The healing power of a tattoo.
I have three tattoos (prior to this one). Each I got at a stage in my life when I needed to take control and do something for myself. Each I have given meaning to after the fact, a tale to tell, when someone asks why I got it in the first place.
For me tattoos are a reminder, like sticky notes or writing a message on your palm. A way to mark a date on the calendar and remind you of something significant that transpired. This is the same for my latest piece.
My five year situationship ended, terminated by the one who also set me free. Initially the tattoo was to be provided by him, as he was learning how to tattoo as a secondary skill and passive form of income. He promised to give everyone one for free, not mentioning me. It was only after much time did he say that I would get one and would be his first. However, he did not give me the option of the placement or a date. I waited and inquired and it never came to be. I can see clearly now that this was his way of showing me what our time together meant to him. Empty words, no urgency, and that which will never be.
So now I am getting it for myself, a reminder that I do not need to wait for anyone and can do it all for myself. I wanted the cactus then, I imagined it animated in a running position. (Think Final Fantasy’s Cactar character) Poignantly running away from my problems perhaps? However, now it is a still cactus, but instead standing proud with a flower crowning its head.
I have always liked the exotic dessert plant for its look and character, but now it holds a greater significance for me. As I continue my counselling education and work towards healing my inner child, I have learned that all our current relationships are modelled after the ones we formed in childhood. So in order to break the negative cycle I need to dig up the roots. I recognize I seek affection like that which I was given as a child: hungrily taking in breadcrumbs like it is a feast.
So now the cactus tattooed on my lower left forearm symbolizes something growning out of harsh conditions, and with a little bit of rain (tears) it has blossomed. I am the cactus and this is a reminder that I have a choice to not be the result of my circumstances.
I asked around for tattoo artist recommendations, but eventually went for a nearby shop that could fit me in when I wanted it. The sooner the better to continue moving forward. To my delight, Third Eye Tattoo Parlour on Commerical Drive could, and they were having a 20% off all tattoo and piercing sale. This felt meant to be.
My artist was female and she loved my empowering story. I gave her the image I googled on a whim to use for a tufting project, the week before. I thought she would customize the piece for me, add to it to make it orginally for me. Instead she came with it printed out, as is. I decided to keep it, I didn’t have any better idea, plus this was not meant to be a big or intricate piece, but a small and gentle nudge of a reminder.
It was a quick appointment, under 10 minutes in and out with minimal pain. I walked away renewed and empowered with my new piece, longing forward to the day the flower fully blossoms.
Third Eye Tattoo Parlour
876 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y5
(604) 849-3270
thirdeyetattoo.ca
