Hello again, my most badass lovelies! How’s the last week been? Here’s to hoping it’s been epic in the best of ways! *raises mocha*

Sooooo, for this week’s topic, I wanted to write about something that’s been a huge part of my past, present, and the foreseeable future. TATTOOS! *happy shudder* I started collecting my little beauties almost ten years ago now (yes, I realize I’m not a young whipper snapper anymore. Gosh, didn’t have to point it out!) and, despite what I and so many other tattooed people have been told twenty times over, I haven’t regretted a single one of ‘em!

I think the main reasons for my zero regrets deal boils down to one simple truth. I’ve always considered tattoos as my own personal road map, one that I can look back on anytime and go: “Dang, Des! Remember that point in your life? Look how far you’ve come!” It’s just a glimpse back at a young me, and how could I ever come to hate that? Young Des might not have been the smartest in many ways, but boy did that girl have some good taste in ink! Lol. Here’s a couple of my all-time favorites that I still oogle at on almost a daily basis—

These in specific came from the very depths of my heart, both stemming from areas I knew I needed SO much personal growth in, so I wrote the reminders on my skin. I can tell ya too, IT WORKED! Seeing these pieces reflected back at me every time I’m in front of a mirror or seeing my knuckles wrapped around a pen…it truly moves me. STILL! I AM worthy of forgiveness! I WILL rise from the ashes! Life can try all it wants to convince me that I am unworthy, that I can’t overcome, that I’m too weak, but the truth? I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!!! *pterodactyl screech*

Quick little side note here for those who’ve been following my blog for a while now. I’m sure you’re wondering what the heck is wrong with me, writing topics so off the wall different from each other like this. I mean, seriously! What am I, some kind of nut? 😉 Simple answer? Yes and no! I’m a nut about the things that make me passionate, just like everyone in this world, but even more so, I’m a nut for the connections we can make with others THROUGH those passions. And lemme tell you what, tattooed folks are my PEOPLE!

Sure, most tattooed folks are pretty badass, sexy, and the kind of people you’d want behind you during any bar brawl. *winks* But, what I truly appreciate about them is their bravery. I’m not talking about the bravery to overcome the physical pain, which in itself is a monumental achievement, but more so their transparency. Art is revealing and personal! To have tangible pieces of your soul permanently pressed into your skin feels so dangerous and vulnerable to me, in the most beautiful of ways! (Please know, I am in no way trying to pride myself here, I’m talking about others I’ve been blessed to meet.) THESE are the people I want in my corner, inked or not. The ones who are willing to share their soul with the world, no matter the scars or bruises: those who choose to let their weaknesses become their strengths! We need that kind of honesty in the world! THAT is where the change we need will come from. Unabashed honesty in spite of what the world might tell us is “too open” or “too much”. Let me to tell you right now, I don’t think there is such a thing as being too much. Raw honesty is by far the most attractive attribute I’ve ever found in this life! If you’ve got that honest well flowing within you then, honey, your soul is GORGOUS!

So, here’s the fun part where I explain a little more about why I chose to write on this today. For the first time in two years, I’m planning my next piece! And I’m not talkin’ a little piece, like I usually get as I’m a broke ass b*tch. I’m talkin’ BIG! As some of you have seen pasted on my page, I quit smoking a little while back now. Today is day 27 actually. My goal was always to treat myself after a few months, when I was 100% sure that no matter what craziness life tries to throw at me, I won’t fall back on old habits. And so…I AM PLOTTING! *evil laugh* So far, I’m considering a new neck piece or finishing off my Bowie inspired “Labyrinth” sleeve. (For those of you who haven’t see “Labyrinth”, what the hell are you still doing here? Go! Go now and learn about the gloriousness that is the goblin King Jereth!)

(Gahhh, he’s just the HOTTEST! *fans face*)

(That sacred geometry though! Image not mine, obvi. Not sure who she is, but girl is a goddess! If this turns out to be you, drop your social media links below, PLEASE. Trust me, we ALL wanna follow you!)

Whatever piece I ultimately decide on, I am BESIDE myself with excitement! Because I know, no matter what I choose, it will be another beautiful plot-point on the skin map of my life.

Thank you again for spending some time with me, guys. You’re the best! Are you inked like me? I wanna see! Drop a pic, description or story in the comments below and let’s connect through honesty! LOVE IT!

Until next time, lovelies, stay honest!

-Destiny ❤