Tattoos are a way for one to showcase his or her interests. They also may have a way of allowing people to symbolize things that important to them. As of late, I've been getting an itch for another tattoo. Meanwhile, several people that I know are somewhat against the idea of me having more than the ones I have already.

While I understand that my tattoos may look "unprofessional," they are also a beautiful way to showcase artwork of things that I find lovely on my skin. I also understand that tattoos may not appeal to others; but, on the other hand, it is my skin and my body.

I personally believe that tattoos are stunning on anyone and that it takes incredible patience and a lifelong commitment when it comes to actually getting one. When I was younger, I was deathly afraid of the idea of a needle stabbing me a thousand times per second. But having experienced it, I can honestly say that having my blood drawn is a worse experience by a long shot.

Recently, my sisters, mother, and I got matching semi colon tattoos with our favorite flower.

My mother got an orchid, representing reverence and humility among many things. My older sister got a tulip, representing true love to thoughts of cheerfulness and happiness. My little sister chose a rose, whose meaning ranges from hope and new beginnings to joy.

I chose a lotus. According to Goldie Hawn,

"The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. But it will only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first, you must have the mud --- the obstacles of life and its suffering. ... The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our stations in life. ... Whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles: sadness, loss, illness, dying and death. If we are to strive as human beings to gain more wisdom, more kindness, and more compassion, we must have the intention to grow as a lotus and open a petal one by one."

While a lotus is not my favorite flower per se, I love what a lotus represents. And while many people may not understand why I have a lotus and a semicolon on my wrist, that's okay with me, because it's my tattoo, and it holds meaning to me.

Moreover, we all have semi colons because my family is beyond supportive in reminding me that it is not the end. Our lives are worth living, and we have our own beautiful stories to tell. I've always wanted a semi colon tattoo, and I am so grateful and blessed to have gotten it with my family.

The semicolon project has not only helped me but many around the world thanks to Amy Bleuel (may she rest in peace.)

I'm simply saying that tattoos have deep meanings for many - and even if they don't, we should not judge those with tattoos because it just isn't our place to judge someone else. Leave others alone... and never judge a book by its cover.