In Samoan, the word for Tattoo is Tatau

Tatau translates to “open wound”

We all have our different meanings and reasons for getting tattoos, these permanent markings on our body.

But to me they all relate to not a healing wound, but an open wound.

The way I see it,

Some wounds are best left untreated

Wether you come from abuse, trauma, any version of pain,

The thing that still hurts can be the thing that pushes you towards the life you want to live.

In my opinion, it’s the most ideal.

Pain, trauma, the feeling of proving someone right or wrong, the things that have been said to you, the way you’ve been disrespected, or put down..

In most cases, can be the fuel to make you finally move away from the life you don’t want to be living.

The intention is to build yourself up so that it, never happens again.

Being undeniable.

Let the pain drive you,

Let the wound sting,

Step into that better life

Start, and don’t stop,

Let that temporary pain turn into a permanent life that you’re fulfilled with.

Even when it feels like an open wound.