i had an ex who had been a terrible and abusive boyfriend and he actually separated my shoulder one time and the way it healed is crooked so you could always see it and people would sometimes ask and i hated it so much. i rarely wore things you could see my arms in then until i got tattoos over it to cover it and it's still crooked but it's hard to see that under tattoos and i finally can wear those shirts again because of my tattoos making my love that arm again
Asia Mcdowall THIS! Wow I've never even though about that but it's so true. For once it's pain that I chose to have and want to have instead of being in pain all the time for no reason.
I dunno about self care but my tattoos help me when I dissociate sometimes, like I'll think "whos arms are these these aren't my arms what the fuck" and then I'll see my tattoos and remember getting them and sorta come back to reality a bit
batboy this is exactly the reason I'm saving up for my first tattoo now, I'm very much looking forward to being able to look down at my arm and seeing a piece of art I've worked&saved for.
Dissociation is something I struggle with every day, and is also a main factor in my efforts to get tattooed & have permanent fixtures/artworks in my life.
This comment made me really happy, because it made me feel less alone with my DPDR disorder. I also have a thing that brings me back to reality just like your tattoos, but in my case it's my piercings.
Amanda, can we get a video about Ethan? Where and how you got him, what his fave things are, etc. HE IS your son after all. I just saw the vids of him watching Adv Time and DIED.
Got out from an abusive relationship a month ago, and 3 weeks later got a tattoo. Its nice to know im not alone and being happy taking care of myself. Stay strong!! Love your vids ❤
Leire Uriarte I got a tattoo reminding me to stay alive when I was in the midst of an abusive relationship and didn't know how to get out and was suicidal.
Not about tattoos, but after I got my lip pierced about 9 months ago, I was way less insecure, even though it didn't drastically change my appearance or have a lot of meaning. I just felt more like myself and like my appearance was my own that I've created. So I guess any kind of body mod can be a self-love kind of thing, depending on who you are.
the first tattoo i ever got was "heartless" on my rib. i was 16 and fresh out of an abusive relationship, and when i finally had the courage to leave he told me i was cruel and heartless. so i decided to reclaim the word. if being heartless meant standing up for myself and my wellbeing, then damn it I'm the most heartless bitch there is. people think i got it to seem cool, or edgy, and i don't ever correct them when they say these things. i just smile and leave. because i got it for me, ya know? i got it to heal. and i don't need anyone else's opinion.
I was the same for so, so many years. I'm finally reaching a point where I have glimmers of self-love. I hope you reach that point some time soon, too.
I got/done my tattoos so I can remind myself to be kind to myself. My body is my journey to self acceptance, the tattoos and self harm scars are there for a reason.
That was honestly my first thought: "Holy shit, get a new therapist." The wording (via Qcknd, via her tumblr ask) sounded more like the therapist was demonizing all tattoos, not just the patient. :(
I had a therapist tell me to 'just get a hobby' after I'd sat there for twenty minutes telling her how my friend was terminally ill and I didn't know how to process it. Thankfully I didn't stop trying and I found a really good counsellor after that who has been wonderful, but yep. Not all counsellors are created equal.
I have two self care tattoos that I got after my shit-tastic first semester of college. One is a bee and some honey comb by my knee to symbolize that I am the "bees knees" and the other is a moth with the words "look for the light" to remind myself to look for the positive things when I'm surrounded by negatives. While these tattoos didn't drastically alter my second semester of school, they helped me feel whole and like I was in control of something.
I think all art is self care. Intimacy and vulnerability is inherent is good art, that's why people can connect with it! Tattoos are just noticeable and people often consider them as novelties and forget that even if there is no specific meaning, it still means something to you. It's personal art that's is with you forever
Yes, even sad or hateful tattoos can become part of the self-care process, because you can look at them as steps on your journey. And, if they hurt to look at, there's always laser removal and cover-ups. ^^
I just recently got my first tattoo. It’s a geometric heart with “you are not broken” in the middle of it. The words are the handwriting of a very important friend of mine who has been a HUGE part of my anxiety journey and it’s something she tells me all of the time and it’s something that is sometimes hard for me to remember when I’m in a deep spot with my anxiety.
Ever since you started making less videos (weekly) your content quality has really gone up. I rather wait two weeks for one thoughtful video than see 3 videos a week that are forced. Your efforts and creativity truly shine through when it comes from the heart. Much love
I just got two tattoos that I consider my self care and daily reminders. They’re very visible and I love them. A crown so that I remember no matter what I am always a queen and I deserve love, and a sunflower with the words “you are my sunshine”. The latter is a bit more personal as my mother used to sing the song to me when I was little, she doesn’t think I remember. My most recent tattoos have been one of the most extreme forms of self care that I’ve done. Everything you said about getting tattooed as a way to show love for yourself, I agree with. I loved this video! My next few tattoos will be along the same intent, adorning my body while I learn to love it more.
I wanted my first tattoo to have some sort of meaning to me and after years of being in a shitty place and hating myself completely I used my first as a motivation to stay clean. I got a semi colon and 'little by little' on my wrist. The song is about overcoming bullying and finding love in yourself. I still wasn't in a great place but seeing it every day has definitely helped and encouraged me to not let myself fall back to where I was. Everyone has shitty days and that's okay but looking back all those years, even to last year, I don't hate myself today anywhere as near as much as I did then.
Finally someone talks about this! I have a whole sleeve of tattoos and a shin piece thats all for self care. Between my anchor, captains helm, heart locket, ships and other pieces, they all promote positivity in different ways. I always freeze up when people ask me about them because they are very personal to me. But when I look at them they really help me with pushing forward and loving myself.
You asked us to share our own experiences with your topic, so I thought I finally would lol, btw love your videos. Ok so I've been abused by my mother really badly my whole life, while also trying to fight major mental illness (that I inherited from her), which until recently I've really never been able to talk about. And because of all the crap I've been through, I've always wanted a lotus tattoo ( you probably know the symbolism behind them) so anyway ever since I was a little girl, around 7, I remember crying and begging my father to leave my mother because of her cruelty. And now finally, a short time ago, he's finally done it, he's finally left my mother. And I know people think him leaving my mother is a sad thing, but to me it was amazing and brave. And might help me move on from the abuse I've suffered. And because of this milestone, I (someone who is actually trying to become a tattoo artist) tattooed a lotus on myself, to help me move on from my past and be proud of myself for being through all I've been through.
I am so glad that your dad left that terrible situation. I was in a similar pit of awful (abuse + inherited mental illness) until I turned 20. Blessings to your dad for finally trusting you and doing the right thing for both of you. Blessings and safety to both of you.
I've never been this early to a video in my whole fucking life. i was ready boi But to touch on this subject slightly, I feel like the tattoos I have were/are very important for my self care. My dad bought me my first tattoo as a gift, and it represents something I love and love for myself. The process of my second tattoo was completely my own. I chose the artist, I chose the date, I paid her with my own money, and I did it without confirmation or "allowance" of anyone else and it felt liberating and that's something I needed at the time. The other tattoo ideas that I've sort of "cemented" are to cover up old scars that really old me back in complete body acceptance. Even after getting the tattoos, the healing process and maintenance felt like self care to me and I actually really enjoy the process
i am all for getting a Qcknd tattoo, i honestly want one as well. your channel has picked me up from bad places many times. i will never get it until youre okay with it, but your channel and you speaking up about these topics help me and many people out. ive always wanted to get tattoos but always said my body wasnt good enough for beautiful art. but when i discovered your channel is when i actually started to think differently about myself and got my first tattoo 2 weeks ago.
