I always laugh at how appalled my children get when I tell them if I lose all my hair  (read about my hair story here.) I’ll get a tatoo of an orchid growing up my neck and the back of my head. My kids are not tatoo fans…which part of me is happy about.

I think doing such a permanent thing to your body can be the cause of future regret, because we are never the same person we are in the future that we were in the past.

As a psychotherapist, I’ve also read tons of studies about tattoos, their addictive nature, and findings that seem to show that lack of affection in childhood might be the root cause of self injurious behavior…in which category tattoos get lumped.

At the same time, in working with clients and staff, and having friends who have beautiful, deeply meaningful stories behind equally beautiful tatoos I am reminded, “For every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.”

Now, when I’m out and about in the world, and see a tatoo that catches my eye, I always ask about it, and I always enjoy the story behind it.

And I know if I ever end up getting a tatoo of an orchid, growing on my bare scalp, I will be happy to share its meaning…that the process of losing my hair has caused me to grow in beautiful ways I never would have otherwise.

Our trials are a double edged sword,

Providing us with the potential to fight our fears and cut out the crap.