My body is my canvas: Tattoo #8 & 9

As part of healing with my depression, I've been using my tattoos for symbols of parts of my life. While this practice can be typically common, I've gone over emotional with the meanings behind some of my tattoos.
The tattoos I'm getting next are going to be my more delicate meaningful ones.

#8: I've spent so long in the darkness,
I'd almost forgotten how beautiful the moonlight is.

This quote takes on a lot of meaning with my depression. With the depression has been a lot of darkness in my life lately. I've been going through a rough time the past few months, and my depression was severe to the point of me being bed ridden. Things are slowly lightening up, and to me, this quote is a reminder that no matter how long the darkness lasts, to remember and be grateful for the light(s) guiding you out of the darkness.


#9: Dave Sanchez Sugar Skull Modified.

The picture on the left is the original skull that was used to inspire the one on the right. As you can see from picture one, those colors will be incorporated into my piece as well, maybe some change ups. Behind her head is broken hearts, and there is a single tear falling from her eye.
The things added to the one I'm getting is the corner of her mouth is stitched.
*Trigger Warning*
This is where the symbolism comes in for me. This piece is being used as part of my healing towards the sexual assaults I went through. I've been through two sexual assaults, and one attempted. This tattoo is about the silence I've encountered through the experience. The broken hearts represent the sexual assault during a relationship of mine, and how it acts within my relationships. It also represents the pain I feel inside every time I'm reminded of any of the encounters. The tear represents the tears I've shed, and how it negatively has impacted me. The stitching on her lips represent the silence I've faced, feeling unable to talk about it with family and in certain instances. It represents the silence I feel when rape jokes are made.
This tattoo is a symbol of my strength, what I've endured, and how I'm continuing to go on. The rose brings on the elegance aspect of my recovery. It shows my continuation to grow and fight through the daily PTSD battles. It's the beauty of how I am a survivor.