Pink Galaxys & Pastel Stars I think a qcknd tattoo would be so cool. I think I'd want a word or somthing that reminded me of her. Hmm I'd have to ponder on it
Whenever I want a new tattoo, I'm always going through some kind of personal change. I struggle with mental health issues and whenever I can see potential for positive change I want a new tattoo. Don't know what it is! As far as body positivity, the more tattoos I get the more comfortable in my body I feel and I feel more like myself! I struggle with identity issues and somehow tattoos kinda ease those concerns.
Hey amanda, just wanted to say I'm going through a bit of a similar situation learning to love myself again after ending a relationship of 3+ years, and your words make me feel a little less alone. Love you, you're really strong and I wish you the best in this tough change of scenery 💕
just reading this comment gave me a little calm, as someone in a similar boat as well- thanks for inadvertently reminding me that i'm not alone in a situation
I feel you, i dont think that about my tattoos. But i think about that with my makeup, i wear a lot of makeup - its my creative outlet and i just love it so much! So we need to remember, if a person doesnt like something about and want to change it. They are dont deserve to be apart of our lives! I really think you should start going to talk therapy! Its the best thing ive ever done in my life! Its not good to go through life feeling like that!💜
I got my first tattoo when I was really really low (that dumpee life), and although its a beautiful tattoo, and isn't outwardly ~sad~ I still think of that time in my life when I see the tattoo. So now I only get tattooed at high points in my life, more as a reward for accomplishments. That's just my personal way of going about it and I always I love hearing other peoples feelings abt it
My first tattoo was a "self care" tattoo. I got a hand of cards on my wrist, meaning for me personally to remember whatever challenges life throws at me, it's all about how I choose to use those experiences to play my cards to shape my future. Basically meaning It's not about the cards your dealt, its how you choose to play them. Love your videos Qcknd, you are very relatable and very real/honest. Plus Ethan is just adorable. Keep up the great work!
This inspired me so deeply. Self love and self care is a thing I've struggled with for most of my life. Both of my tattoos are of ideas that make me feel beautiful, and remind me I'm always growing. My tattoos are my form of self care. I hope to get my next tattoo with a similar sentiment. Lots of love, truly :)
I got some tattoos when I was dealing with a heartbreak/broke up. It was my way to care of myself, at first it was because that way there would be a part of my body that was untouched by him, then during the healing process I started to care better my body and helped me heal inside. The tattoos werent about or for those guys, the meaning was about and for me. Totally understand this "self care tattoos" thing
Tattooing can be totally positive and you continue to do positive things with tattooing. I believe that you have turned this channel into a positive community for sensitive people who happen to like tattoos. Your videos constantly inspire me. Thank you, Qcknd :)
really been feeling like getting a tattoo just because i'm sad and this is a hard time for me. for self love and just to have something concrete that expresses that. i feel you girl ✨
I'm so glad you uploaded this video. I'm going through a time in my life right now where I am really working on self love because i've realized i'm just not happy anymore. Part of this involved getting my first tattoo which i've wanted for years but have never been brave enough to get. My tattoo is now a week old and I relate to this video so much. Getting this tattoo is part of my healing process and is helping me figure out the best way to take care of myself and keep me happy. Great video as always ❤️
This was a really good TTT. I love how one topic can branch into so many different ideas and ways to approach tattoos. Does anyone find that there tattoos at first hold no meaning except astectics, but over time develop meaning and new ways to interpret them?
I have two tattoos, I got my first one last year. I am 37 years old and I manage a children's pre-school. For the first time in my life I feel that I have taken ownership of myself, listened to myself rather than worrying about the judgement of others. They are both in visible places, and I love them! They make me deeply happy every day, they reflect 'me'. 🌞
I struggled with an eating disorder for years and when I decided to recover and was doing well I got a envelope and flowers on my inner arm. It's a love letter to myself, It reminds me to always cherish myself and my body. I see it when I am changing and whatnot. I adore your tender tattoo! It's a great reminder to take care of ourselves.
I didn't even realize that tattoos were used like this honestly, that it was common actually. I got a tattoo (only my second tattoo) on my sternum which hurt so much but I did it as a reminder that I've made it this far, that I've survived the dark thoughts and terrible ideas. Thank you for talking about this i thought I was just so weird.
Aw I think it's awesome when people get tattooed for self care. I am a chef and my dickhead of a boss left me to do bank holiday Monday all by myself with no help in the kitchen. It was the worst service of my life and at the end I went into the bathroom and cried my eyes out. I had spent the weekend with my best friends and we were just chatting about being female and all the things that comes with that (both from society and inside). I am the first person to put myself down and cheapen my experience and knowledge. In the kitchen I sometimes adopt a persona to exist and thrive in a male dominated environment but I survived that service just being me all by myself. So I went and got a GRL PWR tattoo the next morning to remind me that I am more than capable and to not feel like I have to 'man up' in the kitchen 💖
I fucking love this video, thank you so much for talking about this with such grace and honesty and sincerity. you're so genuine, thank you for sharing
This made me really think about where I was in my life when I got each of my 8 tattoos. I now see that some of my tattoos are self care tattoos and that makes me love them even more. Thanks
You're video couldn't have come at a better time. I just left my abusive childhood home two months ago and your down to earth explanation has touched my broken heart. I'm still healing and i have a lot more healing to do but this message has helped me so dearly! Love you lovely lady!
also, dude!!! this channel is absolutely something to be proud of! you've worked damn hard for your success and anyone that can't recognise that a tumblr/youtube is a real thing that is worth something really doesn't matter. you're the coolest of quiet kids, and you've started something that really means something to a lot of people!
Yo this episode really hit home for me and ngl I cried a bit. It's hard to love yourself and be proud of who you are sometimes and having a reminder is phenomenal. Amanda, you are honestly such an inspiration
Hey Qcknd, I've been watching your videos for a good while last winter, but for some reason I stopped for months. This video popped up on my recommended videos however, and I have to say I love it. I recently got out of a long relationship in which I wasn't certain about myself anymore, I was second-guessing my own choices, not for my own sake, but for my partner's. Fearing his opinion and thoughts more than I should have. As soon as I realised I'm on my own again, I booked an appointment to have a larger tattoo done, one that I've constantly pushed aside in my head. Now I'll have it for myself, without caring what others really think of it. To me the thought is therapeutic and a way to love myself more, with the skin I choose to have. All the best to you, you are a wonderful person!
Damn I love this! I just finished healing a "self care" tattoo and I didn't really have the words to explain why I got it or what it was all about, and I wasn't sure if other people would GET it ya know, but this video summed it up perfectly. Love your new additions, hope they bring you strength. 👌
I just got tattoos over my knees to help me through a rough time on top of a breakup a day after I got the tattoos, and I'm so happy that I got the little reminders. My right knee says "Be Strong" and my left says "Just Breathe". I really loved this video and related to it so much!
