Little Dragonfly

Dragonflies. They're so pretty aren't they, and I get so excited when I see one buzz past on a warm, sunny day. However, they are so much more than just pretty. They're pretty darn good predators, and given that one thing they like to munch on is the pesky mosquito, I am definitely promoting them to top of my favourite insects list (or at least I would, if I had one).

They also hold great symbolic meaning for many people, two of which are strength and change. Which leads us very nicely on to what I've been up to, but first a wee bit of background.

If you read my recent post, Why I Struggle with Faith, you will know that for a while I was suffering from depression, nothing like as bad as some people, but nevertheless, it was a difficult time. I broke, but do you know what? Breaking isn't a bad thing. Breaking is scary, but it's not bad, because to be put back together, you need to break first. Some may not agree with that, but for me it was true. I broke and came back changed and stronger. More certain of me, of who I am and actually learning to love me.

Around a year and a half ago I stumbled upon Project;. The project raises awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, both things that are very close to my heart. One of the things supporters were doing, was having a semicolon tattoo and so, for the past eighteen months I have been procrastinating about getting one too. My main reason for taking so long was this...

...I mean, come on, that just looks painful and unpleasant. However, the whole Project; was still there in my head and it means more to me than a few minutes pain, so I set about finding a design that was feminine, symbolic and incorporated the all important semicolon. Hence I found myself deciding between a butterfly or a dragonfly and guess which won? Not difficult really, the dragon fly.

Next step was finding someone to do it for me. Now being a tattoo virgin I a) wanted to find a studio that wasn't too blokey and b)find a studio with at least one female artist, both of which I found in our County Town of Maidstone in Studio Twenty Six and the super lovely Jessica. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, more excited than nervous, but the nerves, were nevertheless there, but both Jessica and her colleague Samantha, reassured me. I have absolutely no idea what I was worrying about, yes it hurt, but on a par with having your legs waxed, although bear in mind, my tattoo is small and very simple, I rather suspect it is a whole lot more painful if you're having something big with a lot of shading. So here is the finished tattoo...

I'm really pleased with it and I hope that it will be a conversation starter that might, just might help someone else to know that there are people out there who understand how they feel and to know that their story isn't over; there's more to come and they will be stronger and better with the right help and support.

If you're local and looking for a tattoo studio, here are the details for Studio Twenty Six.

Website: Studio Twenty Six

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio26tattoo/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiotwentysixcustomtattoo/

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/studio26kent/

Many thanks to all at the studio, who made me feel welcome and comfortable.