To Pierce Or Not To Pierce

I have asked myself that question many times over the last 15 years or so. I have my ear lobes pierced and the cartilage at the top of both ears pierced. And once upon a time I had my tongue pierced for many years and my belly button, too. I’ve let those two piercings go over the years, but there was one more piercing that I sat on for many moons, and that was my nose. After 10 years of debate, I finally made the decision (with the support of some amazing people) to finally have it done.

I had some reservations about it. At first, my husband wasn’t on board, but after having a long heartfelt discussion recently, he gave me reassurance that it would be ok with him. Then I was also back and forth on how big of a hole would be left behind when I do take it out (I researched that topic and was satisfied with what I read) and most importantly, would it offend anyone in my family. I made the decision to use a temp for a few days just to give my kids a visual of what I would look like with my nose pierced. Surprisingly, my kids were not very inquisitive about it. In fact, it didn’t bother them at all. If it would have been something that would have freaked my kids out, I would never have done it, but they definitely gave me a bright green light. In their own way, it was like they said, “Mom, we will love you anyway. Just do what makes you happy”, and so I did.

I have my reasons for having it done, mostly because I personally think it’s cute and unique to me. I have always been one to express myself through my appearance whether it’s been piercings, coloring or styling my hair a certain way, make-up or my clothing choices. I’ve tamed it down a lot since I have gotten married, but I started to feel like I wasn’t being completely true to myself. My punk rock goddess has been screaming to come out for quite some time. Granted, I can’t go running around dressed like my inner Gwen Stefani anymore because I am getting older (blah), but there are things I can do to tap into my edgy side and still show the world that I am a loving wife and mother despite my appearance. It really does sadden me that people base their judgments of others solely on how they choose to look.

I am loyal to my role as wife and mother, but I also have a very significant need to not forget about who I am and what makes me tick, so with the support of my loving husband and amazing friends, I finally gave into my edginess and got my nose pierced. It’s not about rebellion or being out of control or losing my mind or even trying to relive my “glory days”. It’s all about showing the world the woman that I am…A fun-loving, edgy, Christian wife and mother who happens to still thoroughly enjoy rocking out to 90’s alternative while cooking dinner, cleaning the house and rocking my daughter. It doesn’t make me a bad person in any way shape or form. It just makes me, well…me.

Thanks to all who played a role in this little adventure of mine, whether I have had deep heartfelt conversations with you about it or if you actually showed up for the occasion to either cheer me on or just happened to pierce your nose with me (couldn’t have asked for a better person to do this with than YOU), y’all know who you are, and I love you deeply for being so accepting of me and not casting judgment just because I want to be myself. You guys rock my socks!!!