The Lotus Flower

I have been thinking a lot about getting a new tattoo.  I've had a Lotus Flower design picked out for a few years actually.  I have just been trying to figure out where to get it.  
Why a Lotus Flower? The Lotus flower is unique in that they are known to grow in mud.  But they grow through it and are such beautiful flowers.  They represent life and beauty.  The pedals represent the potential for the soul to expand and blossom, and gain self confidence.

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I feel like this represents me and where my life has led me.  I have gained so much self confidence and blossomed over the past 7 years.  I have learned a great deal and have learned to be truly happy.  Having a Lotus flower tattoo would remind me of that and encourage me to keep blossoming and never give up.  I know it may sound cheesy but it took me a while to get to where I am now.  I'm not saying I stemmed from mud or had a bad life before.  Quite the opposite, actually.  I feel like I have just changed for the better and have become a different person than I used to be.
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In case you missed my posts on my other tattoos, I'll fill you in...

The heart on my wrist reminds me about love.  I tend to be pessimistic and assume the worst.  "Tend" is probably and understatement if you ask J haha  When I look at it I smile and it reminds me to love and be happy.  I chose to get an imperfectly shaped heart.  Love isn't always perfect and happiness isn't always without it's downsides.  Nothing in life in perfect and when you can learn to be happy and love what you have then things will be so much better <3 center="">

My skeleton key is for my Poppy.  He has a heart with a key hole tattooed on his arm.  I love him more than words can say and he has always been there for me.  I will always have the key to his heart.  
So, there you have it :)  The story of my current and future tattoos.  What do your tattoos mean to you?