One thing I did in my dark days was to write out the quotes that inspired and protected me and place them on my walls, I lived in a small hole of a place at that time, the walls ended up covered with my quotes.
My inspiration and love of them changed and altered, so I could change and alter them also. The only problem with a tattoo is that it is difficult to alter and change to another when your feeling grow and develop.
After many years and many tears and many inspirations I did live by a quote that I still hold to. It is a verse from a poem called 'Brahma', a Hindu God of creation. The author is an American: Ralph Waldo Emerson. The poem also stayed with me, and some my find it difficult to reconcile with their religious belief. I do not mean to offend if they are. I have highlighted the quote I love in bold.
I found and still find comfort in the poem. But then I have no gods and an ego that has kept me alive.
If the red slayer think he slays,
Or if the slain think he is slain,
They know not well the subtle ways
I keep, and pass, and turn again.
Far or forgot to me is near,
Shadow and sunlight are the same,
The vanished gods to me appear,
And one to me are shame and fame.
They reckon ill who leave me out;
When me they fly, I am the wings;
I am the doubter and the doubt,
And I the hymn the Brahmin sings.
The strong gods pine for my abode,
And pine in vain the sacred Seven;
But thou, meek lover of the good!
Find me, and turn thy back on heaven.