My second tattoo was a self care tattoo. It reads 'Quiet the Mind' and it's in a place I see constantly. I've struggled with anxiety and depression for nearly half of my life and it has caused me so much pain. Looking down at this piece reminds me to just shut up that voice in my head saying self depreciating thoughts. Seeing you but also others getting pieces dedicated to self care makes me incredibly happy. When you're feeling shitty and you go out and do this for yourself, it takes so much courage and strength to go through with it
I love coming back and rewatching videos I watched when I only had one or two tattoos now that I’ve become much more heavily tattooed. I feel like it helps me look at the ideas and information you present with an understanding that I didn’t really have back then
So far all of my tattoos are to help me heal. Every one is a memory of a loved one who has passed. Every time I look at my tattoo I think of that happy memory. My most recent tattoo is "love you more" in my grandmothers hand writing. So every time I see my tattoo I think of all those times when I was young and grandmother and I would try to say that we loved each other more last. The same piece of writing reminds me that as I lost her when she was no longer with us mentally when I left her room for the last time she told me that she loved me more. Now it will always be on my body reminding me that I am loved and reminding me of someone who I truly loved.
Body mods as self care has always been pretty true for me. My mods make me love myself more and feel more comfortable in my skin. Another commenter mentioned having a chronic illness and being able to be in control of her own pain when getting tattooed. It made me realize how true that is for me. Adding beautiful adornments to a body I hate most of the time makes me hate it less and dare I say...love it. Thanks for another thoughtful video Quacks.
I hate a lot of my body because I'm an anorexia survivor, but I started getting beautiful art on the parts of my body I dislike and now I love them. My arms are art and my thigh is art, people are looking at the art not my arms and legs, it makes me feel safe and beautiful. I am proud if you for getting the Q because it means you are starting to let yourself feel the love and appreciation we all feel for you! Xxx
For me my tattoos are a physical representation of me getting out of my shell. I was in a bad place for a long time due to mental health issues and originally I was just going to get something small. Then after researching and seeing so much beautiful artwork, I went ahead and got a big piece done. Its big , colorful, whimsical, and is something that makes me smile. Everyday Im throwing myself out of my comfort zone so I can be the person I want to be and live the life I want to live. How is that self harm?
this video, and a lot of the ones you've made recently, where you share your own personal journey through mental health, has been really helping me. i can't say that enough times. i just left a relationship too. i just moved to another city. i'm in the middle of exploring the city and myself and it's wonderful and it's terrifying. and this helps. so so very much. you're amazing and i'm glad you decided to make videos so that other people can find themselves right alongside you.
I just want to say thank you for this. Thank you for being real and describing tattoos in a way that I truly needed. This video felt like a hug, as cheesy as that is. I love the emotions behind tattoos. I got one after I got out of the mental hospital for depression, and that tattoo has so much determination behind it because that is when o decided yo dedicate my life to getting better. After my 1 year of being harm free, I got another. Tattoos are like goal markets throughout my life, and love that you shared a piece of yours. Thank you for your words and for always being you, you're a true gift.
So glad you're here Amanda! Not all my tattoos are self deprecating but I've changed all my forms of self deprecation to tattoos/piercings? Tattoos & piercings are a way to be in control of pain (for me) & that completely changed the way I feel about pain and my body.
Tattoos have definitely helped me with self-care because I couldn't wear anything that showed my arms just because I hated the way they looked. Getting a tattoo over the part of my body that I hated helped me love a part of me that I didn't want to even look at. It's a thing that's for me loving the way I look and not for anybody else because I've had people tell me "oh you looked better without a tattoo" but it's not for anybody else to hate me for having but it's for me to give me the boost I need to love myself.
It's not something I purposefully think about every time but it's TRUE and I only ever really think about it after the tattoo is done and I'm taking care of it, and the ritual of taking care of it, and the almost worship of every teeny area of your skin and body. I don't know it's nice. It is an unintentional reminder that you kind of give yourself every time. It feels so special ☺️
I started watching your channel after a major break up, and these videos empowered me to get my first tattoo, which I guess is a self care tattoo. It's a freaking huge piece on my leg that represents being a strong woman. My journey with loving my body and becoming tattooed and being fierce all started here with Qcknd.
Hi Amanda. First off, thanks so much for this video. I found myself nodding in agreement throughout the whole video. Everything you said really resonated with me. I found your channel just after I ended a 2.5 year relationship with a narcissistic and neglectful partner that left my self esteem shattered and in a deep state of depression. Watching your videos, getting out of my own head and learning at the same time was honestly so so helpful. I got my first tattoo not long after and now I have four! For the past few months I have been feeling this urge for change and self love that you were describing and have honestly been thinking about getting my own self love tattoo. Im so glad you got one, it is such a powerful reminder. Thank you for Qcknd and thank you for being the amazing woman that you are. You have helped me so much xx
I don't have tattoos but I so needed to hear all of this from you. I relate on so many levels. I ended a 3.5 year relationship that I had been operating under the assumption would last forever this spring and while it was something I totally needed, it was really hard and it was scary!! The way you're talking about your tattoos was me with clothes after this breakup. I just relate so much Amanda, thank you so much for this video, I really needed this. It's okay to be proud + love ourselves.
I seriously needed this today...I've been extremely self-deprecating lately. I always get like this before a big change (graduating college next year). I've been feeling lost, like I don't know purpose I want to serve in my life. I feel like I'm not good enough to go after what is considered the most "successful" route in my career. Like I don't want to settle, but I'm always putting myself down as being stupid, ugly, weird, awkward, etc...It's just nice to know there are others out there that feel the same. I also got a tattoo right before I turned 20 as a kind of anchor that stays the same throughout all the changes happening in my 20s.
I recently got a love letter tattooed on myself to remind myself that there are people who love me and that I am allowed to love myself and care for myself. And I got a bee and some flowers that bees love besides that to underline that self care and caring for others instead of that constant "they hate me" worry.
I have my tattoos because I like having what means a lot to me close, which is why all of them are on my arm so that I can see them. Not only do they make me feel happy, they help me express myself. I'm not good at telling people how I truly feel, and I feel like my tattoos help me. They help me remind me who I am.
You have really inspired me. I have for so many years struggled with accepting myself the way I look and I have struggled with the fact of loving my body. I don't have a negative tattoos but I now know what tattoo I want to get myself for my birthday. I want to get a tattoo that just says "love yourself" and I putting it in a place where not only I can see it but everyone else can see it so they can feel positive and inspired to love themselves too. Because you need to learn to love yourself before you love someone else
Girl! What a wonderful video! I went through this in my head too, not too long ago. My tattoos helped stop me from self harm many years ago. My skin was suddenly too expensive and precious to harm myself. I have several tattoos from breakups or from behind sad. In fact, one of the first things I've done when my heart hurts over the last few years, has been to go book a tattoo appointment. You're right it is self care. It's doing something nice for myself, something that makes me feel pretty. And it's OK! There is a meme that I like (I know, right? Lol). That reminds me to "treat myself like you would a small child. Feed yourself good food. Get plenty of sleep. And most of all, don't talk to yourself in a harmful manor." I paraphrased there, but it really is game changing when you realize that deep inside yourself is a small child, that only you can care for and love.
