Hamsa hand.

by

It’s funny.

Living where I do the fact that Ive a bigass tattoo on my leg seems to make me *more* approachable rather than less.

It isnt that I thought the application of my leg-sleeve (as I still like to call it much to the chagrin of my artist) would immediately morph me into an intimidating individual—-I just didnt think it would make people more apt to chat me up.

But it did.

And while I do kindasorta like when the Tornado’s peers slink toward me & gently rub my (typically unshaven) leg to see if it’s all ‘made of stickers? is that all stickers Miss. Carla?’ I cant lie that some days—-when Im feeling more misfit than MizFit—the grownup type questions are a little fatiguing.**

Yes (there’s a story there)

No (it didn’t really hurt that much)

Maybe (I’ll add a little more to the Seussian scene)

Probably (The Tornado rebellion will take the form of wearing hose, heels & pearls)

The most common question, however (even from people Ive know professionally for eons)’ is if the Seuss-sleeve is my first tattoo.

Definitely not.

I may be a woman who can at times roll sans moderation—-but in this aspect of my life  I started slow, tiny and tucked away.

(skimmer alert. there’s a point here and Im finally getting to it in my laborious circuitous way)

My favorite tattoo is my smallest and most plain.

An image I never see, but which is ever present in my mind.

It’s this:

For those of you not familiar it’s a hamsa hand & a symbol of blessing or protection (most typically thought from the evil eye).

Positioned where it is I rarely see the tattoo,  but love living my days knowing that it’s there.

Knowing that it has my back if you will.

As a result I ADORE the the sport top below from Activewear USA (click on photo to enlarge):

(I actually long to possess everything there. The sport top is mine purchased with MizMoney, oh FTC)

So much so that I reached out to the owner and asked about a giveaway of the hamsa top.

She was generous enough to IMMEDIATELY respond yes—-but after lots of back & forth she & I both agreed that a gift-card might be a better treat.

That way, should warding off the evil-eye not be your thing, you can select something else which is.

So that’s the reason behind my tattoo rambles above.

The love of the hamsa up in herre and, as a result, the love of the hamsa top as well.

You can be entered to win a sixty dollar gift-card to Activewear USA for the lowlow price of a comment below.

Do you have a certain item/object/symbol/phrase/quote (from the bible to a blankey) which symbolizes protection to you as my hamsa does to me?

Is there anything you hold dear which causes you to feel something or someone ‘has your back’ or is your amulet?

Please to hit us all up in the comments.

**Except from you all. Ya’ll are exempt & may feel free to ask away.  really.  always.

USA only

winner announced 7.9.10

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Comments

  1. I like it…:-)
    I have a troll bead bracelet that feels like an amulet. I swear it has magical qualities…:-) It was a gift given to me by a very dear friend and that is why it is special to me.

  2. I have a hamsa hanging in my house. I had a lovely hamsa pendant years ago which I lost when the beautiful chain broke – I kept meaning to get it replaced and by the time I remembered, the hamsa was lost.

    I have jewelery from my family that makes me feel safe and loved whenever I wear it – earrings from my late grandmother, a necklace from my mother, a pendant from my other grandmother. They have my back.

  3. I really believe in angels, but don’t have anything to symbolize my guardian angel… I like sleeping with a little heart-shaped piece of rose quartz next to my bed though.

    The idea of the Tornado’s rebellion taking the form of twinsets, pearls and hose cracked me up! I can just see it!

  5. I love the notion of a hidden amulet tattoo.

    Now you have me longing for one AND curious about your story 🙂

  6. I really enjoyed this post and you don’t have to enter me becaise I am still searching for mine 🙂

    What I’ve taken from you MizFit is that what we need is within us (I loved your last podcast when you two talked about trusting ourselves) and I hope to get to the place where my amulet is me.

  7. Oh and I love that you are secreting away the give aways LOL

    Not announcing in the titles.

    It made me feel as though I discovered a hidden secret.

  8. Can you believe I still have an OLD rabbits foot keychain when when I was little?

    PETA be damned 🙂

  9. Oh my oh my oh my, you and me we’re alike on so many levels.

    First of all, I REALLY want to win this.

    Second of all, I have a ladybug tattoo on my ankle. My mom has always called me Ladybug.

    Third of all is that after I get the red on the bug touched up (it has been 20 years since I got it after all) my next ink will be on . . . the back of my neck. How about that?

  10. My family. We have each other. My daughter, the artist, drew my tat design when she was 13. It’s a tribalized heart with our initials hidden inside the tribal squiggles of the heart. If you know they are there they are easy to spot. I had them but on my left shoulder blade. They have my back and help protect my heart and I have them right next to my heart always.

  11. Mine is more quote than physical object and it’s one that I have chosen to live by. It’s especially powerful in warding off the “evil eye” doers:

    The best revenge is living well.

    Made of stickers may just be the cutest thing in the history of ever! It’s how I will think of you now, Miz.

  12. I have a hamsa hand necklace that my friend brought me back from Morocco, which I like to wear for good luck/protection. Reminds me, I need to get a new chain for it!

  13. This sounds creepy, but is totally not. I wear ashes from a loved one in a little gold container around my neck. Been wearing it for 4 years now. When folks ask what my necklace is, I never say. I did once, but the reaction was so strong, no more.

  14. I have a small diamond necklace that I hardly wear anymore. It was given to me by my grandparents for high school graduation/ 18th birthday and when I put it on I think of them and feel very protected and loved. I have several pieces of “heirloom” jewelry from various family members and I love them all for how connected they make me fee.

  15. I would love to know the story behind your leg tattoo

    As a fellow writer I’m confident there is a great one.

  16. oh Rebekah not creepy at all to this misfit!

    Ren Man thinks I’m nuts but I’ve repeatedly told him I wanna be something (ring? necklace? Cufflinks?) upon my demise.

    I know.

    Morbid much? 😉

  17. I think your leg sleeve is slexy! (Sexy + lean = Slexy, btw)

    My symbol of peace is the number 3:16. I see it often when God is trying to knock me over the head to remind me that he’s ever present. I will go weeks where I will wake up at 3:16 A.M., I see the number on electronics in the gym, license plates, newspapers, etc.

    The biblical passages John 3:16, Ephesians 3:16, and now 1 Corinthians 3:16 pop to mind when I see or think of 3:16.

    This message is hitting home with me these days and reminds me to love myself, take care of my body, and to remain positive…

    “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

    • I’ve been looking for someone who gets these 3:16 messages on the clock….I’m jolted awake and look over at the clock. I get them other ways and have been for years around times of anxiety.

  18. What a great question! I have had many symbols along the way, they each represent a new part of the journey..It started with the Om and the ying yang. It progressed to dolphins which represented intelligence, playful, and independence to the Ruby Red Slippers. That is the center of the tattoo on my back that is ever growing as I continue to evolve

  20. (I echo the idea of stumbling on the giveaway ;))

    I don’t have an amulet per se and will spend my weekend pondering this whole concept.

    I am curious if as I think about it I discover I had one all along.

    Happy 4th Miz!

  21. I feel like tattoo placement is just as valuable and symbolic as the actual image that it is. thank you for sharing a bit about your own choices there. that being said, some tops and other outfits really make us feel certain emotions based on their placement etc. I like to run in certain shirts in races just because they are from certain events etc that remind me how far I have come. ((one being a shirt of rosie the riveter))

  22. Carla, I love your story! I’ve never seen a hamsa hand and I’m surprised I haven’t come across it! I practice Reiki. I don’t carry anything, except on rare occasions at which time I may carry a stone or crystal, but, again, that’s a rare thing.

    I get my protection from everything around me. When I feel vulnerable in any way, I call on the energy around me, from the universe for protection, to watch over me or others. So, I always have it with me wherever I go without having to remember to grab it or put it on or worry if I’ll lose it or stress if I happen to forget it.

    My protection is always with me!

  23. SKIMMER ALERT LOL 🙂

    Thanks for sharing this story and offering to tell the tale of the Seuss (yes please! the same day you share about your first wedding not that I am keeping track :)).

    My protection is my faith.

    I am not religious but am quite spiritual.

  24. I have a silver ring that my mother bought me upon my college graduation–I’d had a really rough year for several reasons, and I think we were both just proud to see me finish. On the inside is engraved “Love life + Be brave” –I haven’t taken it off my finger since, except for to read those words when I need them. 🙂

  25. Most people have guardian angels; I have a guardian dragon. The difference is that the dragon is a part of me, hidden deep in my reptilian brain. In situations of crisis, it wakes up and makes me capable of doing much more than under I ordinarily can.

    ( I’ve got it tattooed on my right hip. Winged, of course!)

  26. HIII MIZ!!! I love the “toddler slink”, i totally know what you’re talking about! 😀 I have a necklace from my grandma that she wore EVERY day of her life and she gave it to me to do likewise…i just love that 🙂

  27. Dragons. I have several dragon tattoos and although they are friendly style dragons, I feel like they protect and provide strength.

  28. Mine is actually my BodyBugg. Sure, it could “have my back” because of it’s usefulness in this whole health journey blah blah blah …. but more than that it’s a constant reminder that my Tom has my back since he got my first one for me. No hinting or anything of the sort was needed on my part. He just knew that it was probably something that I would want and that would be helpful to me after watching me struggle so hard for so long. It meant that he wanted/wants me healthy and around for a bit longer and that he “gets” me.

  29. My SIL who just passed away on June 3rd left her “Life is Good” running hat to me. It has a cute stick figure running on the front. Because when she couldn’t run anymore she told me she was passing the family running torch on to me, every single time I wear it I feel like Pam is with me, watching and taking care. It’s my favorite hat now.

    • I love the Life is Good product line: http://www.lifeisgood.com/

      Top-quality fabric, nice soft colors, and the shirts all have a tiny little patch sewn on the bottom that says “Do what you like, like what you do.” I have several of their shirts and pairs of socks.

      That’s a nice reminder of your SIL.

  30. You should wear your hair up more – or cut it short 😀

    I have an inukshuk charm on a necklace. It kind of has a lot of meanings, but I liken it to motivation, inner strength and a sense of self.

  31. I will read up on Hamsa Hand. I am not familiar. I am however familiar with tattoos. I have a few myself and they are my strength. Each means something different to me. Each tells another part of my story. Love your “leg sleeve” BTW. And truly I don’t mind when children ask about mine. They are honest and curious.

  32. LOVE all your thoughts/insights/amulets.

    Sad and uplifting as Id imagined.

    THANK YOU.

    And I laughed at your comment Lori as I always have my hair up (much to husband’s chagrin I think) unless Im filing a video or gussied up for some reason.

    and ahhh the short.

    Im tempted daily especially in TX

  33. I wore an ankh for years. It made me feel protected. I also have something (can’t think of the name) that the people of Malta use to ward off the evil eye.

  34. Right after my dad died I had a lot of dreams about him saving me. Once in a swimming pool, from a steam roller…strange. But the common theme of my dreams was that he was looking down on me from heaven and would always be there to protect me. It brings me peace to think that he’s there watching over me.

    I love that little tattoo on the back of your neck. 🙂 I keep thinking I might get a tiny one someday!

  35. Mine might sound a little dopey, but my wedding band serves as a symbol of strength to me. It is very simple and made of stainless steel but also very beautiful and strong. Soon after I was married I had to spend some time in the hospital and my wedding band was one of my few possessions that I was able to have with me. One of the bittersweet parts of losing a lot of weight is that it is starting to get to be too big and I don’t think I’ll be able to wear it for much longer.

    • Well, if wedding band as symbol of strength is dopey, count me in! 🙂 Can you get it resized? I lost a lot of weight and mine got too large, and I was able to take it to a jeweler and get it resized, but I’m not sure how possible that is with something like stainless steel.

  36. You are full of hidden treasures, Carla! And the stickers – how cute is that??? I forget the fun things little kids say!

    For me, it’s wearing a gold heart necklace that belonged to my Grandmother – it was hers from when she was a baby, and one side is dented in…she teethed on it! She gave it to me when I was in high school and I love wearing it…in fact, I had it on a couple of weeks ago in my FF “good hair sassy pose” pic!

  37. When picking up a high school friend to go to the movies a little clay baby Budha face was left in my car by his buddy who was an art major and had recently sculpted several. My little charm has moved from one car to the next and I refuse to let it leave. Plus it’s rather cute and a nice conversation starter.

  38. I have certain strange self-created rituals that I sometimes believe protect me and loved ones from harm. They are a little complex to detail here.

    But on a more “normal” (ha!) note, my meditation practice helps keep me and loved ones safe because (I believe) I am working through some self-destructive baggage and connecting with the Infinite, which radiates into my world.

    And also, I have a “hamsa hand” necklace, made out of Roman glass from an archeological site(s) in Israel.

  39. I have some broken veins on the back of my knee, courtesy of 4 pregnancies. When a wiseass kid asked who my tattoo artist was, I told him it was God!

  40. Love this! I have four tattoos — two on each of my wrists (inside and outside). They are my ‘reminder’ symbols:

    Eye of Horus – an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection and royal power.

    Ankh – an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character meaning “eternal life”

    Om (x2) – a mystical or sacred syllable in the Indian religions. The syllable is taken to consist of three phonemes, a, u and m, variously symbolizing the Three Vedas or the Hindu Trimurti or the three stages of life (birth, life and death)

    I chose symbols because they are powerful representations of ideas/ideals/beliefs/etc. They are timeless, open for interpretation, and supersede the hands of time. I’m definitely going to add to my collection (I’m thinking a lamassu will suffice!).

  42. Strangely enough I do not have anything like that. No tats, no jewelry, no amulets. But I’m fascinated by the story behind your hamsa hand. And this: “The Tornado rebellion will take the form of wearing hose, heels & pearls” will have me giggling all day. Not that people would say that but that those people so obviously don’t know either of you. The ‘nado (methinks) is so much like her mama!

  43. I have a lotus flower tattooed on my left inside wrist with the Hindu prayer symbol underneath. I had an incredibly diffuclt year last year so I got it as a reminder that, like the lotus, I had emerged from the grime and muck and came out strong and beautiful in the end. It brings me a great sense of peace.

  44. Actually, mine is a tattoo as well… it’s the butterfly tattoo I have on my left arm. I got it as a memorial tattoo after we lost our son, and it also has his name and his footprints inside. It is my symbol, my sign that I am always watched over…

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful tattoo, and for giving us the chance to get some amazing workout wear!

  45. My special items would have to be the charms that I wear daily around my neck. I have a cross to symbolize my love for the Lord and his unconditional love for me. I also have a birthstone pendant for my son (15 months old) that symbolizes my unconditional love for him. Both of these items help keep my priorities in order everyday.

  46. I love the tattoo on the back of your neck. Such a great idea! As for my “amulet” of sorts, I have a Celtic cross token that carry with me all the time. I just feel lost without it.

  47. I LOVE this. I’ve never seen the Hamsa hand before. You know . . . Hamsa Yoga would be a great name for a studio.

    A good friend of mine had a little line of Hanzi on her back that read “Beloved one of God.” I always liked that. I don’t have anything like that, though. No symbols. No slogans. I don’t think that anything about what protects me can be boiled down that easily in my mind. I would like it if it could be.

    How important do you think it is to have symbols like that? Is it just my personality that dictates I don’t need an emblem? Or is it something I’m missing out on? I will explore this further, I think.

  48. It’s pretty conservative, but I have an earring in one of my upper lobes. I used it when I was younger as a small sign of confidence and rebellion (no pearls for me) and although I don’t wear an earring there much any more, I can still feel the hole and will touch it sometimes as an anchor when I need it.

  49. That’s a great tattoo! I love the notion that it “has your back”.

    And CUTE TOP. As per usual, I’m regretting not having a home in the USA 😉

    I don’t have any particular symbol that I feel has the same sort of PROTECTION, per se, but I have a deep and unwavering love for cameo jewelry (authentic cameos, not the newly designed stuff. I’m all about the vintage and antique). Thinking about it now, it may be that one of the reasons why I frequently wear a cameo (ring or necklace, generally), is because it in a sense “gives me an extra pair of eyes”. And something about the fact that I’m wearing a piece of jewelry from the past, a piece of jewelry which has been worn by someone else… it gives it a sort of power.

    I like that.

  50. My new favorite bible quote, “be still and know that I am God”, calms me down and the give away top looks calm………odd but true. MizFit, you are doing great work. Thank you

  51. I’m not sure I believe it has protective powers, but I wasn’t going to take any chances, so I got a hamsa hand on my chest at the same time.

  52. The phrase “He restores my soul” from Psalm 23 has been my mantra of late. It protects me from letting the crazies get their hooks too far into me, and lets me know that it’s okay to relax a little bit because SOMEONE else is ultimately in control.
    He’s got my back. And I like having my soul restored and refreshed. 🙂

  53. I’ve never heard of this company before, what cute stuff!

    I never really thought about having a protection symbol / object, but when I read the line above,

    “Is there anything you hold dear which causes you to feel something or someone ‘has your back’”

    I immediately teared up a little. When my grandmother passed away in December, she left me an amethyst pendant and earrings — stones which she mined herself. I haven’t worn the pendant yet since the chain is too long, and have only worn the earrings once or twice, but they mean so much to me. She is with me.

  54. I have a set of windchimes that I’ve had for 20 years, they were my family’s, I feel comforted hearing them on a windy day.

  55. I don’t really have anything that comes to mind as something that has my back, but I have a tattoo that I can rarely see as well – and I love knowing it’s there.

  56. I hear ya on the questions love. I get so tired of the grown ups. I love the kids. The kids have no agenda, they have no pity, or stink eye, or fear. Only bald curiosity. So refreshing.

    I also love the way you talk about the Hamsa hand. Beautifully written my dear. Really beautifully written.

  58. I am not confident enough or identify closely enough with a given spirituality to have something like a “hamsa” hand.

    I really respect those who have strong belief systems and really incorporate them into the daily being rather than for convenience or conversation.

    You rock Miz!

  59. I do like the biblical line: no weapon formed against me shall prosper…I like it even better in the Outkast song. 😉

    Activewear has some really cool stuff…

  60. My “amulet” is the tattoo on my back- the ravens of dispersion, representing the energy and power to overcome any obstacles that might be in front of me. The design was something I drew and it was my first tattoo. It’s a lovely reminder of the strength and power that I do have, because sometimes life gets tough and it’s easy to forget everything that I’m capable of.

  61. I have hamsa earings that my friend got for me in Israel. I love them and where them whenever I think I need extra protection. I love that tatoo!

  62. I run with an ipod that was my mother’s. She died of a heart attack boarding a plane to visit us three years ago and was not able to see my first half-marathon debut. My mother struggled with severe obesity her whole life and had just started to attend Curves with her motivation to lose weight being able to stand long enough during my half-marathon to watch me finish my dream. So I carry this ipod with me to remind me of her and why I drive myself so hard. She runs with me in the body she has in spirit but could never obtain while on earth.

  63. I have a fluer de lis ring that I wear at all times. It’s the symbol of my hometown. Wearing it allows me to stay connected to my roots as I explore my future.

  64. I say the Serenity prayer a lot when I’m in stressful periods. It helps me remember “this too shall pass”.

  65. I got the Japanese sign for water on my left shoulder blade after 2 of my friends drowned and one killed themselves by suffocation. That sounds morbid, but I feel like I’ve learned from their lessons and the water doesn’t scare me even though I have a lot of reasons it could. In fact, I’ve managed to find comfort in it. But that’s just me.

  66. I have a pair of earrings from my grandmother — the only person in my biological family who has ever been really truly supportive of me and my endeavors. She’s long since passed away, but whenever I am on a new venture, I think of her and know she’d be supporting me all the way 🙂

  68. I have a couple tats – the one on the back of my neck is a moon and it is like a shield – I can’t see it but I know it is there…it helps me keep my back straight!

    I also have a big butterfly/flower tat on my left leg. I got the original butterfly back when I was pregnant with Q – and when she was 2 and I had finally taken control of my life – I left an abusive relationship and had even started college (with a baby and a full time job). I had that butterfly enhanced – the wings spread out further and flowers surrounding it – It is my independence-I am free- tattoo. Every time I am feeling low about where I am at I can look at my pretty colored leg and see how far I have come.

    ~~when I had my leg tattoo enhanced Q was 2.5 and she kept asking me who colored all over my leg?!?

  70. Don’t have a thing, but would love a chance at some activewear!!! Thanks, love your site. Chanced upon it through somewhere in the blog world – there aren’t many fitness blogs I’ve found closer to my middle age self.

  71. Love the tattoos!

    I’ve always been fond of the phrase “Om Mani Padme Hum.” The meaning of this is kind of complex, but it has to do with compassion, love, and understanding. (I think.)

    I do have a very special object to me. There is a simple, wooden box that my great-grandfather made. I keep the items that are most special to me: a lock of a pet’s hair. My prom date’s hankerchief. The vows at my wedding. A photo of a half-sister I have never met before. The keepsake box is the one item I would save in a fire.

  72. So funny – I’m having a bit of a discussion with a male friend on FB about whether or not women should get tattooed. He says no, I say yes! And I’ve been thinking about getting a tatt of what I call my “amulet of power.” It’s a really old medallion, possibly Central American or maybe Egyptian that was made into a necklace. It’s got what looks like pyramids and possibly Mayan glyphs (but who knows) inscribed on it. It was given to my mother when she was a child and she wore it a lot, then I inherited when she died suddenly at 49 y.o. We always used to joke about it having secret and awe-inspiring powers. When I’m wearing it having a stressful day, just closing my hand around it can make me relax and calm down, but it’s greatest power is reminding me of my mom, who was a really kick-ass person and struggled with a lot of adversity in her life.

  73. What a terrible influence you are, Miz! I’ve been arduously debating an octopus tattoo, but prior to reading your post, I hadn’t considered the fact that a tattoo is the key to social acceptance and awkward unnecessary stranger touching (which is my #1 priority, especially considering the fact that I live in NYC and don’t get nearly enough of that already)!

    That’s it. Pros and Cons list out the window. Awkward unnecessary stranger touching, here I come!

  74. Alas, I don’t really have anything that inspires me or acts as an amulet for me. I do have a little cobalt-blue evil-eye stone hanging from my rearview mirror, but that was acquired at a wedding of a friend and I thought it was pretty. At times I’ve decided to wear things to feel as though they have meaning (a sapphire cross for awhile, charms of my kids for awhile, now two rings with my kids’ names on them.)

    Meanwhile, I have two large scars on my leg – one immediately visible, and one less so. They are from abnormal mole removal, and look more like bruises than scars, so often people wonder if I’ve hurt myself recently. For YEARS I’ve thought about getting a tattoo that would somehow cover/incorporate the scar to make it something cool. But I haven’t yet figured out what would convey enough meaning for me to have it on my body. I really hope I find something… 🙂

  75. I really think this post is important. Having something constantly with you that reminds you of your goals or commitments or inspires you in your life is essential to staying focused.

    All of my clients wear a wrist band similar to the live strong wristband that is used as a reminder of their goal of achieving their ideal shape.

  76. I have a shield necklace that has Joshua 1:9 printed on the back – it makes me feel strong and reminds me that I’m safe.

  77. Why do so many of your posts make me start to tear up. I think they make me either think too much OR face thinking! 😉 I do tend to want to “run away” a lot!

    I so love that symbol & all it may mean to you beyond what you told us.

    The top.. amazing along with that rockin back it is over!!!!! 🙂

    OK, why I was tearing…. what I hold on to: My parents faces in my mind since they are no longer on this earth. I hold on to them & hope that they are with me & protect me from myself… and whatever else is out there…

  79. Wow, I loved this post, Miz! And thanks, too, for such a thought provoking question. I’ve loved reading everyone’s comments.

    I guess I have a few amulet-like things. Like Desert Agave, most special would be my wedding ring. Before that, it was the necklace my husband gave me when we were dating, on our first Christmas together. (When I was pregnant and the ring got too tight to wear, I wore the necklace instead.)

    I also have a gold bracelet from my mom. It was one of three that she wore when she battled with breast cancer, and when she overcame it, she sent one to me and one to my aunt. I don’t wear it all the time, but I did wear it at my first triathlon, because I saw that tri as a celebration of how far I’d come in my own battle for good health. I went a little crazy with talismans that day: I also had the “Strength” necklace I got from Christie O’Sullivan is on my bike and wore my “Unapologetically Myself” shirt before the race. All of these items made me feel like I had extra “sister strength” 🙂

    And of course, being a reader/writer, there’s my favorite words-to-live-by quote: “Time spent laughing is time spent with the gods.”

  80. My daughter held my wallet for me the other day and promptly snuck a peak in there and then asked me why I keep rocks in it. Yes, I have a couple of moonstones and a chunk of uncut emerald (my husband gave me that one.) I don’t go anywhere without them. 😉

  81. I TOTALLY believe in guardian angels! I think I have quite a few, as I need more than one, lol! I don’t really have a symbol, but I also believe that having a pet (in our case a dog) is not only physical protection, but emotional and spiritual as well.

  82. Not sure if this is exactly the same, but I have a necklace that says FAITH HOPE LOVE from a verse: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” kinda my mantra I guess?

  83. Great giveaway and that top really looks great on your lovely sculpted shoulders and back.

    Our family motto is “like legos” b/c we say we fit together like legos. It was also our wedding theme and that saying in engraved in our rings. I also struggle with fear and the Bible verse that says “no sparrow falls to the ground apart the the will of the Father and aren’t you worth more than many sparrows” (or something like that) is comforting to me. It reminds me I’m not in control anyway so I might as well let go of the fear and be in the moment.

  84. My son was born on Valentine’s day, so hearts have always had a special place in my life ever since. My favorite one is a real leaf that he wrote “God will never leaf you”! It’s on the wall in my room and makes me smile everyday.

    I love the “stickers” thing. Kids are so dang cute 🙂

  85. Wow! I’m kinda jealous of all of the awesome and precious symbols everyone has! 😀 I don’t really have a physical object that protects me, but I do have a strong, supportive family that always has my back.

  86. Love the story and the meaning of the Hamsa tattoo!

    My guardians are my little representational “lizards” that sit on my office windowsill. They help me fight off that “inner lizard” (a la Martha Beck) syndrome that makes me askeered. I think I need to move them to a direct line of sight, because so far, they’re only batting about .500. 🙂

  88. I don’t so much have an item that I feel has my back, I have a color. Purple, from the deepest royal purple to the lightest white violet, makes me feel serene and that all is well.

    Yes, odd I know.

  89. hmmmm, good question. I don’t know if I carry anything with me everyday. I used to wear my Hawaiian pearl necklace. My oldest son and I watched it be made. He choose the pearl, the vendor opened it and set it. But alas, Baby boy likes to tug at it so I only wear it every now and again.
    Oh! I know something! Just thought of it. I have my daddy’s favorite boots in my closet. I seem them everytime I change clothes. It’s like he’s watching over me.

  90. Hmm… I don’t have a particular symbol, and I’m not super religious, but I do feel like some higher power has my back. Life is too good for it all to be a coincidence 🙂

  91. I have Hamsa earrings (Chamsa as my friend Dana in Israel says). I love them because she said in Israel everyone wears them as opposed to in America Jewish people where the Star of David or a Chai (the 18th letter in the Hebrew alphabet symbolizing “life”), so for me the Hamsa is more authentic.
    Ok, is this tat week or what? I have never ever been into them, but earlier this week Helen showed her runner tattoo and now this lovely Hamsa…..I have never been so inspired.

  92. mine is totally scripture.. i’ve memorized passages.. that get me thru stuff.. that help me, counsel me.

    Never heard of the Hansa… first quick look.. it looked like something else to me.. which made me snorfle that I thought so, once you explained. never mind…

    it’s beautiful, so are you.

  93. I love the idea of your Hamsa Hand. I spent quite a few minutes pondering whether or not I have anything like that, and I couldn’t come up with any physical thing that makes me feel safe and secure. Rather, I think my family gives me security. Even though they are far away, I know that they are always thinking about / praying for me.

  94. I have lots of little things that I feel like protect me in some way! Mainly is my little ducky Leland who I carry everywhere on a keychain in my purse!

  95. As a massage therapist I’ve seen hundreds of tattoos over the years that I practiced, yet I never saw that symbol. I’m surprised. I am really surprised that none of the MT’s in my area have used it on their business cards either. I like the simplicity of the symbol and it’s meaning. Lovely.

  97. I would love to hear the story behind your tattoo on your leg.

    What is it of?

    My protection is in my heart. It is my faith.

  98. I also have a tattoo on my right shoulder blad–its a Unicorn crossed with a Pegasus aka a Horse with Wings & a Horn. it will always be my protection symbol 🙂

  99. My grandmother gave me her engagement ring a while back, and I keep it with me when I need a little “pick-me-up.”

    I love the idea of your tatt! What a great post.

  102. Excuse me for butting in totally off-topic, but I want you to know that I JUST STARTED A BLOG! That’s right, the person who said she would never blog now has one!

    It’s still a new-born. I have no idea how frequently I will post or what focus it will have.

    http://dragonmamma-dragoncave.blogspot.com/

  103. The meaning behind your hamsa hand reminds me of part of one of my favorite Bible passages I have memorized–Isaiah 58–“…the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind…”

  104. This is awesome! I love the placement and symbolism- I had no idea that is what that hand meant! I don’t have a trinket or symbol…maybe I consider birds my symbol. I love that this has me thinking though. I have a sparrow silhouette tat on my foot…its a reminder for me to not take advantage of what my body can do. Totally works 🙂

  105. Ooh, and I was just talking with my trainer about what I want for a tattoo…LOVE the idea of including a symbol/word/something for protection. Thanks for the opportunity for the giveaway – I love that they have plus size workout clothing!

  107. My BFF recently returned from her European honeymoon and brought me a keychain from Italy – of the evil eye protector. When I found your blog today and saw this post, I knew I had found a kindred spirit. It appears we have much in common, which is slightly scary and intriguing as well.

    I would love to win some gear from Activewear USA.

    I guess other than my new keychain, my protection comes from my faith. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strenth. Phil 4:13

  109. I’am thinking of buying a golden Retriever as a puppy for my daughter. Is this a good choice? Is a Golden Retriever good with small children? My daughter is 6 years old.

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