I fell in love with Transcendental literature during my junior year of high school. Instantly, upon reading the writings of Emerson and Thoreau, it was like I had found my people. Their words spoke to me. I was moved by their belief that we’re all part and parcel of a greater whole.
I studied them again in college and fell more deeply in love. And then I taught their words and shared my love of them with others.
Over the years I’ve amassed quite a collection of my favorites of their quotes. I tuck them away in documents or on notepads. Or I highlight them in books as I soak up the wisdom they’re sharing. I think maybe I was born in the wrong time period.
Throughout my battles with depression and anxiety both during college and postpartum, one quote continued to come back to me time and again.
I’ve kicked around the idea of a new tattoo for years. I even put it on my 31 for 31 bucket list. I’m a fan of tattoos with meaning (unlike the butterfly hovering above my derriere).
With my love of this quote, I wanted something to remind myself permanently that bad days do not last forever. There is always the promise of a new day. A fresh start. And it’s that promise of beginning again that helps us put those moments we wish had never happened behind us.
There is always hope.
My vision was simple. The words “finish each day” on my wrist, a place where I couldn’t help but see it and be reminded, even in my darkest moments.
Of all the ideas I’ve for tattoos I’ve had over the years, the desire for this one has never fizzled out. So today, while Dan was having work done on a tattoo of his own (which I’m not yet at liberty to reveal on pain of…probably Dutch ovens) I finally went for it.
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Taylor, the artist at Mystic Owl who did this lovely piece of work, actually attended the high school where I taught. That’s kind of kismet, right?
I didn’t teach her, but we were sort of in each other’s orbits long before today, which hearkens back to the Transcendental thought that while we’re all individuals, we’re all connected, too.
We’re all in this together.
Finish each day. No matter how bad it gets, move forward. Press on. Persevere.
Tomorrow is a new day.
I will begin it well.
yeah! So special. <3
So very special.
I love it! Love the sentiment, the font, the placement, everything!
Thanks! I love it, too!
I love it! What a fantastic quote.
Thank you! It’s probably my favorite quote ever. I think. That kind of feels like trying to choose a favorite child.
You know I love it, but I just have to say it again…LOVE IT!
Thanks, roomie!
Love.
” I wanted something to remind myself permanently that bad days do not last forever.”
When I got my wrist tattoo I was going through severe clinical depression and I really needed something to remind me that I can get through it.
So yes and yes.
We can get through it. Light comes after darkness.
I love it!! The font is nice. And wrists look awesome with ink. Go you!!
Thanks! I love the placement.
I absolutely LOVE it!! I also have a mental health tattoo on my forearm. It’s such a powerful reminder. The design/words you chose are perfect!
I love it. The words, the meaning, the font – it’s beautiful.
That is beautiful!
For the one year anniversary of my grandfather’s suicide, I got “survivor” tattooed on my left wrist as a I reminder that I survived that first year and will continue to survive. It definitely helps during those difficult days! xo
LOVE IT!! So awesome.
Love that quote. Excellent!
Perfect. Just… Perfect. I love it!
LOVE IT!! It is so beautiful and perfect!
You are adorable!
Very cool. I love the font too.
Love it!
great! very pretty. Itching for another yet?