Judgment, Connection, and Transformation in a Tattoo Shop
When I first started getting inked, it wasn’t just about getting tattoos. It was about the entire process: walking into the tattoo shop, meeting people who were vastly different from me, and wading into an environment I never thought I’d find myself in.
Their stories and struggles couldn’t have been more different from mine. Some had criminal records, their bodies were covered in tattoos and piercings, and their lives were often stigmatized by society. But what I discovered wasn’t the stereotype. I found goodness and resilience. They had faced unimaginable hardships, lacked the privileges I’d had, and lived lives I could barely begin to understand. And yet, they weren’t defined by their challenges. They were kind, unapologetic, and deeply human.
I couldn’t help but think, These are the people Jesus would spend time with. And I realized just how wrong society’s judgment of them was—how wrong my judgment had been. I showed up in my suits, expecting to feel out of place. But they welcomed me. I shared meals with them, and in return, they accepted me as I was. Over time, I grew fond of them, and they grew fond of me.
What I learned was that in the acceptance of others as they are—without judgment—created the space for connection and growth.
In my keynote talks, I say “Acceptance isn’t about agreement; it’s about providing a path forward.” It’s about seeing others as worthy of respect and kindness. When you accept someone, you aren’t condoning every choice-but you’re opening the door to relationship and understanding. And that’s how we move forward: not in judgment, but in love.
What I learned from this experience was that small steps—like putting myself in a new environment and embracing people so different from me—built a foundation of confidence and connection. It taught me to look beyond the surface and recognize beauty, goodness, and humanity in unexpected places. It also showed me that embracing the process of change, even when it meant stepping into the unknown, was where real growth happens.
The biggest takeaway? Growth and connection happen when you open yourself up to others and let them see the real you. By being open myself and accepting others as they are, I created trust, and trust created transformation. The more I allowed myself to be seen, the more I grew—and the more I connected with those around me.
What’s fascinating is how much I came to love and enjoy the people I met in that tattoo shop. They shattered every stereotype I had of what it meant to be inked up, pierced, and different from me. Years later, I see the irony: now I’m the one busting stereotypes, living a life that defies expectations and discovering even greater love and connection with who I’ve become.
If this resonates with you, take a moment to reflect: where could you open yourself up to new environments or people who are different from you? Growth happens when we step into the unknown and allow ourselves to be open.
Want to explore how small steps can create big transformations in your own life? Let’s connect. Whether it’s through my coaching, speaking, or upcoming book, I’d love to help you discover what’s possible when you embrace change and let others see the real you.
If these ideas resonate and you’re ready to explore your own growth, let’s connect. Book a call with me to see how we can work together on your development.
