When I was scrolling though Pinterest the other day I saw a quote that read “You only truly know me when you know what my tattoo means to me”. This rang so true to me. I have had a lot of comments about my tattoo recently and a lot of questions.

I love the initial look of shock on peoples faces. It used to be the same look when people saw that my arm was ‘missing’. But now its because I have chosen to decorate and own my limb difference. This is something that I had been wanting to do for years. But to find the right time and tattoo to signify this massive step of acceptance would prove difficult and take a long time.

Firstly I needed to get over the stares that I experienced on the daily. If I couldn’t deal with the looks I already get then I wouldnt be comfortable with inviting more with a massive sleeve! This process only took 25 years but once I realised that the I didn’t see the stares anymore I knew it was time.

Then it was the design. This took a little less time to decide on. After creating a massive Pinterest board of floral designs I took that and photos of my wedding bouquet to my tattooist and he nailed it! I was and am in love with the design and I cant wait to add more to my sleeve once Noah has finished feeding!

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So now you truly ‘know’ me – my tattoo is more than a statement of my personality. It is a statement of self acceptance and love for how I was made. People express this in many ways but mine looks like this.