An Executive Can Also Have Tattoos – Brave and Badass

I will tell you a secret that isn’t a secret. I LOVE motivational quotes. If you follow my podcast Recovery Advocate Coffee and Conversation you will know we end every episode with the guest’s favorite motivational quote. At my house, I place motivational quotes everywhere. I want to see them every – single – day. Why? I need them. Throughout my life, I have had hard times. Haven’t we all? I have struggled with pain, suffering, and depression. These quotes keep me going.

At some point, I started putting these quotes on my body. The first memory I placed was of a butterfly on roses to remind me of the butterfly that landed on the flowers on my son’s casket at his funeral. I remember my aunt was horrified and said if I wanted a piece of art, why didn’t I have a painting for the wall. I said it would be awkward carrying a wall painting around daily (LOL). Then I added the following phrases in Mandarin: “Courage to do what is right,” “Undaunted by repeated setbacks,” “Perseverance in the storm,” and “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” Then, after surviving my kidnapping and hostage incident in 2020, and I felt I had solidified my career brand of being a successful woman in the C-Suite, I decided I was confident to add the phoenix and dragon to my arms. I want to remind myself of my power and strength, not that I am a survivor but a warrior – and a conqueror.

Now, I proudly display these signs. I still cover them up for some business meetings with a nice sports coat or dress top, and then I don’t cover them up at the time. Regardless of who sees what – I believe everyone knows I strive to #BeBraveBeBadass daily, and I pray the same for everyone around me.