Piercing as Self-Expression

I have wanted to pierce something on my body for a few years now. Nothing too out there, maybe a sexy pierced nose or second hole in my ear lobes. I was a little nervous, but the idea intrigued me. This summer, my co-worker, Jayne and I were about to pierce our noses on a day off, but decided against it.

Two days ago, I was at the mall with my daughter and she said, "Mom, don't you want a second hole in your ear? Let's do it!" That was all it took for me to say a resonant "Yes!" to piercing. A few minutes later, I found myself sitting in a chair, filling out consent forms and picking out my new earring. I am now the proud owner of a second hole in my left ear.

What was so important about the piercing? It was a sign of something for me. A symbol of self-expression, signifying something changing in my life. I wanted to mark the beginning of my independence, as I transition from a married co-dependent woman to a divorced woman with a career as a life coach and artist, a homeowner, single mom to children who are moving up and out of my home. I have one daughter left living at home, have begun to date again, and I am happy with my life.

My pierced ear says, "I am just beginning this new phase in life and I am excited to see where my life goes." I didn't have to pierce an ear to say all that, but I love touching this new symbol of my emerging self. It's a constant reminder of where I am heading, and I love it!