Tattoos have always managed to bring our innermost feelings to life. Whether it is a simple cartoon-style piece or a deeply personal quote, tattoos serve as a kind of marker to the world. They signify sometimes what we can't put into words. They serve as reminders, as healing visual cues, and they even have the ability to bring back powerful memories. There are a litany of reasons people get tattooed and that's been true practically since the dawn of civilization. While many take the time to honor someone they love, celebrate a beloved hobby, or show their undying commitment to another, others take the opportunity to get inked as a way of showing unbridled gratitude — a deep thankfulness for life.
November through December is known to be the season of gratitude and appreciation. During this time of the year, we're called upon to reflect what we're most thankful for, and are challenged to show our gratitude in any way we can. While the idea is certainly nice, what happens those other 10 months out of the year? For some people two months might be all they actively contribute to gratitude, for others it's a way of life.
Showing that one is grateful can be done in so many ways. Kind words, flowers sent, or even a card in the mail — but for some who feel a general appreciation of life having a tattoo as a constant reminder to be thankful is perfect. And just as there are dozens of ways to show one is thankful in society, there are dozens of ways to show it through body art.
Perhaps a simple scripted word does the trick, or even the universal symbol for gratitude is just right. Others may tattoo a flower or crystal that embodies a grateful spirit. Whatever the way a person chooses to express it, one thing is for certain: we're grateful that they shared these beautiful, sentimental pieces of work.
The Perfect Flower
According to Teleflora, Lilies symbolize humility and devotion — two qualities that are so crucial. These lilies can bring peace to the heart and calm to the anxious mind.
It Never Ends
An infinite loop, a never-ending cycle. Gratitude is something that once one feels it, one can give it freely. Feel connected to others with this poignant and special image.
A Lotus Flower
According to Town & Country Magazine, the lotus flower can be a symbol that changes depending on its petals. But we like to think that this tranquil symbol is meant to bring one's mind a little peace.
A Semicolon
It might be hard to catch at first, but there's a semicolon tucked into the purple flower. Project Semicolon has sparked thousands of tattoos and is a growing movement for those who suffer from mental illness and suicidal thoughts. In essence it means, my story could have ended, but it didn't and these deeply meaningful tattoos are a daily reminder that we're still here.
Take Flight
We all need someone to have our backs — a guardian angel. And once we've found that person it's important to be reminded how lucky one is to have that support.
Have Faith
Sometimes we can only recognize the good things after our faith sees us through. Feeling blessed and really seeing the positives in life is an important practice.
A Daily Reminder
This simple flower is not only beautiful but we think its placement makes it that much more meaningful. Being able to see one's tattoo is a daily reminder to thankful.
Our Kids
Motherhood is humbling, wonderful, and takes work every single day. Which is why there is nothing that makes us more grateful for life than our kids. Every day we spend with them is a gift.
Something Natural
Sometimes having a reminder from the outside world can help us to stay centered. And a bird can be a symbol for freedom, too.
Water Crystal
Sometimes our gratitude can be tied to a season or to the changing year. And it's good to know that we can grow and change form — just like water.
Tree of Life
Life is always moving forward and this Tree of Life can be a reminder to stay grounded. Appreciate the good every day with this beautiful and ornate tattoo idea.
A Meaningful Quote
"As long as there is someone in the sky to protect me," this quote reminds us, "there is no one on earth who can break me." It's a sentiment to stay thoughtful and be mindful that we are never alone.
A Loved One
It's the people in our lives that make life meaningful. They make us smile at our hardest times. This tattoo is a reminder that someone out there is the best part of our day.
Simple Symbol
This simple spiral symbol is the universal marker of gratitude. Showing an infinite loop, it stands for everlasting appreciation. We love how low-key this ink is — it really embodies the spirit behind the meaning of this tattoo.
Gratitude Powers
Any practicing witches will say there are an abundance of ways to show gratitude in magic. For those that use crystals, amethyst is a crystal of choice to do just that.
Appreciation Interpretation
"We must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy." And in the form of the gratitude symbol — what could be more perfect?
A Pink Rose
Pink roses are often sent as a gesture of gratitude. They just so happen to make a gorgeous tattoo, as well. The detail of this piece is something we bet the owner of this tattoo is thankful for.
Heart Full of Love
Bell flowers surrounding the simple outline heart stand for thankfulness. And a heart full of love surrounded by gratitude sounds like perfect homage to us.
Wishes
Wishbones might not outright say "gratitude" but the notion of being granted a wish is something to be thankful for. The striking outline style makes this an unforgettable tattoo. We love the dried flowers hanging from it also.
Simple Script
Some of the most beautiful ways to show appreciate is through understated acts. This simple script perfectly captures that.
Colorful Gratitude
Sometimes a simple line just won't do. When gratitude is overflowing, what better way to show it off than with vibrant colors? Watercolor tattoos are so ethereal looking, and it adds just the right element to this classic symbol.
Universal Language
Expressing thankfulness is the same in any language: totally beautiful and rooted in love. This cheery sunflower burst blossoming out of the script is a monumentally appropriate way to capture the essence of gratitude.
Inspirational
Look too quickly and it might be missed! This pretty entanglement of vines actually weaves into the shape of the gratitude symbol. It's gorgeous, subtle, and always present — just like gratitude should be.
The Key
This traditional-style tattoo represents gratitude as being the key to life. It likely reminders this tattoo owner to always be thankful and to wear that thanks on their sleeve. We couldn't agree more.
Sweet Sweetpeas
Sweetpeas are another flower associated with thankfulness, and this watercolor ink is as elegant as it is gorgeous. We love how realistic it is, and how the colors truly pop.
Blessed
They don't tell people to count their blessings for nothing! Recognizing that one is blessed is a beautiful and spiritual way to acknowledge and show gratitude. And what better way than a tattoo for everyone to see?
Keeping Fingers Crossed
Keeping one's fingers crossed is a sign of being hopeful, and having hope is always something to be grateful for. This tattoo can serve as a constant reminder that the two go hand in hand — no puns intended.
Clover
Sometimes gratitude isn't an active thought, sometimes, its just recognizing the bit of luck one has. Since clover is often associated with luck, and the feeling of being lucky or blessed makes a person grateful, it makes for a perfect "thankful" tattoo.
