Know thy self. 

"I am going to be certified to climb radio and cell phone towers," the text message said.  Justin will be adding to his list of certifications that now include master scuba diver and GIS.  I replied that his adrenalin tattoo suits him well.

He opted for the tattoo several years ago, and took the action despite several naysayers among his friends and family.  He proudly showed me the concept and design that was thought out as an expression of his Self.  His plan included first having the molecular structure of adrenalin drawn onto his inner arm, running nearly the length of his biceps (the powerful muscle of work).  Phase two would have a blue wave crashing over the molecule.  He was an active surfer at the time, but the wave also represented a metaphor for his energy:  persistent, a sight to behold, sometimes overwhelming but always a force to be reckoned with.  He wears the art proudly.

The message is bigger than that though.  Do we know enough about ourselves to be able to convey our Self in an artistic expression?  Do we wear that identity-literally or figuratively-each day?  Do we live each day as the person we truly are?

Walt Whitman's poem "To A Pupil" challenges us to rivet ourselves of our own personality.  Rivet. 

To A Pupil
Walt Whitman

Know thy self.  Live every day as that person.  You are called to do so.