The “Tattoo” for Inspiration

I personally have zero tattoos. I have wanted them at different times in my life but never long enough to get one. I have seen the drama it takes to remove a tattoo, so I promised myself that if I ever wanted one, I had to personally draw what I wanted and still want that exact tattoo in the exact spot a year later. So far that strategy has kept me from getting a tattoo.   

I have a dear friend that has a tattoo that I love. It’s a line about Sharpie-thick, approximately one inch long, on his inner forearm. To him, this tattoo is about walking his path in life. It represents who he is and what he wants. When faced with life decisions/options, he looks at this line on his arm and decides if the choice he’s making keeps him on his path or not. I have always respected him and his tattoo.

Because I haven’t been able to commit to a tattoo idea, I like to take the idea of a tattoo and superimpose it where I think I’ll need it.

Before I committed to my Second Seven Summits goal, I used to have more time for mountain biking, a sport I absolutely love. I trained and raced in Park City, Utah and beyond. I have a Niner bike that I used for a long-distance bike race and on the bike, right next to the handle bars and tattooed on the frame are the words: Pedal Dammit. Do you know when I was reading that? When I was tired climbing up a hill and my head was down. I’d look down and the words PEDAL DAMMIT were right in my face. I couldn’t help but smile when I would read it and, sure enough, I would pedal harder. 

I also take the idea of a tattoo into the mantra words I like to dwell on. I’m a huge believer in mantras and affirmations, and if you think about it, these are like tattoos, too.

I’m currently using the idea of a tattoo for a symbol that’s giving me strength. Currently my symbol is a lightning bolt. I have been collecting little things with lightning bolts on them. I have the symbol on a pair of shoes, sweatshirt, leggings, and even on a little charm. For me, the lightning bolt represents nature, energy, and power. Because I’m currently going after big physical goals, this symbol is powerful for me. If I’m going out for a long-distance adventure or training sessions, I’ll often Sharpie a lightning bolt onto the space between my thumb and first finger. When I feel low on energy, I look at my bolt and “recharge” my spirits.

So, while I have yet to commit to a tattoo, I have certainly stolen and love the concept. Be it words that I keep on a mantra repeat for whatever I am going through, or a symbol I assign meaning to, it works!

Find your word or words, your symbol, your number…experiment and see if it helps you find and source your inspiration! Then share with me how this concept is present in your life. I love learning from others!