Hey Amanda- I love you, and I love this idea. I only have two tattoos (I'm only 18, I got them done on my birthday) but one of them absolutely falls into this category of self care tattoos. I got a black swan tattooed right on my wrist so I would see it all the time, and when people ask me about it I just say it's a symbol of my fight with depression, but to me it's so much more than that. It's a reminder to myself that even though I may feel like I'm actual living shit at any point in time and want to die, things will get better and some day I'll figure out myself and my life and I'll be okay. Like the ugly duckling. I thought about getting it done in white ink, but I ultimately decided to go with black because white symbolizes beauty and purity and innocence, but it's my experiences, my struggles, and my faults that make me who I am, beautiful and unique and stronger and wiser, and I can be proud of them. I can be proud of me.
I can totally relate to never taking compliments from people. It's hard for me to believe when people tell me I'm good at something because I always compare myself and think "Why are they complimenting me? Other people are so much better." I always say sorry too and I hate it. I wish I wasn't so negative towards myself all the time but when I'm actually nice to myself, it feels weird like I don't deserve it
Ugh it makes me so sad that you have a negative self image because to me you're pretty much a perfect and beautiful human being! But I loved this topic. I'm about to get my first tattoo and this is something great to think about.
I have a self care tattoo that represents a song that I really love, it always helps comfort me and reminds me to be hopeful (which is something that doesnt come easily to me). It's something I hold close to my heart and can admire and cherish forever! thanks for bringing up this topic, self care tattoos can be a beautiful thing:)
I see tattoos as the highest form of self care, personally. For me they are a way to give myself a pat on the back and say "you're doing good" plus they are s huge confidence booster
I got an ambigram tat that says hurt/heal and a tat over my scars of my favorite band to remind me of the more positive things and how I can constantly try to overcome what negative things may purvey my life at whatever frequency.... tattoos are for you and you only & you can place whatever meaning on them you want. They might not have as significant a meaning as they once held, but I do not regret them
I watched your vid and right after youtube showed me a commercial with the song "It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. For me. And I'm feeling good. " For a second I thought it was still part of your vid 😁
I just got my first tattoo and it's on my ribs because I wanted it to be personal and private for me, it has a deep personal meaning that reminds me that I'm still alive and growing after all that's ever happened to me. It is the best thing I could have done to remind myself to love my family and myself
So I have this tattoo on my stomach, it was first supposed to be a love heart with chains pulling it in different directions, representing, you know, how love is unbreakable, but then my artist and I discussed it and decided to put a flower there, which, god knows, was a much better idea. So now it's a camellia flower with a love heart over it. And it represents not only the love I feel to others, but also the love I should feel to myself and my body. I've struggled with body issues for almost as long as I can remember, but this tattoo really helps me to just simply look at myself and not be disgusted or ashamed
My second tattoo I got is a self-care tattoo. It's a quote from a French philosopher that reminds me I was survived everything the world threw at me so far, so I will survive the next thing (I also got it right after a break-up!). I'm getting my third tattoo in 3 weeks and I'm so excited!
I just got a breakup tattoo and so far it's been nothing but good. Caring for it (and in the process myself as well) just makes me feel really good and every time I see it I'm reminded that it will all be okay.
I currently have some problems with insomnia and not sleeping good or sleeping at all. But I turned on your video and just listened to your soft voice ( i love your voice) and your words and I slept for 6hours straight. Thank you! Now I'm watching it again cause i don't want to miss any content:)
I have tattoos born out of lots of different emotions but they all have in common the theme of healing. No matter what emotion or event in my life inspired them, they have all been transformative and healing experiences. The act of getting a tattoo could be seen as a form of self harm but you also have to take care of that tattoo. You have to take care of it and nurture it and heal it and in doing that it is a kind of self care. Having to put lotion on my new tattoos reminds me to put extra effort into putting lotion on my other tattoos or my legs or whatever. It's not exactly black and white! Ps. I love your Qcknd tattoo. I think it's wonderful you are choosing to celebrate what you have created and built
I have three self care tattoos. My first one says "Never let the world change your smile" with a butterfly because I always wanted a reminder that no matter what I go through, and no matter where I fly, to never forget where I come from and not let anything/anyone take away from who I am. My second is a heart in the palm of my hand. I got this because when I was struggling with loving myself in my early teens/high school years I would draw the heart to remind myself that someone is always in my corner. I got it after going through a really hard time last year to always remember I am loved. Someone loves and needs me. My last one i got to grieve and help heal my heart after losing my second child to a missed miscarriage last October. It's a pink and blue awareness ribbon with "Always my baby" in my handwriting written along the edge. It's high on my left side as close to my heart as possible without being in my chest, and can be easily concealed by a bra strap or bathing suit when I don't want to talk about it. It's the one I have, of seven, that is truly just for me.
Hmm seems like every time a Qcknd vid comes out I start to feel better when I watch it!!!! Seriously if I'm ever feeling funky I come here and I just see you Amanda being so yourself and honest and independent and I don't feel so scared anymore.
I have a a quote on my ribs and although the words are something complete different the message behind it can be simplified down to a reminder that I'm not alone and that there are people that love me. Whenever I've had a day where I've struggled or felt really bad putting my hand over the tattoo makes me feel so so much better and safer. To other people that may seem stupid but it's a form of self care that helps me a lot.
When you come home, crack open a cold one with yourself, and see there's a new qcknd upload, you know it's going to be a good good night.
Francesca Pessarelli literally truth!
Francesca Pessarelli i may not have a beer but that comment will suffice, lol. well said
Tuesdays are my Fridays since I have Wednesdays and Thursdays off, so Tattoo Talk Tuesdays and a drink are my "Friday" Night ritual
only if she's in the usa, rest of the world you can legally drink at 18
LeHedgeHogGamer Crack Open a Cold One is a meme lmao
i had an ex who had been a terrible and abusive boyfriend and he actually separated my shoulder one time and the way it healed is crooked so you could always see it and people would sometimes ask and i hated it so much. i rarely wore things you could see my arms in then until i got tattoos over it to cover it and it's still crooked but it's hard to see that under tattoos and i finally can wear those shirts again because of my tattoos making my love that arm again
Wow that's really powerful. Thank you for sharing
Isabel Hess thank you!
As someone with a chronic ilness id definitely consider them self care. Its a way to actually have control over whats happening to my body!
Asia Mcdowall THIS! Wow I've never even though about that but it's so true. For once it's pain that I chose to have and want to have instead of being in pain all the time for no reason.
Same mindset for me :)
I dunno about self care but my tattoos help me when I dissociate sometimes, like I'll think "whos arms are these these aren't my arms what the fuck" and then I'll see my tattoos and remember getting them and sorta come back to reality a bit
batboy this is exactly the reason I'm saving up for my first tattoo now, I'm very much looking forward to being able to look down at my arm and seeing a piece of art I've worked&saved for.
Aww
Dissociation is something I struggle with every day, and is also a main factor in my efforts to get tattooed & have permanent fixtures/artworks in my life.
@Katherine Greene I hope you get yours soon!! I can't wait to get my first as well
This comment made me really happy, because it made me feel less alone with my DPDR disorder. I also have a thing that brings me back to reality just like your tattoos, but in my case it's my piercings.
