Affirmation Tattoos Are A Permanent Reminder Of Your Best Self — Here Are Our Favorites
Affirmations are always in style. Even the most cynical of us have a few phrases that we turn to when we need a friendly reminder that things aren't all that bad. "A positive affirmation is a concise, realistic statement that embodies something we value, whether it's who we want to be or what we want in life," clinical psychologist CJ Bathgate, Ph.D. told Forbes.
Because affirmations have such a powerful impact on our lives, some people are taking the words that give them a bit of a serotonin boost and making them permanent. Also called mental health tattoos, affirmation tattoos are having their moment as our culture realizes it's empowering to own our imperfections, and there's no shame in our messy yet beautiful human flaws. "Tattooing in itself is a therapeutic medium to some — myself included," tattoo artist Jaz Paulino told InStyle. "I have clients who have gone through terrible experiences in their lives that have left both mental and physical marks behind, but through getting tattooed, they have regained a sense of power within themselves as they cover their (physical and mental) scars with something beautiful."
Although all tattoos have a special meaning to those who have them, affirmation tattoos take that meaning even further. Whether you opt for a phrase or a symbolic image, there's a world of affirmation tattoo options out there for you.
Self-love
If there's anything that we can take from that epic monologue in "Barbie," it's that being "just right" is an impossible thing to be in this culture — especially if you're a woman. But an affirmation tattoo that simply reads, "I am enough" is a powerful reminder that no matter what you do, you will always be just right. Also, having it on the inside of the arm is a perfect spot so it can easily be seen at all times.
Growth
We're all a work in progress. Whether we're 28 or 98, learning lessons and growing is the name of the game in life. For people who like to be reminded that they're still not fully formed — and never will be, because that's just humanity — a tattoo that both showcases and gives a nod to that growth we're all doing personally and collectively, can be an empowering choice.
Resilience
When trying to decide on an affirmation quote, literature and music are great places to start. One poem in particular that people reference quite a bit, either in its entirety or in pieces, is "Go to the Limits of Your Longing" by Rainer Maria Rilke: "Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final." Sure, it's kind of been played out since popping up in "Jojo Rabbit," but when it comes to affirming your strong, resilient heart — especially after a loss — this one is pretty much perfect.
Feminist mantra
If you're sick of the patriarchy bossing women around, then a good way to fight back is to take up space. To say what's on your mind, to be loud, bold, and invite yourself to the table — because you know they're not sending an invitation to any of us. If this is something you struggle to do in your personal and/or professional life, then a reminder in an accessible place is the best way to make sure that you're, well, taking up space. Wrists and arms are ideal spots for these mantras.
Fearlessness
You don't have to have been alive very long to know that this place can be scary, and being able to admit you're afraid is a testament to one's ability to be vulnerable. Sometimes being fearless is just as empowering — but in a completely different way. Again, we have another tattoo that's on the arm so it can be easily seen whenever the world is giving you one heck of a headache.
Because affirmation and mental health quotes are personal to everyone who has them, what you choose is up to you, your past, your present, your future, and what you hold near and dear to you. It's a symbol of the journey you're on and what it takes to remind you to keep going or to take a moment to remember your worth.