Tattoos are more than just adornments on our bodies. They, like zodiac sign tattoos, can serve as a representation of our identity. Some can also serve as a declaration, a slogan, or a reminder of what is important to us.

Tattoos with meaning are empowering. There will be moments when nothing works. The following little and large optimism tattoos will give you the power to bounce back or put a grin on your face.

Disclaimer: This tattoo collection is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.

Meaningful tattoos to inspire hope and positivity

No bad days

@nein666_tattoo

Everybody has bad days. It may be one of those days when work piled up and you don’t have enough air to breathe. It could also be when you can’t get out of bed because of a mood change.

“No bad days” may not be realistic. But we can choose how we react to difficult circumstances. Most of the time, bad days are bad moments that test our mental strength. This cute small tattoo will inspire you to stay positive when you think you can’t.

Universe in your hands

@sarakori

Have you ever felt as though you were losing control of things? The more you attempt, the less effective it becomes. The desire to have everything under control places huge strain on our shoulders.

This little cosmic tattoo serves as a reminder to let go a little bit. When you let go of the want, you open the door to more flexibility and opportunity in your life.

A cute tattoo for survivors

@_harrymckenzie

“Nothing is more beautiful than a smile that has struggled through tears.” This quote from Demi Lovato is the perfect caption for this tattoo.

On the way to your dreams

@imgonnahurtyoubaby

Klotski smiley face tattoo

@0chicken.tattoo

Never stop looking for ways to have fun in life. Never, ever stop smiling. Happiness and optimism spread like wildfire. And your grin has the potential to brighten someone’s day.

How to be happy

@howboutyourdeii

At first glance, this mark may appear to be a sorrowful tattoo. However, it conveys a positive message: no one is always happy. It’s also okay not to be okay. Most of us, like the character in this artwork, are not there yet. We’re all looking for happiness, therefore you’re not alone.

Say goodbye to negativity

@tattooer_jina

Not the end

@mrtnq_tt

We can become so engrossed in our thoughts that we lose sight of the resources available to us. This simple but significant tattoo will serve as a reminder to seek assistance when necessary.

Bye, problems

@sarakori

This adorable illustration tattoo makes me happy. It has a slightly wild but upbeat vibe to it. If you are a worisome overthinker, the upbeat and little careless atmosphere may allow you to relax.

Happiness is a choice.

@n1co_tattoo

Choose joy, choose your mental wellbeing, choose peace and most importantly, choose yourself.

Let’s dance

@holy_era

Keep growing – a motivational quote tattoo

@howboutyourdeii

The journey doesn’t end if you decide not to. This motivation quote tattoo will push you to try harder on the way to your goal.

Don’t worry

@sarakori

Be a warrior. Not a worrier.

You are not alone

@weepandforfeit

Whether it’s a significant other or a best friend, the right people make us feel less alone. Reminds you of anyone? This cute tattoo is a reminder never to let them go.

Read also: 83 Best friend tattoos that will melt your heart

It’s ok

@_harrymckenzie

Faced the sun, and you’ll leave your shadows behind.

Bite the bullet

@milo._.club

“Bite the bullet” originally appeared in Rudyard Kipling’s 1896 novel The Light that Failed. However, its origins can be traced back to even earlier wartime. Anesthetics were not available at the time. Wounded troops were forced to bite the bullet during medical care in order to avoid biting their tongues.

The phrase “bite the bullet” now refers to facing difficulties despite fear and difficulty. It refers to the determination to persevere in the face of adversity. As a tattoo, the statement symbolizes strength and resilience. It reminds us to persevere in the face of adversity.

Steal your worries away

@ada_romanova_tat

Positive vs negative

@labarberiast

Life doesn’t get easier just because you wish it to be. Good days and bad days are all part of life. Real positivity is knowing that struggles exist but so does hope.

No bad news

@formula76

This comic-style tattoo depicts how media is stressing us out more than ever before. It’s difficult to maintain a happy attitude when unpleasant news is constantly broadcast on television and the Internet.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, keep in mind that positive news rarely makes headlines. We are pushed into a pool of selectively edited news that attracts our attention with fear and rage.

It’s also okay to tear your newspaper up, take a break, and focus on what we can change instead, exactly like in this tattoo.

Helping hand

@pokeeeeeeeoh

However low you feel, if you are willing to open your heart, there will be a hand to pick you up.

No tears today – an inspiring self-love tattoo

@_harrymckenzie

This simple duo-color positivity tattoo demonstrates the power of self-love. When was the last time you said no to a favor you didn’t want to do? Or when you forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes? You reclaim your life when you love yourself.

No amount of validation can make up for a lack of self-love. However, a little extra self-love may result in a miracle in your life.

Kickstart my heart

@shari_tattooer

Do you best – a tattoo about self-acceptance

@ada_romanova_tat

Positivity is not about pushing yourself over the edge. It’s knowing what works and what doesn’t and making mindful choices.

If you have given your best, and it doesn’t work out the way you expected, move on. Find another way. Give yourself enough patience and room for trial and error. This small positivity tattoo is the sign we all need to drop unrealistic expectations and do what we can.

Party on

@panna.lew

A small heart tattoo to cheer you up

@_harrymckenzie

Mistakes make us

@constantbageltherapy

It’s not a common thing to cross out words on tattoos. And the courage going in this ribcage tattoo well pays off.

We are not robots, and mistakes are unavoidable. We can choose to blame ourselves for what we did wrong. Or we can learn from lessons and move on. This tattoo inspires us to go for the latter, and that’s what makes this tattoo positive and meaningful.

Starve the ego, feed the soul