29 Comments
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Ciana's avatar

Man, I needed to read this! At the beginning of this year, I scrambled to start volunteering and organizing regularly on top of a full-time job and being an artist, and quickly burnt myself out, hard. I've recently realized that I'm no good to anyone if my well is empty, and I'm working on redefining what "fighting" looks like for me. Maybe it's creating art that reflects my values rather than struggling to keep up with a never-ending news cycle and remaining in a state of exhausted despair.

Also, I don't blame you for not saying something in the moment to the tattoo artist (weren't you traveling there to recharge, after all?), but maybe there's still an opportunity to let them know that their comment was misinformed — in another visit, a call, or a message — if it's still on your mind.

In any case, wishing you all the peace. You deserve it!

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Lisa Johnston Hancock's avatar

When I first read the post I thought, "The nerve! Christian should have said something." But I am also introverted at times and would definitely not have said anything if the situation was reversed. I would have done the exact same thing. Gone home, and looked up information. Just in case. This is a really good point. You can always go back and help someone be a little more informed, in a positive way. Especially a tattoo artist! I feel like that is something that they should know.

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Samantha Spigos's avatar

Thank you for sharing this intimate look inside, Christian. I don't mean this flippantly: you invite us to dream new realities into being. I can tell I'll be thinking of this post often.

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Gary R. Gray Jr.'s avatar

Rooting for you ❤️ if y'all ever come to Singapore let me know! 🫶🏾

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Lara Starr's avatar

First, I can't even with that skin comment. You navigated that, as you do all things, with such grace.

Second, YAY FOR ADVENTURE! So excited for you and John for taking that leap. Thank you for taking us with you!

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Kate Marchewka's avatar

This is a beautiful post. Wishing you all the best in your travels and can't wait to see wherever you land through your lens! I hope it brings you peace and creative energy.

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Heidi M. Rogers's avatar

The new tats are beautiful. And I hope this year away is so good, adventurous, and healing for you.

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Lauren Soloy's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. I love the idea behind the background image on your phone. It made me stop and think about whether or not I’ve been protecting little-me, too. I think you are very wise and very brave. May I recommend Nova Scotia?

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Erika Jean Simon's avatar

Wishing you well on your journey, your book, and your energy. I’m glad you are not going it alone.

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Jennifer's avatar

Traveling mercies. ❤️

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Stacey Mei Yan Fong's avatar

Beyond excited for your tattoo journey and the adventure that awaits you in the year ahead xo

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Farai's avatar

love this for you! enjoy your time away

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Carson Ellis's avatar

I love that tattoo. I’m excited to see how your tattoo era evolves! Safe travels to you guys. Cannot wait to hear more. ❤️

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Rosalba Rai's avatar

Why am I crying? I’m so happy for you (little you included) and your partner. Here’s to adventure, healing & peace.

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Susan Cabael's avatar

Beautiful insights. It's so true that there are many times in life I simply let comments slide, because it is exhausting. Wishing you much growth in your adventures!

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Ann's avatar

Thank you for this post. Beautiful new tattoos. Wishing you peace, love, rejuvenation, adventure and fun as you travel. You deserve it all. Good luck on the book.

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Kate Schutz's avatar

Now I admire you even more. Safe travels! Please share your travel drawings with us!

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