Prioritize Your Self Care
We get it: The last couple of years have felt desperate. We have been there with you, focused on surviving unprecedented and unpredictable times. We're still there in many ways as a collective, given the current state of the world.
But what good are we if we are constantly trying to pour from an empty cup? We believe that it is time to shift the narrative–to start thriving again, not just surviving. While this looks different for everyone, a major component involves something we can all agree is critical to our individual well-being: self care. And we believe that tattoos qualify as exactly that.
Tattoos = Self Care
According to Oxford Languages, self care is "the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress." Research suggests that self care can improve our mental, physical, and emotional health by improving our resiliency in the face of daily stress management.
Perhaps you think of bath fizzies and facial masks when you think of self care (we understand–we wrote this while luxuriating in a bubble bath). But it's so much more than a simple spa day–and it is anything but self indulgent.
Self care can be anything that promotes your wellness on an emotional, physical, or mental level. Have you found yourself creating boundaries with friends or family during the last two years? That's self care. Do you follow feel-good social media accounts? Self care. Is a portion of your monthly income earmarked for your favorite thrift store finds? Self care. Do you curate playlists that help you to relax–or conversely to focus? Self 👏 care 👏
From your daily supplements to your bi-weekly splurges, self care encompasses all of the things that make you feel like your most authentic self. And for many of us– certainly for the Paper Crane family–that includes tattoos.
Self Actualization = Self Care
Take a moment to visualize your truest self. What's your hairstyle? Your clothing aesthetic? The way we look impacts how we feel, as our outer presentation is a vehicle for our inner life.
Do tattoos factor into your self expression? Are they visible tattoos? Easily hidden ones? Large-scale pieces? Diminutive? Do you imagine yourself with a coherent, mapped-out collection? Or do you prefer getting tattoos as the ideas come to you? Maybe you're a flash connoisseur, or perhaps you book your appointments months in advance after methodically researching an artist.
Whatever the case, if you're a tattoo enthusiast, every piece brings you a little closer to fully realizing your most authentic self. And when you are living firmly in your truth, you are a healthier, happier version of yourself—and you’re one step closer to self actualization.
Self actualization is the process of maximizing your personal potential and becoming everything you are meant to become—and while there is a lot more to that concept than simply looking the way you want to look, cultivating an intentional aesthetic can help you to step into your power. Think about it: Some days you just *feel* more yourself, and on those days you’re unstoppable. Is it because of the shirt you’re wearing? Because you’re hitting your workout goals? Because you got a new tattoo?
When you look the way you want, you can unlock the confidence you need to level up—whatever that means to you personally. So if tattoos are part of your look—if tattoos help you to feel like yourself—then they are something to prioritize as part of your journey.
Self Prioritization = Self Care
The last two years have impacted everyone differently. For a time, basic needs had to be prioritized for many of us, in the face of overwhelming uncertainty. Thankfully, much of that urgency has passed, as most places of business are more or less operating normally. Yes, gas prices suck, but at least we can find paper towels (a critical tool in our industry!).
But despite the return to a semblance of normalcy, many of us have gotten stuck in survival mode. Anxiety can keep you locked down in major ways—sometimes insidiously, to the point that you’ve put your entire life on hold without even realizing it.
While we are not offering therapeutic advice, we want to encourage you to step back into the light if you’ve been trapped in the shadows. It is okay to make yourself a priority again: It’s okay to put your needs first, even if those needs might have seemed trivial during the height of the pandemic.
Tattoos are absolutely a luxury. And at our studio, they are a premium luxury, as our artists are among the most seasoned, talented professionals in Long Beach. But that is not a bad thing. If your rent is paid and your fridge is stocked, you have the right to prioritize yourself and indulge in a high quality tattoo you’ll love for a lifetime.
Remember how you can’t pour from an empty cup? Self prioritization—fulfilling your needs first—is a way of refilling your own cup. When you’re feeling fulfilled, you can better meet the needs of those around you, with greater empathy and resilience.
Self prioritization does not have to come in any specific form. For some, it’s getting a fancy coffee every morning before work. For others, it’s finally going on that vacation. For us? It’s definitely getting a tattoo.
Schedule Your Next Tattoo Today
We want to remind you that we are here for you, whether you are a long-standing client or you’re looking for a new studio. You’ve heard people call tattoos their “therapy”—and while we definitely can’t replace the role of a professional therapist, we absolutely understand on a personal level how tattoos can help you work through difficult times, celebrate milestones, or just make you feel like your most authentic self. We’re honored to be part of your self fulfillment—so put yourself first this week and send us a message to level up your self care with a new tattoo.
