By Cierra
I specifically remember when I was in middle school, I wanted a helix piercing. I also remember how fearful my mom was of me becoming a “goth/punk.” I assured her I wasn’t getting my whole face and body pierced and that I didn’t like piercings to be big and cluttered anyway. I hardly liked piercings at all back then! But now I’m done with my sophomore year of college and it’s a completely different story.
Whether it was photos online or me seeing some of my friends, the longer I was exposed to piercings, the more appealing they were to me. There was an aesthetic appeal (especially when someone could pull certain piercings off) that clothes and makeup couldn’t fulfill. After awhile, I just felt plain unless I could get a piercing, not only to show off, but for my own viewing pleasure.
I believe I have gotten these piercings, in this order: primary lobes, right secondary lobe, helix, navel, conch, and lip piercing (retired). Of course, I want more, but I’m at a time in my life where I have to find a balance between body modifications and the future career I’m going toward (and love, I might add).
After the two pretty common ear piercings, I remember I wanted my navel pierced. I’m a sucker for body jewelry, and I knew there was a lot out there for navel piercings. I also was aware that it was hidden by clothes- another plus in my book to get the parents to say yes. But the biggest reason I wanted to get my navel pierced was because I was self-conscious about my “in-betweenie” navel. I knew I had a shape that I had no reason to be ashamed of, but I just couldn’t get myself to wear bikinis and it really frustrated me how self-conscious I was about a body part no one even really looked at. I felt like if I got my navel pierced, it would be hidden by something pretty. Also, it would bring attention toward my navel, and I could finally, fully convince myself that it really wasn’t a big deal.
Eventually, I was able to get it done, and it helped immensely. I’m much more confident about my midriff area and am no longer kicking myself over my stubborn body image issues. So, that was the biggest self-conscious image I hurdled over thanks to piercings. All the others I get are for aesthetic purposes. I’ve liked way more piercings than I did when I was younger, but I still have the personal preference of having uncluttered, dainty piercings when I do get more done.
When I get something done, it’s for me. And what I get done doesn’t necessarily have to be visible, I get it because it makes me happy. Sometimes I’ll see a piercing and think it’ll look good on me- like my lip piercing- but decide it doesn’t “wow” me like I’d want a piercing to do. So it ends up coming out eventually because I’m not happy with it. Now, I can’t get everything I want anymore due to the career I’m headed toward, but I still want a few more piercings done for myself. I’m content with anything that makes me happy.
Leave A Comment