I got a tattoo on my left bicep that says "Let Go and Let God" with an arrow and a Lyme disease ribbon. Too many times I have caught myself trying to control everything throughout my journey with Lyme disease. I had to constantly remind myself to let go and let God bring me through this with his strength and remind myself that he does have a plan for me. I could never do it on my own but with God's help I can do anything. I have to endure the storm before I can enjoy the rainbow. This tattoo is my daily reminder so I never forget that God is with me and he will always be there to take care of me.
The arrow is symbolic of a quote I have loved for many years. "An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming." My life was almost perfect and then Lyme hit and my life was drawn back but soon I will be launched into greatness.
As far as the Lyme green ribbon, I hope that is fairly clear. I EARNED that part. I fought hard, endured much, suffered many ways and defeated the disease that tore my life to pieces. As I transition from active treatment to the rebuilding and recovery phase, I have to remember to not only rebuild my physical body but to also include the emotional part as well. I have to figure out how to put this behind me without forgetting what this disease has gifted me with. Because of this disease I had a very different high school experience than most (a much better one, in my opinion). I'd like to think I have a very unique perspective on life, a perspective that helps me know what is most important in life and above all I have learned what I CAN do when God is at the center of my life. This is me putting all my emotions from being sick to fighting for my life to remission into a tattoo that I can always look at and know I DID IT. I FOUGHT and I WON.This is me putting my life back together piece by piece.
Some say I will regret it in 50 years but even if it doesn't look exactly the same as it does right now the meaning and symbolism behind it will still mean just as much to me. I didn't get a tattoo because that's what all my friends did (quite the opposite). I didn't do it because it will be fun (definitely was not fun but very painful). I didn't do it because someone else told me to. I did it because I have something I want to remember and be reminded of for the rest of my life. I did it for me. I did it so I can heal from this horrid disease. I did it so I can remember the power God has to carry me through the darkest nights. I did it so I can remember the highest highs and the lowest lows and know that I am still standing here because of God and what he has done for me!
Here is a picture!
