The Awakening

Who among us is so fortunate to have a life without hardships.  Many lament their challenges and cite their difficulties as the reasons they are held back, and can’t possibly take control and improve their situation. Helen Keller once said: Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.   

Here is Betty’s story, her tale of inspiration…

Most of my tattoos are related to a past filled with hardships and the victories that go with them. Many of my tattoos started appearing after my therapy in 2008, I consider myself to have been given a second chance, that is why the word ‘’LUCK’’ is tattooed on my fingers.

I had what many might call a delinquent lifestyle, filled with drugs and violence. It was a lifestyle in which I felt trapped for a very long time.  Then one day I woke with a moment of clarity.  I woke up telling myself I want to understand and change who I am.  

That is why the words ‘’EFFORT’’ and ‘’COMFORT’ are tattooed on my forearms.  I wanted to take the necessary and difficult steps to bring comfort into my life.

Life always gives us challenges to work through, it teaches us to control our demons and understand who we are, that is why I have a demon trapped within my flesh tattooed on my chest, to never forget to keep the demons inside me under control and never let them out.

Today, I am a strong and independent woman who has more control over her life. Never again will I let anyone or anything take that control away from me. I am a strong willed woman with a tender heart. That is why I have several cutesy pigtailed skulls and the word ‘’DANGER’’ tattooed on my lower belly.

I never want to forget why I became the strong woman I am today and that is why I will get tattoos throughout all of my life. Tattoos are, for me, a way to express myself just like a painter and his canvas. It is also a way to externalize the pain of each hardship.

I have learned that my actions and my past do not define me. I can change.  When I imprint tattoos on my body, I ultimately imprint them within myself, shaping who I am, and what I shall become.   
We should all focus forward and never forget - why we are, who we are.

“Your strength doesn't come from winning. It comes from struggles and hardship. Everything that you go through prepares you for the next level.”         ― Germany Kent

“The most painful moments and memories eventually lead to the greatest strengths and growth in life.”
― Kemi Sogunle