Eathens paw coming up and caressing your arm has me weeping what a fucking babe 💕💕💕
Katherine Greene but I love that she said "Ethan's hand"
Kara Gregory right!?!! Like he's a little person. It's adorable. I'm not the only one that talks about my cat like a she's a people 😊
Amanda, can we get a video about Ethan? Where and how you got him, what his fave things are, etc. HE IS your son after all. I just saw the vids of him watching Adv Time and DIED.
Can I just point out how dope that shirt is?! And getting tattooed for self care? Hmmm...I like it.
Got out from an abusive relationship a month ago, and 3 weeks later got a tattoo. Its nice to know im not alone and being happy taking care of myself. Stay strong!! Love your vids ❤
Leire Uriarte I got a tattoo reminding me to stay alive when I was in the midst of an abusive relationship and didn't know how to get out and was suicidal.
Leire Uriarte hope all three of you are doing well, stay safe, stay positive, stay strong.
hope you're doing okay!!! glad you've found something to help you :))))
Tattoo Talk Tuesday is the reason I love tuesdays.
don't have any tattoos, but religiously watch this series. luv u Q
Aha same here. It's just so relaxing and nice to watch her videos
Not about tattoos, but after I got my lip pierced about 9 months ago, I was way less insecure, even though it didn't drastically change my appearance or have a lot of meaning. I just felt more like myself and like my appearance was my own that I've created. So I guess any kind of body mod can be a self-love kind of thing, depending on who you are.
the first tattoo i ever got was "heartless" on my rib. i was 16 and fresh out of an abusive relationship, and when i finally had the courage to leave he told me i was cruel and heartless. so i decided to reclaim the word. if being heartless meant standing up for myself and my wellbeing, then damn it I'm the most heartless bitch there is. people think i got it to seem cool, or edgy, and i don't ever correct them when they say these things. i just smile and leave. because i got it for me, ya know? i got it to heal. and i don't need anyone else's opinion.
Mak Jazmin that's amazing, I love that idea that your one word means so much and I hope you're doing well
Yes mom i missed u
I'm self-deprecating too. It's from emotional abuse. I tear myself down so it doesn't hurt as much when other people do it.
I was the same for so, so many years. I'm finally reaching a point where I have glimmers of self-love. I hope you reach that point some time soon, too.
Wow that hit a different kind of way. There’s a lot of desensitization that happens as a part of abuse.
I got/done my tattoos so I can remind myself to be kind to myself. My body is my journey to self acceptance, the tattoos and self harm scars are there for a reason.
I've had such a shit day. Grabbing a snack and watching qcknd.
I got a tattoo of heart with a banner that says 'myself' as an act of radical self love/self care and two years later, I still looove it 💕
Oh I've personally seen therapists say shitty things just to say shitty things. Not all therapists are equal some are assholes.
That was honestly my first thought: "Holy shit, get a new therapist." The wording (via Qcknd, via her tumblr ask) sounded more like the therapist was demonizing all tattoos, not just the patient. :(
I had a therapist tell me to 'just get a hobby' after I'd sat there for twenty minutes telling her how my friend was terminally ill and I didn't know how to process it. Thankfully I didn't stop trying and I found a really good counsellor after that who has been wonderful, but yep. Not all counsellors are created equal.
A lush bubble bath, daiya supreme pizza, AND a TTT video? Great end to a gross tuesday!
I have two self care tattoos that I got after my shit-tastic first semester of college. One is a bee and some honey comb by my knee to symbolize that I am the "bees knees" and the other is a moth with the words "look for the light" to remind myself to look for the positive things when I'm surrounded by negatives. While these tattoos didn't drastically alter my second semester of school, they helped me feel whole and like I was in control of something.
I think all art is self care. Intimacy and vulnerability is inherent is good art, that's why people can connect with it! Tattoos are just noticeable and people often consider them as novelties and forget that even if there is no specific meaning, it still means something to you. It's personal art that's is with you forever
Yes, even sad or hateful tattoos can become part of the self-care process, because you can look at them as steps on your journey. And, if they hurt to look at, there's always laser removal and cover-ups. ^^
I just recently got my first tattoo. It’s a geometric heart with “you are not broken” in the middle of it. The words are the handwriting of a very important friend of mine who has been a HUGE part of my anxiety journey and it’s something she tells me all of the time and it’s something that is sometimes hard for me to remember when I’m in a deep spot with my anxiety.
Ever since you started making less videos (weekly) your content quality has really gone up. I rather wait two weeks for one thoughtful video than see 3 videos a week that are forced. Your efforts and creativity truly shine through when it comes from the heart. Much love
I just got two tattoos that I consider my self care and daily reminders. They’re very visible and I love them. A crown so that I remember no matter what I am always a queen and I deserve love, and a sunflower with the words “you are my sunshine”. The latter is a bit more personal as my mother used to sing the song to me when I was little, she doesn’t think I remember. My most recent tattoos have been one of the most extreme forms of self care that I’ve done. Everything you said about getting tattooed as a way to show love for yourself, I agree with. I loved this video! My next few tattoos will be along the same intent, adorning my body while I learn to love it more.
Why not buy a real crown? You cant get anymore realistic than that and you have the option to take it off.
I wanted my first tattoo to have some sort of meaning to me and after years of being in a shitty place and hating myself completely I used my first as a motivation to stay clean. I got a semi colon and 'little by little' on my wrist. The song is about overcoming bullying and finding love in yourself. I still wasn't in a great place but seeing it every day has definitely helped and encouraged me to not let myself fall back to where I was. Everyone has shitty days and that's okay but looking back all those years, even to last year, I don't hate myself today anywhere as near as much as I did then.
Finally someone talks about this! I have a whole sleeve of tattoos and a shin piece thats all for self care. Between my anchor, captains helm, heart locket, ships and other pieces, they all promote positivity in different ways. I always freeze up when people ask me about them because they are very personal to me. But when I look at them they really help me with pushing forward and loving myself.
You asked us to share our own experiences with your topic, so I thought I finally would lol, btw love your videos. Ok so I've been abused by my mother really badly my whole life, while also trying to fight major mental illness (that I inherited from her), which until recently I've really never been able to talk about. And because of all the crap I've been through, I've always wanted a lotus tattoo ( you probably know the symbolism behind them) so anyway ever since I was a little girl, around 7, I remember crying and begging my father to leave my mother because of her cruelty. And now finally, a short time ago, he's finally done it, he's finally left my mother. And I know people think him leaving my mother is a sad thing, but to me it was amazing and brave. And might help me move on from the abuse I've suffered. And because of this milestone, I (someone who is actually trying to become a tattoo artist) tattooed a lotus on myself, to help me move on from my past and be proud of myself for being through all I've been through.
Payton Ortolani you are truly brave❤ thank you for sharing, I hope you reach your dreams!
I am so glad that your dad left that terrible situation. I was in a similar pit of awful (abuse + inherited mental illness) until I turned 20. Blessings to your dad for finally trusting you and doing the right thing for both of you. Blessings and safety to both of you.
Naomi PR thank you so much 😊, and Im happy that your situation seems better now too
Yay!! A new qcknd video! Day instantly brightened 😊
I've never been this early to a video in my whole fucking life. i was ready boi
But to touch on this subject slightly, I feel like the tattoos I have were/are very important for my self care. My dad bought me my first tattoo as a gift, and it represents something I love and love for myself. The process of my second tattoo was completely my own. I chose the artist, I chose the date, I paid her with my own money, and I did it without confirmation or "allowance" of anyone else and it felt liberating and that's something I needed at the time. The other tattoo ideas that I've sort of "cemented" are to cover up old scars that really old me back in complete body acceptance.
Even after getting the tattoos, the healing process and maintenance felt like self care to me and I actually really enjoy the process
i am all for getting a Qcknd tattoo, i honestly want one as well. your channel has picked me up from bad places many times. i will never get it until youre okay with it, but your channel and you speaking up about these topics help me and many people out. ive always wanted to get tattoos but always said my body wasnt good enough for beautiful art. but when i discovered your channel is when i actually started to think differently about myself and got my first tattoo 2 weeks ago.
Pink Galaxys & Pastel Stars I think a qcknd tattoo would be so cool. I think I'd want a word or somthing that reminded me of her. Hmm I'd have to ponder on it
congrats on your first tat - whoo hoo =)
Whenever I want a new tattoo, I'm always going through some kind of personal change. I struggle with mental health issues and whenever I can see potential for positive change I want a new tattoo. Don't know what it is!
As far as body positivity, the more tattoos I get the more comfortable in my body I feel and I feel more like myself! I struggle with identity issues and somehow tattoos kinda ease those concerns.
Hey amanda, just wanted to say I'm going through a bit of a similar situation learning to love myself again after ending a relationship of 3+ years, and your words make me feel a little less alone. Love you, you're really strong and I wish you the best in this tough change of scenery 💕
Taylor same
exactly the same situation. amanda always seems to speak to my soul + put out exactly the video i need
just reading this comment gave me a little calm, as someone in a similar boat as well- thanks for inadvertently reminding me that i'm not alone in a situation
I feel you, i dont think that about my tattoos. But i think about that with my makeup, i wear a lot of makeup - its my creative outlet and i just love it so much! So we need to remember, if a person doesnt like something about and want to change it. They are dont deserve to be apart of our lives!
I really think you should start going to talk therapy! Its the best thing ive ever done in my life! Its not good to go through life feeling like that!💜
I got my first tattoo when I was really really low (that dumpee life), and although its a beautiful tattoo, and isn't outwardly ~sad~ I still think of that time in my life when I see the tattoo. So now I only get tattooed at high points in my life, more as a reward for accomplishments. That's just my personal way of going about it and I always I love hearing other peoples feelings abt it
My first tattoo was a "self care" tattoo. I got a hand of cards on my wrist, meaning for me personally to remember whatever challenges life throws at me, it's all about how I choose to use those experiences to play my cards to shape my future. Basically meaning It's not about the cards your dealt, its how you choose to play them.
Love your videos Qcknd, you are very relatable and very real/honest. Plus Ethan is just adorable. Keep up the great work!
Christina :P wow, I love your tattoo meaning! :)
Lou thank you so much!
Woah that is so cool and empowering
Jazmine Toyy thank you very much!
This inspired me so deeply. Self love and self care is a thing I've struggled with for most of my life. Both of my tattoos are of ideas that make me feel beautiful, and remind me I'm always growing. My tattoos are my form of self care. I hope to get my next tattoo with a similar sentiment. Lots of love, truly :)
I got some tattoos when I was dealing with a heartbreak/broke up. It was my way to care of myself, at first it was because that way there would be a part of my body that was untouched by him, then during the healing process I started to care better my body and helped me heal inside. The tattoos werent about or for those guys, the meaning was about and for me. Totally understand this "self care tattoos" thing
im going through a hard time in mental health right now and qcknd videos help me feel more calm. thanks for being so real amanda
Tattooing can be totally positive and you continue to do positive things with tattooing. I believe that you have turned this channel into a positive community for sensitive people who happen to like tattoos. Your videos constantly inspire me. Thank you, Qcknd :)
ethans hand at 8:01 😂😂😂
hermitmel literally Ethan's hand is me trying to paw for attention
really been feeling like getting a tattoo just because i'm sad and this is a hard time for me. for self love and just to have something concrete that expresses that. i feel you girl ✨
I'm so glad you uploaded this video. I'm going through a time in my life right now where I am really working on self love because i've realized i'm just not happy anymore. Part of this involved getting my first tattoo which i've wanted for years but have never been brave enough to get. My tattoo is now a week old and I relate to this video so much. Getting this tattoo is part of my healing process and is helping me figure out the best way to take care of myself and keep me happy. Great video as always ❤️
This was a really good TTT. I love how one topic can branch into so many different ideas and ways to approach tattoos. Does anyone find that there tattoos at first hold no meaning except astectics, but over time develop meaning and new ways to interpret them?
I have two tattoos, I got my first one last year. I am 37 years old and I manage a children's pre-school. For the first time in my life I feel that I have taken ownership of myself, listened to myself rather than worrying about the judgement of others. They are both in visible places, and I love them! They make me deeply happy every day, they reflect 'me'. 🌞
I struggled with an eating disorder for years and when I decided to recover and was doing well I got a envelope and flowers on my inner arm. It's a love letter to myself, It reminds me to always cherish myself and my body. I see it when I am changing and whatnot. I adore your tender tattoo! It's a great reminder to take care of ourselves.
I didn't even realize that tattoos were used like this honestly, that it was common actually. I got a tattoo (only my second tattoo) on my sternum which hurt so much but I did it as a reminder that I've made it this far, that I've survived the dark thoughts and terrible ideas. Thank you for talking about this i thought I was just so weird.
You should make Qcknd shirts in the font of your tender tattoo i would eat that shit up
Aw I think it's awesome when people get tattooed for self care. I am a chef and my dickhead of a boss left me to do bank holiday Monday all by myself with no help in the kitchen. It was the worst service of my life and at the end I went into the bathroom and cried my eyes out. I had spent the weekend with my best friends and we were just chatting about being female and all the things that comes with that (both from society and inside). I am the first person to put myself down and cheapen my experience and knowledge. In the kitchen I sometimes adopt a persona to exist and thrive in a male dominated environment but I survived that service just being me all by myself. So I went and got a GRL PWR tattoo the next morning to remind me that I am more than capable and to not feel like I have to 'man up' in the kitchen 💖
I fucking love this video, thank you so much for talking about this with such grace and honesty and sincerity. you're so genuine, thank you for sharing
This made me really think about where I was in my life when I got each of my 8 tattoos. I now see that some of my tattoos are self care tattoos and that makes me love them even more. Thanks
You're video couldn't have come at a better time. I just left my abusive childhood home two months ago and your down to earth explanation has touched my broken heart. I'm still healing and i have a lot more healing to do but this message has helped me so dearly! Love you lovely lady!
also, dude!!! this channel is absolutely something to be proud of! you've worked damn hard for your success and anyone that can't recognise that a tumblr/youtube is a real thing that is worth something really doesn't matter. you're the coolest of quiet kids, and you've started something that really means something to a lot of people!
Oh man, I was having the worst day, and I'm sooo glad to see this on here. Thanks for being such a positive force in the world, qcknd!
