Today I did something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I got my second tattoo. For some that may not be a big deal – but for me it’s still significant. I believe a tattoo should be significant. It should have meaning, a piece of your personal story, a tribute, and so forth.
My first tattoo is a phoenix, with a semicolon incorporated into the tail. You can read more about here https://thephoenixnarrative.blog/2017/03/27/from-the-ashespart-1/ and https://thephoenixnarrative.blog/2017/03/28/ill-rise-up-in-flames-part-2/
Today is another one – less artistic, but just as meaningful. “Every breath is a second chance” – inspired in large part by the song “One Last Breath” by Robb Nash (lyric video here: https://youtu.be/F1Evgj3dlO0).
If this is my last day,.
And I am left for dead
I need to find a way
To say what I’ve left unsaid.
One last breath to say I’m sorry,
One last chance to make it right.
One last breath,
Just a day’s all I needed.
What I wouldn’t do
With one last breath
There are other parts and ideas that went into it, but the core idea is that it’s never too late. It’s not too late to make amends. It’s not too late to start turning your life around, one step at a time. It’s a reminder to myself that I don’t have to stay stuck – that it’s possible to push my own limits and challenge my own boundaries. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark and how hard things seem right now, every breath is one moment closer to things turning around, each breath is one breath closer to Light returning when depression is dragging me down.
It’s also intended to be visible as a conversation starter. I live with depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The first part of winter this year wasn’t too bad, but the past 6 weeks have been pretty heavy. I do try to bring mental illness into a conversation when it’s appropriate, not for pity or attention, but to help normalize it… to help people be more aware of how widespread it is, and how it’s often NOT how movies and TV shows portray it. Often it’s so well masked that you’d never know who’s battling it or not.
Huge thanks to Jordy at Fine Line Tattoo in Ste Anne, Manitoba for doing this beautiful script work. As it turns out, Jordy is a nephew to Robb, so that was just an extra layer of “cool” to tie this whole thing together.
And as always, I am forever grateful for the SickNotWeak community. You’ve been a source of strength, inspiration, and courage for me – and I don’t think I can fully grasp how much that has helped me. You guys are awesome, and this tattoo is both inspired by you, and dedicated to you.
Much love,
The Phoenix Narrative 