The Solar System Project
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Solar System Project

You are not a waste of space.

19
The Solar System Project
Shayli Kipnis

The day I turned 18, the first thing I wanted to do was get a tattoo. I was prepared for all of the concerns: how it'll get all "wrinkly" when I grow old, infections, pain or how it could turn out differently than I had imagined (see the paper clip as Saturn's rings). What I was not prepared for was the everlasting question:"Okay, but what does it mean?" Every time someone notices the circles on my forearm, this is the first question I am asked. It's hard for me to explain to acquaintances the full, personal meaning behind my tattoo in a short period of time, so I've decided to share my story through my newly found cathartic hobby of writing. Here goes nothing.

During middle school, despite having skin covered in pimples, the bushiest eyebrows you could imagine and a gap in between my two middle front teeth, I had real problems. My cousin/best friend moved to Texas, my sister went off to college, my great-grandma passed away, a very close family member went off to rehab, another close family member suffered from drug addiction, and my best friend since the fourth grade decided she no longer needed me in her life. I then decided I was no longer needed in anybody's life, as those closest to me were dropping one by one.

The life of a massive star can end in one of two ways: as a neutron star or as a black hole. Neutron stars are very dense. If they accumulate any more mass, their gravity will become too strong. Then, they will eventually turn into a black hole. This is what depression feels like. I always heard the expression that happiness is within our control and that we can "choose" to be happy. While I can see how this is true, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes, life continues to pile on more upsetting events, and we turn into what feels like a black hole. A black hole is a place where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. When depressed, it feels like everything is pushing you down more, giving a stronger gravitational pull. Then, you are unable to escape from the darkness that is depression, and it becomes hard to be able to see the light in your life. You feel trapped and cannot escape the various calamities dragging you further down.

That's why on my 18th birthday, I went out and got the solar system tattooed on my arm.It took me a long time to realize it, but I realized I am meant to be here. Even if it was something as little as a smile to a stranger on the street, I made a difference. Anything that was holding me down allowed me to gain strength to be able to climb back up.

When I look down at my arm, I am reminded that I am a part of something bigger. I am reminded that I am important. I am reminded that I am not a f***ing waste of space. And to anyone else who may feel trapped in life, neither are you. It's okay to need someone or something to help pull you up and out of that terrible, dark place.

I challenge those of you who are stuck in your own black holes to find the light in your life. Don't let anyone or anything pull you down. Don't let anyone think that mental illness is not as serious as physical ones. Don't let the world make you feel small. You are important, no matter your gender, religion, political views or mistakes you've made.

So, no, I did not get a tattoo of the solar system to help me cheat for my Earth Science exams. I got it because sometimes I need a little help and a reminder to pull myself out of that black hole. It is up to you to create the world you want to live in. Reach for the f***ing stars, get a tattoo of the solar system on your arm, and remind yourself that although you may feel small, you are an important part of something very large and something very beautiful.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51912
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33343
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956218
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181139
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments