Conscious Inklings Blog. Ideas, Insights & Ink-spiration!

Learning to Smile Through the Storms: Finding Strength Through Symbols and Community

Grief, healing, and resilience often begin with something small—a single word, a symbol, a moment of connection. For those who have lost a loved one to suicide, the journey forward can feel overwhelming, but finding reminders of hope and strength can make all the difference. At Conscious Ink, we believe in the power of words as a tool for healing, and we’re honored to spotlight the incredible work of Smile Through the Storms, a support organization dedicated to helping suicide loss survivors navigate their grief.

The Power of Words and Symbols in Healing

Words can carry immense weight. They remind us of who we are, what we’ve overcome, and the light that still exists even in our darkest moments. Whether spoken, written, or worn on the skin, words can be a powerful force for encouragement and renewal. This is the philosophy behind our Self-Harm & Suicide Awareness Collection—temporary tattoos that act as daily affirmations of resilience, courage, and self-compassion.

Simple phrases like “You are enough” or “One day at a time” can serve as gentle yet powerful reminders to keep going, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. These symbols don’t erase pain, but they can offer a tangible sense of support, something to hold onto when emotions become overwhelming.

A Community That Understands: Smile Through the Storms

Healing after loss is never a solitary journey, and that’s where community matters most. Smile Through the Storms was created to offer exactly that—a space where suicide loss survivors can find understanding, share their experiences, and receive support without judgment.

Founded by Deb Maxwell after the loss of her son, David "Bub" Shugart, Smile Through the Storms provides a compassionate, welcoming environment for those navigating life after suicide loss. Through bi-monthly meetings, both in-person and virtual, survivors can find connection, shared understanding, and a safe place to express their grief. As a nonprofit organization, Smile Through the Storms also raises awareness about the complexities of suicide loss and encourages open conversations around mental health.

Small Reminders, Big Impact

Sometimes, healing is about finding small things that help—a meaningful conversation, a handwritten note, or a simple word on your skin that reminds you to keep going. That’s why we created the Self-Harm & Suicide Awareness Collection, to provide individuals with a way to carry messages of hope with them each day.

Just as organizations like Smile Through the Storms offer support through human connection, these inked affirmations serve as personal reminders of resilience—a private yet profound way to hold onto hope. Whether you wear a word of encouragement for yourself or share one with a loved one who needs it, these symbols are a testament to strength, survival, and the unwavering belief that healing is possible.

You Are Not Alone

No one should have to walk through grief or struggle alone. Whether you’re looking for a community that understands or a daily reminder of your inner strength, there are tools to help you through. If you or someone you love has been affected by suicide loss, we encourage you to explore the invaluable resources at Smile Through the Storms. And if words speak to you, consider our Self-Harm & Suicide Awareness Collection as a small but powerful way to keep messages of resilience close to your heart.

Healing happens in moments, in symbols, in connections. Together, we can help each other through life’s storms, one step at a time.

Frank Gjata

Traffic, Idiots & Quantum Physics

What does traffic and idiots have to with quantum physics?

Well, stick with me here. I happen to be one of “those people" who believes that everything happens for a reason. And I mean EVERYTHING. Every little, tiny thing.

I believe the universe is so in synch with everything, and everyone, that it conducts a perfect orchestration coordinating all that happens in precise order, which allows us, all 8 billion of us, to experience what we experience. (Something similar to what was portrayed in the movie, “The Adjustment Bureau”. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it. It makes an analogous point in an entertaining, “Hollywoody” sort of way.)

On the surface, the traffic, or the erratic maneuver by the idiot driver in front of us, may seem like just an unfortunate random coincidence. But, if you have the perspective that everything happens for a reason, you might instead ponder the possibility that these circumstances are happening “for us” instead of “to us”.

Maybe the traffic or erratic maneuver happened to prevent us from getting into an accident up the road. Or maybe those occurrences have nothing to do with us specifically, as they may have happened so that another person could experience what they’re supposed to experience.

You get the point.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, or the idiot driver in front of you knocks you of course, take a breath, and ponder this perspective.

And if you really want to be a Jedi Master of the theory of “traffic, idiots and quantum physics”, you can go ahead and wield some genuine gratitude for those circumstances.

Doing so will put you in a calm, appreciative state of mind, which is a very high energy state, especially compared to how most of us typically react to traffic and idiots.

As we know, it’s the energy we hold, our state of being, that influences, or “orchestrates”, the experiences we have. Positive energy tends to lead to positive experiences. Negative energy tends to lead to negative experiences. And we always have the opportunity to pull something positive out of a negative experience.

It’s up to us.

We are all active co-conductors, along with the universe, composing and arranging our reality.

I'll end on that note.

Frank Gjata

Conscious Ink Founder

Frank Gjata

Feel The Gratitude! (Just Beware The "Gratitude Grinch"!)

We’ve all heard about the power and benefits of having an attitude of gratitude. And it’s true. When we focus on what we’re grateful for, we emit an energy that welcomes more things to be grateful for. It’s the opposite of a vicious circle…it’s a delicious circle, you could say.

Conscious Ink

How To Make New Year Resolutions Stick

How can we make any intention stick?

One way is to not make an intention at all.

But rather, make a commitment.

Intentions are nice. Commitments are powerful.

Think of something that you would like to welcome into your life.

First, make an intention to toward it.

Notice how you feel.

Now, take your time, breathe in and out slowly, and when you're ready, make a commitment to it.

What do you feel?

Do you notice any resistance?

Most do. But why?

A commitment holds us accountable to ourselves. There's is something deep within us that really doesn't want to let ourselves down. But we may be afraid that we will.

And perhaps, subconsciously, we may have some feelings of unworthiness...that we don't deserve to actually have what we want.

I invite you to make a commitment to what you really want.

What would that be?

Don't worry if you get off track. That's part of the journey.

Plus, there's a cure for breaking a commitment.

It's called: re-commitment.

Just re-commit. No drama needed.

Re-commitment is always available to us.

Anytime.

Even, in this moment now.

Happy manifesting to you.

Frank Gjata

What Is The Most Self-Loving Choice?

We tend to weigh decisions from a linear perspective of what we think would be "good or bad", "better or worse". Often, we honestly don't know what each decision would bring. We'd just be guessing. 😳

And some us (you know who you are 😁) create elaborate charts and graphs, weighing (perhaps, heavily weighing) any and all of the potential pros and cons. This can be useful in some instances, but if you notice "decision fatigue" settling in, there may be a simpler, and even more accurate, way.

Try instead asking yourself...what would be most self-loving decision?

You may surprised by the answer.

With this question, there is no right or wrong. Better or worse. Just the simple, freeing truth...of what would be the most self-loving action for you to take at that particular time.

This perspective also taps into your subconscious that may not be readily apparent, or tracked, in even the most robust of charts and graphs.

One more important thing to be aware of when making decisions...is your state of mind. Most would agree that it may not be so wise to make a long-term decision from a temporary state of mind. Meaning if you feel tired, scared or stressed, you may want to first focus on getting some rest. Then, revisit the decision making at that time, when you feel rested, and grounded.

When you focus on self love, there are no heavy decisions to weigh. The answer is clear. Let it be. You'll no doubt feel lighter.✨

Frank Gjata
Founder, Conscious Ink

Frank Gjata

Our Body Wants To Be Healed. Our Soul Wants To Be Free.

Stuck energy, old wounds and buried emotions are stored within the cells of our body….and are kept there as long as we keep our defenses up (including a long list of our many other creative human shenanigans).

This stuck energy steals much of our life force and vitality. To our subconscious, which monitors our basic survival, the release of these old wounds and emotions would feel like certain death…since that’s what it felt like at the onset of the wound.

So there’s a good reason most of us unconsciously and consciously avoid looking at our old wounds…as to prevent the release of “scary” overwhelming feelings.

That’s why we get triggered in fight/flight, time and time again. Have compassion for yourself and others! This really does feel scary…if you don’t know what’s going and you’ve never made it through before.

But here’s the truth: You won’t die, even though it may feel that way. All feelings are simply waves of energy. There are no “bad” feelings. The damage comes from not acknowledging and allowing the feelings to move through.

If we let the rainstorm of emotion move through when it comes up, we’d reach sunny skies in no time…typically in just a matter of moments!

But until we allow the energy to move through, it may be trapped within us for a lifetime.

~Frank Gjata

founder, Conscious Ink

Frank Gjata

Celebrating Joy and Being Present: A Journey Through My 30-Day Calendar

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the small moments of joy that surround us each day. We often get so caught up in our routines that we forget to pause and appreciate the beauty right before us. That’s why I created the Celebrating Joy 30-Day Calendar—a fun, powerful tool that helps us slow down, be present, mindful, and intentional in bringing more joy into our lives.

The essence of this calendar is rooted in a simple yet fundamental concept: Be Present in the Moment. As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Each day is an opportunity to embrace new possibilities and find joy in the present.

My Celebrating Joy 30-Day Calendar offers daily prompts that will encourage us to take small, meaningful actions that lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. These prompts range from practicing self-care and kindness to facing fears and trying new things. Each activity is a step toward living more joyfully in the moment.

For example, on one of the days, we’re invited to “Do 1 thing that scares you (Leap of Faith).” This challenge isn’t just about facing fears—it’s about personal growth and empowerment. By stepping out of our comfort zones, we reach new levels of confidence and joy.

Another day, the calendar prompts us to “Do something no one would expect from of you.” This encourages us to break free from our predictable patterns and surprise ourselves and others with spontaneity and creativity. These moments of unpredictability can be some of the most joyful and freeing experiences.

Throughout the 30 days, you are asked to practice self-compassion and self-care. Whether it’s setting aside time for a craft that inspires you, forgiving yourself for past mistakes, or simply taking a moment to visualize your future goals, these acts of kindness toward yourself create a springboard for a more joyful life.

What’s truly special about this calendar is its ability to foster a sense of community—knowing others are on the same journey. Feel free to share the calendar with friends, siblings, or your book club.

But the beauty of this journey doesn’t end with the calendar. The lessons we’ve learned—being present,

embracing joy, facing fears, and spreading kindness—are practices we can carry forward every day. The calendar serves as a starting point, but the journey of joy continues long after the 30 days have passed.

A heartfelt thanks to Conscious Ink for inviting me to share, the 30-Day Calendar: Celebrating Joy and Being Present, here with you.

Lilliantaylorwriter.com

Midlife Blogger | Celebrating Mature & Late-Age Women

As a Midlife Blogger, I am dedicated to celebrating and empowering mature and late-age women as we navigate life on our own terms.

Conscious Ink

Conscious Ink & AFSP Team Up For Suicide Prevention

Conscious Ink is proud to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), whose mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. With local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, and programs and events nationwide, AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs; develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy; and provides support for those affected by suicide.

In support of AFSP’s recent Long-Term Survivors of Suicide Loss Summit, the only conference of its kind, Conscious Ink created special temporary tattoos with the phrase #LivingOurStory, encouraging those with a connection to the cause to speak openly about their experiences to help bring suicide out of the darkness. For every packet of tattoos sold, Conscious Ink donates $5 to AFSP, making possible lifesaving support, programming, advocacy, research and more.

Diane Gillen, AFSP’s co-chair of the Summit who initiated this partnership, had this to say:

“We were so excited to be able to offer attendees the opportunity to apply a customized Conscious Ink tattoo that conveyed the theme of our conference. We set up a station near our conference check-in table and loved seeing the enthusiasm from everyone as they each came away with their #LivingOurStory tattoo. Not only did the tattoo represent our shared experiences, but since they are so long-lasting, I know they served as wonderful reminders of the connections that were made during our weekend together. We can’t thank you enough, Conscious Ink!”

You can help bring suicide out of the darkness by joining one of AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks. Take a step toward hope. Apply a tattoo to show your support and get out there and join a Walk – where you’ll find a community of people who understand and are making a difference. Find an Out of the Darkness Walk near you at afsp.org/walks.

To learn more about suicide, including resources available to survivors of suicide loss, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org.

Just like our special AFSP tattoos, emotions are also temporary – and help is always available. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 to talk to someone who can help.

Conscious Ink

How To Solidify A Moment With Meaning

Whenever we make a commitment, set an intention or create an affirmation, we often need a little reminding, and words do that so effectively.

Some people write words that remind them of the commitment on Post-it Notes or in journals. That’s because words can be a powerful anchor that brings us back to what matters. They can be metaphors we can apply to all sorts of contexts or statements that move us.

Written words are something we can add to our consciousness toolbox, and printing them out on our skin - even temporarily - can deepen the commitments we’ve made to ourselves.

When we combine the life-changing power of words with the affirming effect of tattoos, the power of an intention is amplified.

How can we use words to recommit in a powerful way and deepen our relationship with ourselves? How can we use temporary tattoos to support our intentions? Can we grow and change without suffering.

3 Invitations To Live More Intentionally, And Playfully

How to tattoo a context instead of static words in a commitment
There are so many ways tattoos can be employed to remind us of what’s important and what we want to focus on. Thei r permanent nature can be intimidating for a lot of us though. Can we use ink in an open-ended way so that the body art evolves with us?

A case for play in any context
We’ve been taught to explore and talk about heavy topics by taking a serious and somber approach, it’s work after all. Can we actually achieve more by dealing with heavy topics with more light-heartedness?

How to leapfrog suffering
They say in order to have a breakthrough, we first need to have a breakdown, but that might be the messaging of our Upper Limit problem. How do we uncouple change and suffering?

~From the "Be. Play. Love." Podcast with Sophie Chiche & Katie Hendricks

To explore more on this topic, listen to this episode of the "Be. Play. Love" Podcast featuring Conscious Ink Founder, Frank Gjata: https://beplaylove.com/?p=frank-gjata#episodes

Conscious Ink

Why Not...You?

No, really, why not?

Has there been something you wanted, but you thought to yourself, "There's just no way.", "That would be impossible.", "Wishful thinking.", "Who am I to think I could do that, or have that?"

And then perhaps you witness someone else having what you want, and you don't question it all, and think to yourself, "Of course, that makes sense for that person.", or "That person is special, but I'm just ordinary."

Now, could it be that it's precisely these beliefs we have about ourselves, and others, that are keeping us from getting what we want, or even trying?

Yes, we often don't even try, due to the beliefs we hold. No wonder nothing transpires! We don't even step into the arena! And, of course, then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. And we continue to gather more and more data to support our misguided beliefs. Sheesh.

So isn't it about time that we loosen the grip of these false, rigid beliefs?

And how do we do that?

By questioning them. We need to question the #&$! out of these beliefs. Because once we question them earnestly, we'd quickly see how ridiculous and untrue they are.

So, when you catch yourself having a limiting belief about yourself, perhaps having difficulty seeing yourself attaining what you desire, say to yourself, "Wait, why not me?", "It actually IS possible", "If that person can do it, so can I."

Then follow up this inspired state with ACTION. Listen to your intuition. Follow your excitement. Act on what you're passionate about.

Your life will change. Believe you me.

Frank Gjata
Founder Conscious Ink

Frank Gjata

Manifesting Mental Wellness: 4 Ways Conscious Ink Can Boost Mental Health and Positivity.

Who wouldn’t want to be mentally and emotionally fit?

If you too are on a journey to cultivate a healthier mindset and manifest your intentions, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll explore the transformative power of Conscious Ink Manifestation Tattoos and how they can support mental health, foster healthy habits, and promote positivity.

How Conscious Ink Manifestation Temporary Tattoos Can Support Permanent Change

Conscious Ink are more than just temporary tattoos – they're powerful messages and symbols of intention designed to help you manifest your best self. Conscious Ink is a movement dedicated to empowering individuals to tap into their inner power and potential through the powerful act of intention setting, and making a commitment toward it.

4 Ways To get Mentally Fit with Conscious Ink

1. Intention Setting for Mental Wellness: Setting intentions is a cornerstone of mental health practices. With Conscious Ink, you can choose a word or phrase that resonates with your mental health goals, such as “Calm" or "Self-Love." This practice helps reprogram your subconscious mind for positivity and resilience.

2. Visual Reminders for Positive Thinking: In a world filled with distractions, Conscious Ink serves as constant visual reminders of your mental health journey. Whether it's a reminder to "Stay Calm" during moments of anxiety or a prompt to "Choose Love" in challenging times, Conscious Ink will keep your mental health goals front and center.

3. Emotional Anchors for Resilience: Emotional anchors are powerful tools for navigating life's ups and downs. When you wear a Conscious Ink positive affirmation, it serves as a portable anchor of resilience. In moments of doubt or stress, simply glancing at your ink can evoke feelings of strength and empowerment.

4. Community Support for Mental Wellness: Wearing Conscious Ink connects you to a community of like-minded individuals who are also prioritizing their mental wellness. This sense of belonging provides support and encouragement, reminding you that you're not alone in your journey. So, team up, grab a friend, and ink together and support one another!

In addition to supporting mental health, Conscious Ink Manifestation Tattoos also play a key role in fostering healthy habits and promoting positivity. By reinforcing positive affirmations and beliefs, these tattoos help rewire our brains for success and fulfillment. Whether you're striving to cultivate gratitude, embrace self-love, or attract abundance into your life, there's a Conscious Ink for every intention and aspiration.

So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of self-transformation and empowerment, we invite you to join the Conscious Ink movement. Together, we can harness the power of intention, cultivate positive habits, and foster mental wellness, one body at a time.

~The Conscious Ink team

Conscious Ink

Great...And Not So Great... Expectations.

Most of us have heard, and believe, that having expectations is bad. There are many quotes out there echoing this sentiment. Even Shakespeare seemed to share this belief with his quote, "Expectation is the root of all heartache."

And if we posted that on Facebook and Instagram, we're surely to get lots of likes, thumb ups, and favorable comments.

But here's the thing. We cannot not have expectations, even if we try really, really hard.

Why? Because we will always have subconscious expectations.

How do we know what our subconscious expectations are?

Simply, ask yourself...honestly.

Ask yourself what you really expect from an upcoming interaction, a job interview, or from the universe at large.

You'll get an answer.

Expectations are simply beliefs we have about ourselves, and our place in the world.

So...since we can't get rid of expectations altogether...no matter how hard we pretend...we may as well as pick expectations that we prefer. Or at a minimum challenge the self-defeating expectations we have for ourselves.

How do we that?

We question those self-defeating expectatons or limiting beliefs.

We may ask ourselves, "Where did I develop this expectation?" "Did I inherit it from someone?", "Is my expectation really valid?"

You may be thinking that you actually have data/facts/experiences that support the expectations you carry. And that may be true.

But what also is true is that not all people have the same expectations. In fact, they may have completely different data/facts/experiences than you.

Now you may be thinking...well, that isn't fair...and spiral further down the "victim" mentality black hole.

But it's actually good news that others have different expectations and experiences.

Why?

Because this means that expectations and beliefs are maleable and interchangeable.

Get curious and inquisitive about this. Ask friends you admire what they might expect and believe if they were in a similar situation as you.

Tune into podcasts. Listen to interviews of people you respect. Get a sense of what they expect...what they believe.

Then, acknowledge the following truth: If they can have certain (different) expectations, beliefs and experiences, so can you.

Get into the habit of seeing things from different perspectives. Try them on for yourself. See the world, and your situation, through different lenses. You'll soon notice that lenses are indeed interchangeable.

Ultimately, if they can experience something, so can you.

And yes, that includes miracles.

Because if a miracle is possible for one, it's possible for another.

And yes, that includes...you.

In joy.

Frank Gjata

Founder Conscious Ink

Frank Gjata

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Conscious Inklings Blog. Ideas, Insights & Ink-spiration!

The Power of Words and Symbols in Healing

A Community That Understands: Smile Through the Storms

Small Reminders, Big Impact

You Are Not Alone

~From the "Be. Play. Love." Podcast with Sophie Chiche & Katie Hendricks

To explore more on this topic, listen to this episode of the "Be. Play. Love" Podcast featuring Conscious Ink Founder, Frank Gjata: https://beplaylove.com/?p=frank-gjata#episodes

How Conscious Ink Manifestation Temporary Tattoos Can Support Permanent Change

4 Ways To get Mentally Fit with Conscious Ink