Most people could indeed benefit from a little bit more self-love. Self-love isn’t a permanent state of being psyched that you’re you—but it’s a habit of prioritizing your needs as much as you prioritize anyone else’s. In short, it’s learning how to take care of yourself and then committing to doing it. Further, there are psychological benefits to practicing more self-love. Psychologists say that self-love increases productivity and strength while decreasing stress at the same time. To reap the benefits, some of us could use some daily reminders. In other words, why not nudge yourself toward more self-compassion with some new ink in the form of inspiring tattoos?
Everyone Defines Self-Love Differently
What self-love looks like to you will be somewhat different from how it looks to anyone else. Some people like to focus on body positivity and loving the way they look at any size. Comparatively, other people want reminders to practice mindfulness or self-care. Still, others may want a reminder that it’s okay to forgive themselves for mistakes or to set and maintain boundaries. It could be a word that motivates you or an image that encourages you to keep going in spite of any obstacles.
Inspiring Tattoos Don’t Have to Be a Cliché
No, not every tattoo has to mean something. But if you can have something that is pretty and at the same time is a meaningful reminder of what a bad-ass you are, how could you turn that down? There are many different ways to express your commitment to self-care, from a permanent remembrance of a time you triumphed to a piece that shows just how much you’ve grown. Quotes from your favorite movie or literature that help you feel like you could take on an army are also a good pick, for instance. As long as you find something that explicitly resonates with you, you’ll have a piece that you undoubtedly love for a long time to come.
Check Out These Inspiring Tattoos
Below are some positive tattoos that will keep your empowerment front of mind. First, here’s a simple reminder of self-love.
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Next, the elusive and ever-fleeting palm tattoo is a heck of a battle cry.
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Why not go the meta route, and get a tattoo of a tattoo? It’s body positivity on body positivity.
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Here’s a necessary reminder that we’re all works in progress.
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If your therapist is always giving you the same piece of advice, then it might be helpful to have a constant reminder right on your body.
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PSA: Inspiring tattoos aren’t just for women, after all.
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The phrase “handle with care” doesn’t signify fragility. What it means is that you deserve the same level of respect as anyone else—a good reminder for us all.
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Here’s a dainty, simple, crown tattoo, in case you ever forget that you are a queen.
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More Empowering Tattoos
Confidence is always inspiring.
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Here’s a fun twist on a traditional tattoo.
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This Italian phrase means “take care of yourself.”
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Covering up self-harm scars is an act of self-care.
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You could always go the matching route, and have the whole group simultaneously get some inspiring tattoos.
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Hard times always help you appreciate the good times more.
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Lastly, here’s a powerful quote from the iconic poem by Maya Angelou.
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Check out the Tattooed Women galleries for more tattoo inspo!