting of a Mother and Father. If you're happy, live with who you are. Be in love with the same sex, remain single, don't marry or have children. Dye your hair purple and get tattoos. Raise one child or twenty-five. Sky dive naked. Just live and be comfortable in your own skin. I debated heavily in posting this because unfortunately judgement is absolutely everywhere but I came to the realization that it doesn't matter; judgements exist regardless. You're either going to like me for who I am or delete me. Either way, we all need to be happy with ourselves and our children need to witness and learn to be true with themselves. So here's my big reveal, (some of you already know) I have tattoos. I started getting tattoos when I was seventeen because I wasn't living comfortably in my own skin. I suffered from a skin condition that resulted in scarring and it made me very insecure to show my own flesh. A condition inherited from my Grandmother on my Mother's side. We all have reasons for everything......regardless what it is, even if it's a form of expression, it's an individual decision. Anyone who has tattoos know it's a form of art. The tattoos I have, have meaning. Most represent me and all my children's names are located in feathers. I won't get into great detail but it's a complete back/half sleeve tattoo with lots of personality and meaning. I also know that there is a time and place for everything. I have respect for who I'm with and where I am. For example; My mother hates them. So with respect, she will never see what I have. I also know that having tattoos creates instant judgements, being a Mother of many, some people frown on me for setting the stage for such body manipulation. The truth is, who I am and my personality hasn't changed. People who look different aren't necessarily different within. I have felt in the past that some people won't even approach me if a tattoo is revealed. I know many individuals covered in tattoos that are extremely educated and very talented. They also have families of their own. The circle of people I know is wide, some drive harley's, some are doctors, nurses, teachers, first aiders and tattoo artists. All of which are wonderful people. We all have something to contribute to this world that is unique. One of my best friends years ago was homosexual. I was always envious of him for being himself. Like Ellen Degeneres, she's a successful powerful woman that is proud of being who she is. I honor people that can be themselves and to show the rest of us that it doesn't matter what we think as long as they're happy. It takes great courage and strength to be openly honest. My husband keeps saying, "Don't hide yourself" He loves me for who I am and he really wouldn't care if I was covered in tattoos from head to toe although he would never get one. I find him to be a genuine person to love unconditionally without judgements. If only the whole world could walk up to each other no matter what we looked like, no matter who we were and said, "Hello" I make a habit to talk to strangers all the time regardless if they have extreme purple hair. I told a young teen she was beautiful today. She had bright purple hair, tons of black makeup and piercings. She was definitely making a statement of individuality, good for her. Who am I to judge? Do I regret the tattoos I carry? Yes and No. Only because I feel I can't openly express myself without being judged. Now, can you imagine someone hiding something more then a tattoo? It can be a sad situation and life should be full of happiness within yourself to be you. Our children know. They see me all the time, they don't even notice a difference and they love their Mom for who she is. I love them even more to know they're growing up learning to respect differences and accept a unique world. So there you have it.......more personal tidbits about me. It doesn't change who I am. I just feel that now the hot weather is here, eventually you'll see a piece of me that perhaps you never did before and I will be comfortable in my own skin. Be yourself. Be real.

Relegation Tattoo - 250-933-2277
relegationtattoo@gmail.com

"You were born to be real, not to be perfect. You're here to be you, not to be what someone else wants you to be" - unknown.