I Will Not Be Conquered!

I truly believe for every hurdle you cross in an effort to build a better you

To build your character, spirit, happiness, self-esteem, & self-acceptance,

There is always a broken, hurt, misguided, ignorant, hate-filled, or devious individual

When intentional on their part, usually, to have company wallowing on their level

More often than not though to test your actual level of growth and ability to stand in confidence

Stand for who you are and what you've worked so hard to build

In these times you have to assess if your level of change is habitual or not

Can you pull them up to your level, or are you new in your growth and need to walk away

Being able to decipher the difference may be the biggest test of them all

In the end you have to remember the further you progress the more challenging & difficult your enemy will be

Give, share, & spread your love continue to move forward & don't be afraid to do what's right for you

Whether you promote & believe in yourself or not you will always be a target

But whether you come out of the experience on top will be dependent upon how you really see yourself

And who you truly know yourself to be

Currently Vibing To...

My 5th & Final Tattoo

1. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   "Being a non-conformist – Koi swimming upstream can be interpreted as showing the philosophy of non-conformism because of the fact that the Koi does not “go with the flow”. This can mean a person is very independent minded and does not do things the way they are expected of him or her. Swimming upstream can mean that a person is not easily influenced by others and does what he or she wants.
2. Strength in time of adversity – Koi fish also symbolizes persistence and the willingness to go on even though you are being swept away. It also symbolizes surpassing expectations. The Koi fish swimming upriver can show that a person has overcome various obstacles and not only does he or she keep standing, but he or she has come out victorious."
3. "There is another word to describe "love" which is "koi". The kanji character for "kokoro (heart)" is included as part of both kanji characters. Both "ai" and "koi" are probably translated as "love" in English. However, they have slightly different nuance: "Koi" is a love for the opposite sex, or a longing feeling for a specific person. It can be described as "romantic love" or "passionate love". While "ai" has the same meaning as "koi," it also has a definition of a general feeling of love. "Koi" can be selfish, but "ai" is a real love. Here are some lines that explain them well: Koi is always wanting. Ai is always giving."
4. According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. More generally, the Japanese associate koi (also known as carp) with perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.
5. "Koi symbolize serenity and peace."

So I think it's pretty obvious what I would like my fifth and final tattoo to be. I already have two of the three P's that I try to live by Patience and Passion as tattoo's. The Koi to me will represent Purpose. The hard part will be deciding what design to get. I really like the ones I posted above so I'll have to take some time to figure out exactly how I'd like it. I think I want the word Purpose along with the Koi and I'd like to integrate a small cross maybe on the tail of the Koi. We shall see! I'm glad that I have made a decision though! YAY!



UPDATE:
My Koi Fish: