Piercing

Growing up I was not in an environment that exposed me much to people with tattoos or body piercings. When I did see them I was taken back at the idea of how people could possibly withstand the process of using needles to create their body art or piercings. I am needlephobic. As belly button piercings seemed to stand out to me more and more when I would see them on women wearing swimsuits or someone flaunting their new belly button piercings, I felt an admiration and desire to have this decoration as well. I thought it was beautiful. I loved some the jewelry that was available for belly button piercings.
Finally one day I got up the courage to decide and tolerate the pain, observing others as their navals were pierced smoothly,quickly, and seemingly painless. If millions of people around the world could do it, I could do it. I found the pain to be oddly different from any other I had experienced. Now my navel piercing represents overcoming a fear with the reward of having attained the ability to display jewelery of my choice, whether it is only to me or people who happen to get a glimpse of my tummy. My tummy feels beautiful. I am comfortable in knowing that I am included in a large population that have a tattoo and piercing. Not so much for acceptance but for my personal acknowledgement and understanding for why people choose to get them.