Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” has always inspired me, but I found it even more relevant when dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault.  Between dealing with trauma and isolating myself from pretty much everyone and everything, it’s been a hard couple of years.  This is my first tattoo and I’m extremely proud of it.  I’m teaching myself every day how to live and be proud of myself and to never be defeated. Having something so beautiful and meaningful forever on my body is a constant reminder to myself to always have hope, strength, and rise, rise, rise…

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.