– Embracing the changes that life brings instead of trying to fight against them and stay stagnant – Self-confidence and acceptance of your own abilities – Connecting to the rest of the universe or the power of nature around you – The soul itself, which is said to travel on the winds much like a butterfly – Being born again after a traumatic experience or loss – Gracefulness and dignity, in physical or spiritual terms However, all tattoos featuring these majestic creatures share a common symbolism of: The tattoo is a visible sign that one must never lose hope and that they are never aloneīutterfly tattoos have a far broader meaning depending on its colour and species The Semicolon Tattoo Project is a small part of this larger movement by choosing the semicolon as a tattoo (in any variation) you are uniting yourself with others who are struggling with mental illness and addiction. Given the significance of the piece and its importance, it will typically be found on an area visible to the viewer, like the forearm, inside of the wrist, back, or side of the chest. This tattoo works well for those that don’t want to commit to a bigger piece and can fit into pretty much any area. It also reminds an individual to find the calm through the turmoil. This helps to bring in a person’s commitment to sobriety through the 12-step program and AA through one design. On a recovering alcoholic, this might be seen in the symbol of a triangle, surrounding a triangle, or even in an infinity symbol. This mantra has about 27 words depending on how you write it but its meaning is very deep and looking at this tattoo every morning is enough to encourage you to face all the challenges that the day may bringįor those who don’t want to commit to the whole serenity prayer, just paring it down to the most important bits: serenity, courage, and wisdom looks cool too. It looks stylish and also ensures that you always remember God, and this is regardless of whether you are a secularist or Christian. Areas like the back, bicep, chest, shoulder, or thigh is where you’d find this calming tattoo most times.Ī serenity prayer tattoo is the purest body marking that you can have. The serenity prayer is rather large and needs more space to make it clear and readable.

The words are also associated with AA and the 12-step program.

These words remind the wearer of the ultimate goal of peace and a more stable life without alcohol.

Recovery can be a time of turmoil, grief, and even despair. These few words help remind the person of both his or her limitations and strengths. They can be a permanent badge of honour too.Īnother important aspect of recovery is the serenity prayer Visual reminders like a tattoo inspire and celebrate achievement. It has its variations but stays true to the AA maxim of taking it one step and one day at a time It takes tremendous strength to beat addiction and for some, it helps to have motivational reminders around ‘One step at a time’ is to remind you that every step towards recovery is a step in the right direction. Though this may not seem like much of a hassle to a non-addict, the struggle is real and the overcoming, a great victory. Placement of the triangle is diverse given the simplicity of the logo and helps remind you of your determination and strength on rough daysĪ lifelong process of daily, moment-to-moment living. The triangle represents the legacies of AA, which include unity, recovery, and service and the circle is meant to represent AA itself or the community that is available to support you through your journey. The equilateral triangle with or without a circle around is from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). I look at five of the most popular variations in this postĪLSO READ: Scars Are Tattoos With Better Stories Tattoos are a personal decision and the symbols can vary in perspective from person to person. Combine these and you have a powerful message without saying too much – the ability to overcome a troubled past, an ever-present reminder not to slip back into old ways, or both The most common tattoo you might find on recovering alcoholics is the triangle. Recovery and sobriety are milestones few understand outside addict circles and tattoos usually signify an important moment in an individual’s life.

Ankh with serenity symbol tattoo