Renewing My Vow: From Black Ink to Living Color 💖🦋

From black ink to vibrant color—this is the story of how I renewed my vow to love myself.

🌟 The Beginning: A Promise in Ink

In 2023, I made one of the most important promises of my life. Not to someone else, not to the world, but to myself. I etched it onto my skin, on my hand where I would always see it: the words “I love me” with a heart and butterfly.

A promise made in 2023—simple, bold, in black ink.

It wasn’t just art. It was a vow. The butterfly symbolized transformation, reminding me that life would keep reshaping me. The heart represented love, a gentle nudge to give myself the same care I gave others. And the words themselves were a declaration that I was worthy of my own affection, kindness, and respect.

“Self-love is not a one-time vow—it’s a promise you renew, again and again.”

🌟 When the Ink Faded

At first, that tattoo gave me so much strength. It felt like armor, like an anchor grounding me in moments of doubt. Every time I looked at it, I was reminded of my worth. But as the months passed, the ink began to fade. And if I’m honest, so did the energy behind it.

Yes, I loved myself. But I wasn’t always gentle. I wasn’t always celebrating the small wins. I wasn’t speaking kindly to myself in the way that vow deserved. My tattoo still whispered “I love me”—but my inner voice wasn’t always echoing it. That’s when I knew: it was time. Not just to redo ink, but to recommit to the vow itself.

🌟 The Renewal

So today, I renewed my promise.

A vow reclaimed, this time in color.

I chose not just to refresh the tattoo, but to transform it. This time, I chose color—because self-love deserves vibrance, not whispers.

✨ The butterfly now shines in purple, symbolizing transformation, courage, and freedom.

✨ The heart glows bright red, because love—especially self-love—should never be muted.

✨ And the words “I love me” are stronger than ever, alive with energy and intention.

“I chose color because my love for myself deserves to bloom.”

This wasn’t just about ink. It was about reclaiming a vow. It was about saying to myself, louder than ever: I choose you. Again.

🌟 The Lessons I Carry Forward

👉 Speak to myself with compassion.

👉 Celebrate even the smallest victories.

👉 Hold space for every version of me—past, present, and becoming.

👉 Love myself boldly, not quietly.

“These are the vows I carry forward.”

🌟 Reflection: More Than Ink

Self-love isn’t a one-time act. It’s a lifelong journey—a vow we renew over and over, just like ink that fades and is given new color.

My tattoo isn’t just ink—it’s a ceremony of self-respect.” - When I look at my hand now, I see more than words and symbols. I see a story of resilience. I see the courage it takes to recommit, even when it feels like I fell short before. I see proof that even when love fades, it can be reborn brighter.

🌟 The Takeaway

So if you’ve ever felt like your own promise to yourself has dulled—whether it’s to love yourself, care for yourself, or believe in yourself—remember this:

👉 You can always renew your vow. You can always begin again. Because self-love isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about never faltering. It’s about choosing yourself, again and again, in color, in fullness, in life.

✨ Today, I chose me again. Tomorrow, I will too. And so can you. ✨

“Self-love is not a one-time vow—it’s a promise you renew, again and again.”