My Natural Tattoo

I visited Orakei Marae last Sunday with my friend Fleur. She was going to get a ta moko done that represents her parents who have both now passed.

It was one of the most beautiful Sundays I have had and will forever remember. The sun was shining, The marae was on top of the hill, overlooking the ocean. It was the first time in such a long time that I have been on a marae and I felt right at home. I was relaxed and felt myself, fully.

Although my family (on my Mums side) has never lived life as part of the marae or had our maori heritage passed down to us, I have always felt very connected to that side of me, Well actually, both my Maori and Croatian heritage, I have a strong sense of connection towards both of them.

While there, I was asked if I had any tattoos. To which I answered ‘No’….Not yet 

A rarity these days. And it got me thinking. I may not (yet) have a ta moko or tattoo of meaning, But I do have markings that I like to call my natural tattoo….my stretch marks.

I have had these markings since I was 17 years old. I can’t remember what it’s like to not have them, For me it’s like I have had them my whole life (pretty much have) It took me a long time to be ok with them. I used to feel shame around them. Nothing to do with my daughter - because she was very much wanted in this life from the moment I found out I was pregnant. But more around what others thought of me, being young and pregnant. Also around how I thought a female body should look, To be feminine and sexy and well accedpted by a male.

I have now overcome all of that. None of that matters to me any longer. This natural tattoo of mine, is a representation of the life I brought into this world. Four tamariki who made it into this world. How can I not be proud and accept these markings. Its an honour to have them, as I know there are many mums out there who wish they had these markings.

Something I never thought I would do, was to show much of my body on the internet. But hey wants the difference…walking on the beach, hanging out beside the pool in your bikini in front of strangers is really no different. Plus it’s just a soft, snuggle tummy with markings 

;) If you don’t want to see, if you disagree, that’s ok… Turn and walk away 

:)

Our bodies shouldn’t be something we are ashamed of, But something we should be proud of…. For it’s strength, For where it has taken us and continues to take us, For any markings it may have, And what it has given us. (Those energetic, crazy, funny, loving, tantrum throwing, messy little critters we can’t help but love no matter what)

If you have stretch marks - your natural tattoo. Be proud of them, look at what it has given you, Whanau. There is nothing more beautiful and meaningful than that.