Yo this episode really hit home for me and ngl I cried a bit. It's hard to love yourself and be proud of who you are sometimes and having a reminder is phenomenal. Amanda, you are honestly such an inspiration
Hey Qcknd, I've been watching your videos for a good while last winter, but for some reason I stopped for months. This video popped up on my recommended videos however, and I have to say I love it.
I recently got out of a long relationship in which I wasn't certain about myself anymore, I was second-guessing my own choices, not for my own sake, but for my partner's. Fearing his opinion and thoughts more than I should have. As soon as I realised I'm on my own again, I booked an appointment to have a larger tattoo done, one that I've constantly pushed aside in my head. Now I'll have it for myself, without caring what others really think of it. To me the thought is therapeutic and a way to love myself more, with the skin I choose to have.
All the best to you, you are a wonderful person!
Damn I love this! I just finished healing a "self care" tattoo and I didn't really have the words to explain why I got it or what it was all about, and I wasn't sure if other people would GET it ya know, but this video summed it up perfectly. Love your new additions, hope they bring you strength. 👌
I just got tattoos over my knees to help me through a rough time on top of a breakup a day after I got the tattoos, and I'm so happy that I got the little reminders. My right knee says "Be Strong" and my left says "Just Breathe". I really
loved this video and related to it so much!
My second tattoo was a self care tattoo. It reads 'Quiet the Mind' and it's in a place I see constantly. I've struggled with anxiety and depression for nearly half of my life and it has caused me so much pain. Looking down at this piece reminds me to just shut up that voice in my head saying self depreciating thoughts. Seeing you but also others getting pieces dedicated to self care makes me incredibly happy. When you're feeling shitty and you go out and do this for yourself, it takes so much courage and strength to go through with it
I love coming back and rewatching videos I watched when I only had one or two tattoos now that I’ve become much more heavily tattooed. I feel like it helps me look at the ideas and information you present with an understanding that I didn’t really have back then
So far all of my tattoos are to help me heal. Every one is a memory of a loved one who has passed. Every time I look at my tattoo I think of that happy memory. My most recent tattoo is "love you more" in my grandmothers hand writing. So every time I see my tattoo I think of all those times when I was young and grandmother and I would try to say that we loved each other more last. The same piece of writing reminds me that as I lost her when she was no longer with us mentally when I left her room for the last time she told me that she loved me more. Now it will always be on my body reminding me that I am loved and reminding me of someone who I truly loved.
Body mods as self care has always been pretty true for me. My mods make me love myself more and feel more comfortable in my skin. Another commenter mentioned having a chronic illness and being able to be in control of her own pain when getting tattooed. It made me realize how true that is for me. Adding beautiful adornments to a body I hate most of the time makes me hate it less and dare I say...love it. Thanks for another thoughtful video Quacks.
I hate a lot of my body because I'm an anorexia survivor, but I started getting beautiful art on the parts of my body I dislike and now I love them. My arms are art and my thigh is art, people are looking at the art not my arms and legs, it makes me feel safe and beautiful. I am proud if you for getting the Q because it means you are starting to let yourself feel the love and appreciation we all feel for you! Xxx
For me my tattoos are a physical representation of me getting out of my shell. I was in a bad place for a long time due to mental health issues and originally I was just going to get something small. Then after researching and seeing so much beautiful artwork, I went ahead and got a big piece done. Its big , colorful, whimsical, and is something that makes me smile. Everyday Im throwing myself out of my comfort zone so I can be the person I want to be and live the life I want to live. How is that self harm?
I love this, totally didn't realize I needed this... but I did. Thanks dude! I'm proud of you!
this video, and a lot of the ones you've made recently, where you share your own personal journey through mental health, has been really helping me. i can't say that enough times. i just left a relationship too. i just moved to another city. i'm in the middle of exploring the city and myself and it's wonderful and it's terrifying. and this helps. so so very much. you're amazing and i'm glad you decided to make videos so that other people can find themselves right alongside you.
I just want to say thank you for this. Thank you for being real and describing tattoos in a way that I truly needed. This video felt like a hug, as cheesy as that is. I love the emotions behind tattoos. I got one after I got out of the mental hospital for depression, and that tattoo has so much determination behind it because that is when o decided yo dedicate my life to getting better. After my 1 year of being harm free, I got another. Tattoos are like goal markets throughout my life, and love that you shared a piece of yours. Thank you for your words and for always being you, you're a true gift.
So glad you're here Amanda!
Not all my tattoos are self deprecating but I've changed all my forms of self deprecation to tattoos/piercings? Tattoos & piercings are a way to be in control of pain (for me) & that completely changed the way I feel about pain and my body.
Tattoos have definitely helped me with self-care because I couldn't wear anything that showed my arms just because I hated the way they looked. Getting a tattoo over the part of my body that I hated helped me love a part of me that I didn't want to even look at. It's a thing that's for me loving the way I look and not for anybody else because I've had people tell me "oh you looked better without a tattoo" but it's not for anybody else to hate me for having but it's for me to give me the boost I need to love myself.
It's not something I purposefully think about every time but it's TRUE and I only ever really think about it after the tattoo is done and I'm taking care of it, and the ritual of taking care of it, and the almost worship of every teeny area of your skin and body. I don't know it's nice. It is an unintentional reminder that you kind of give yourself every time. It feels so special ☺️
I started watching your channel after a major break up, and these videos empowered me to get my first tattoo, which I guess is a self care tattoo. It's a freaking huge piece on my leg that represents being a strong woman. My journey with loving my body and becoming tattooed and being fierce all started here with Qcknd.
Hi Amanda. First off, thanks so much for this video. I found myself nodding in agreement throughout the whole video. Everything you said really resonated with me.
I found your channel just after I ended a 2.5 year relationship with a narcissistic and neglectful partner that left my self esteem shattered and in a deep state of depression.
Watching your videos, getting out of my own head and learning at the same time was honestly so so helpful. I got my first tattoo not long after and now I have four!
For the past few months I have been feeling this urge for change and self love that you were describing and have honestly been thinking about getting my own self love tattoo. Im so glad you got one, it is such a powerful reminder.
Thank you for Qcknd and thank you for being the amazing woman that you are. You have helped me so much xx
I don't have tattoos but I so needed to hear all of this from you. I relate on so many levels. I ended a 3.5 year relationship that I had been operating under the assumption would last forever this spring and while it was something I totally needed, it was really hard and it was scary!! The way you're talking about your tattoos was me with clothes after this breakup. I just relate so much Amanda, thank you so much for this video, I really needed this. It's okay to be proud + love ourselves.
I seriously needed this today...I've been extremely self-deprecating lately. I always get like this before a big change (graduating college next year). I've been feeling lost, like I don't know purpose I want to serve in my life. I feel like I'm not good enough to go after what is considered the most "successful" route in my career. Like I don't want to settle, but I'm always putting myself down as being stupid, ugly, weird, awkward, etc...It's just nice to know there are others out there that feel the same. I also got a tattoo right before I turned 20 as a kind of anchor that stays the same throughout all the changes happening in my 20s.
I recently got a love letter tattooed on myself to remind myself that there are people who love me and that I am allowed to love myself and care for myself. And I got a bee and some flowers that bees love besides that to underline that self care and caring for others instead of that constant "they hate me" worry.
