I’ve been wanting another tattoo for so long, but I didn’t want to get just any random art work, especially since it is going to be a part of me for the rest of my life.

I feel strongly that, for me, a tattoo needs to represent something – it must have significant meaning to me; and because of that I wanted it where I could see it everyday as a reminder, so I chose the inside of my left forearm.

And this is what I came up with….

Description of elements:

Heart = Love
Yin Yang (inside of Heart) = Balance
Flower = Growth
Center of Flower = Self

(Kanji Characters clockwise from upper left)
Communicate
Care
Respect
Life
Heal

I’m very proud of this tattoo, as it is an original design I created out of my life experiences –

Experiences including: learning to find balance in my life; growing; realizing that if one has love for oneself and communicates with care for the self they can gain not only self-respect, but respect for life and through that process, they can heal and grow and realize their full potential and love more fully and balanced.

In a way, it’s a tribute to all the people and experiences in my life that have shaped me into the person I am today…

and a memoriam to Matt and Casey.

Always love,

Tags: Casey Chapman, Matt Butler, Oakland, Oaksterdam, tattoos, Temple Tattoo