" Body Book" Poetry Project | My Tattoos & Their Meanings

"My Body Book" Poetry Project & My Tattoo Meanings

To me, tattoos are more than just ink. They’re pieces of a story—moments, memories, and symbols of what matters most. Every tattoo I have carries meaning, a reminder of who I am, where I’ve been, and what I hold close.

Here’s a look at my tattoos and the stories behind them.

Resilience (Ribs)

This was my first tattoo, done in Paris. It originally had a small cross beside the word resilience, symbolizing strength, faith, and perseverance through challenges.

Compass (Hip)

I’ve always been a bit directionally challenged, so a compass felt fitting. But more than that, it represents my daughters, Stella and Zenley. When I first got it, only their initials (S and Z) were marked on two of the six pegs, because no matter what, they are my true north—I always find my way back to them.

Balance Scale: Sun & Moon (Forearms)

A scale with the sun and moon reminds me of the importance of balance. Light and dark, joy and sorrow—one cannot exist without the other. This tattoo is a daily reminder to embrace both sides of life.

The Dancing Goat (Left Ankle)

I love goats, so naturally, I got a goat tattoo. One of the best things about it is that when I lift my foot, it looks like it’s dancing—something that always amused my dance students. A fun little touch to an already special tattoo.

Compass Update: E & R (Hip)

Later, I added an E for Edward, my grandpa, and R for Rachel, my best friend. Their impact on my life is something I always want to carry with me.

Pause, Play, Volume Symbols (Wrist)

For my love of music and as a reminder to know when to pause, play, turn up my volume, and turn it down. Although small, this was by far the most painful of them all.

The Rose (Bicep)

A rose to match my grandma, who got the same tattoo on her 60th birthday. A symbol of love, beauty, and the connection we share.

Resilience Cover-Up: Butterfly

At first, I had a small cross beside the word resilience. But as my faith changed, I decided to cover it with a butterfly to celebrate My Metamorphosis—a poem I wrote that won a poetry contest. It also represents my transformation during that time in my life. Resilience was the theme I chose when I was a guest editor.

Hourglass (Right Ankle)

Time is precious, and the hourglass tattoo is a constant reminder to cherish every moment.

Music Notes (Feet)

This one is extra special—three-count music notes drawn by my daughters, Stella and Zenley. Three is my favorite number. Even though they accidentally made them backwards, I wanted to keep them exactly as they were. It’s a sweet snapshot of their creativity and their little hands at that age. They love music and instruments too.

Final Compass Additions (G, J, & C)

To complete my compass, I added three more letters:

• G for God first, and then my grandparents.

• J for Jesus and my first fur-child, Jaxon.

• C for Christianity, Christ, Cancer, and the Chris’ who have impacted my life.

  
  

Cross (Inner Lip)

Most recently, I got a small cross tattoo on my inner lip -- something simple but powerful. It’s a quiet symbol of my faith, but also a reminder to speak boldly about what I believe in. For me, it represents the idea of preach and go—to carry my faith with me everywhere and share it whenever I can.

What’s Next?

I have more tattoo ideas lined up. The next one I’m working on is a Tarzan-inspired piece.

"Body Book" Poem

(Slide show and voice-over to be uploaded on IG)

I’ve been working on this project for a while. I wrote this poem initially just to share my love for tattoos and the stories they tell. Then, I reached out to some friends and asked if I could include their tattoos in this slideshow because I love how tattoos connect people too. I appreciate all of those who shared their tattoos with me and the stories behind them.

I believe every tattoo is a piece of art, a moment in time, and a chapter of our lives. It’s something worth appreciating.

P.S. For those I spoke to who said they didn’t have a tattoo but wanted one—if you like any tattoos in the slides and want recommendations, I can reach out to the person and see where they got it done or give you my artist’s info.

"Body Book" poem