I have my tattoos because I like having what means a lot to me close, which is why all of them are on my arm so that I can see them. Not only do they make me feel happy, they help me express myself. I'm not good at telling people how I truly feel, and I feel like my tattoos help me. They help me remind me who I am.
I'm always so so excited for your videos! I love listening to your voice it's so relaxing. ❤
You have really inspired me. I have for so many years struggled with accepting myself the way I look and I have struggled with the fact of loving my body. I don't have a negative tattoos but I now know what tattoo I want to get myself for my birthday. I want to get a tattoo that just says "love yourself" and I putting it in a place where not only I can see it but everyone else can see it so they can feel positive and inspired to love themselves too. Because you need to learn to love yourself before you love someone else
Girl! What a wonderful video! I went through this in my head too, not too long ago. My tattoos helped stop me from self harm many years ago. My skin was suddenly too expensive and precious to harm myself. I have several tattoos from breakups or from behind sad. In fact, one of the first things I've done when my heart hurts over the last few years, has been to go book a tattoo appointment. You're right it is self care. It's doing something nice for myself, something that makes me feel pretty. And it's OK!
There is a meme that I like (I know, right? Lol). That reminds me to "treat myself like you would a small child. Feed yourself good food. Get plenty of sleep. And most of all, don't talk to yourself in a harmful manor." I paraphrased there, but it really is game changing when you realize that deep inside yourself is a small child, that only you can care for and love.
Hey Amanda- I love you, and I love this idea. I only have two tattoos (I'm only 18, I got them done on my birthday) but one of them absolutely falls into this category of self care tattoos. I got a black swan tattooed right on my wrist so I would see it all the time, and when people ask me about it I just say it's a symbol of my fight with depression, but to me it's so much more than that. It's a reminder to myself that even though I may feel like I'm actual living shit at any point in time and want to die, things will get better and some day I'll figure out myself and my life and I'll be okay. Like the ugly duckling. I thought about getting it done in white ink, but I ultimately decided to go with black because white symbolizes beauty and purity and innocence, but it's my experiences, my struggles, and my faults that make me who I am, beautiful and unique and stronger and wiser, and I can be proud of them. I can be proud of me.
I can totally relate to never taking compliments from people. It's hard for me to believe when people tell me I'm good at something because I always compare myself and think "Why are they complimenting me? Other people are so much better." I always say sorry too and I hate it. I wish I wasn't so negative towards myself all the time but when I'm actually nice to myself, it feels weird like I don't deserve it
Ugh it makes me so sad that you have a negative self image because to me you're pretty much a perfect and beautiful human being! But I loved this topic. I'm about to get my first tattoo and this is something great to think about.
I have a self care tattoo that represents a song that I really love, it always helps comfort me and reminds me to be hopeful (which is something that doesnt come easily to me). It's something I hold close to my heart and can admire and cherish forever! thanks for bringing up this topic, self care tattoos can be a beautiful thing:)
I see tattoos as the highest form of self care, personally. For me they are a way to give myself a pat on the back and say "you're doing good" plus they are s huge confidence booster
I really liked this video, and one of my favorite parts was Ethan chewing on her foot, it was so funny.
I love how open and honest you are. You have a way of expressing inner thoughts that I think we all share. ❤️
I got an ambigram tat that says hurt/heal and a tat over my scars of my favorite band to remind me of the more positive things and how I can constantly try to overcome what negative things may purvey my life at whatever frequency.... tattoos are for you and you only & you can place whatever meaning on them you want. They might not have as significant a meaning as they once held, but I do not regret them
I truly hope you find peace within yourself. You are such a beautiful human being and we all see it. I hope soon you will be able to see that. ❤
I watched your vid and right after youtube showed me a commercial with the song "It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life. For me. And I'm feeling good. " For a second I thought it was still part of your vid 😁
I am so proud of you for getting something that will symbolize your pride! You deserve it!
I just got my first tattoo and it's on my ribs because I wanted it to be personal and private for me, it has a deep personal meaning that reminds me that I'm still alive and growing after all that's ever happened to me. It is the best thing I could have done to remind myself to love my family and myself
So I have this tattoo on my stomach, it was first supposed to be a love heart with chains pulling it in different directions, representing, you know, how love is unbreakable, but then my artist and I discussed it and decided to put a flower there, which, god knows, was a much better idea. So now it's a camellia flower with a love heart over it. And it represents not only the love I feel to others, but also the love I should feel to myself and my body. I've struggled with body issues for almost as long as I can remember, but this tattoo really helps me to just simply look at myself and not be disgusted or ashamed
My second tattoo I got is a self-care tattoo. It's a quote from a French philosopher that reminds me I was survived everything the world threw at me so far, so I will survive the next thing (I also got it right after a break-up!). I'm getting my third tattoo in 3 weeks and I'm so excited!
I just got a breakup tattoo and so far it's been nothing but good. Caring for it (and in the process myself as well) just makes me feel really good and every time I see it I'm reminded that it will all be okay.
I needed to hear what you said about loving yourself instead of having someone else love you
Can a tattoo talk Tuesday be about reworking pieces?
I currently have some problems with insomnia and not sleeping good or sleeping at all. But I turned on your video and just listened to your soft voice ( i love your voice) and your words and I slept for 6hours straight. Thank you!
Now I'm watching it again cause i don't want to miss any content:)
I have tattoos born out of lots of different emotions but they all have in common the theme of healing. No matter what emotion or event in my life inspired them, they have all been transformative and healing experiences.
The act of getting a tattoo could be seen as a form of self harm but you also have to take care of that tattoo. You have to take care of it and nurture it and heal it and in doing that it is a kind of self care. Having to put lotion on my new tattoos reminds me to put extra effort into putting lotion on my other tattoos or my legs or whatever. It's not exactly black and white! Ps. I love your Qcknd tattoo. I think it's wonderful you are choosing to celebrate what you have created and built
I have three self care tattoos. My first one says "Never let the world change your smile" with a butterfly because I always wanted a reminder that no matter what I go through, and no matter where I fly, to never forget where I come from and not let anything/anyone take away from who I am.
My second is a heart in the palm of my hand. I got this because when I was struggling with loving myself in my early teens/high school years I would draw the heart to remind myself that someone is always in my corner. I got it after going through a really hard time last year to always remember I am loved. Someone loves and needs me.
My last one i got to grieve and help heal my heart after losing my second child to a missed miscarriage last October. It's a pink and blue awareness ribbon with "Always my baby" in my handwriting written along the edge. It's high on my left side as close to my heart as possible without being in my chest, and can be easily concealed by a bra strap or bathing suit when I don't want to talk about it. It's the one I have, of seven, that is truly just for me.
Hmm seems like every time a Qcknd vid comes out I start to feel better when I watch it!!!! Seriously if I'm ever feeling funky I come here and I just see you Amanda being so yourself and honest and independent and I don't feel so scared anymore.
Soul sister man. I'm vibing with you constantly. Thanks for making such quality videos and expressing the thoughts I have in my head as well.
I have a a quote on my ribs and although the words are something complete different the message behind it can be simplified down to a reminder that I'm not alone and that there are people that love me. Whenever I've had a day where I've struggled or felt really bad putting my hand over the tattoo makes me feel so so much better and safer. To other people that may seem stupid but it's a form of self care that helps me a lot.