Paris Jackson’s new tattoos beautifully address her mental health struggles

Though Michael Jackson is no longer with us, his daughter Paris has continued his inspiring legacy. The 18-year-old has powerfully addressed online bullying, paid tribute to her dad with stunning body art, and has even served as the best prom date a friend could ask for. Plus, to add to the list of reasons why we love her, Paris just opened up about her mental health in a way that will surely make others feel less alone.

Yesterday, on Instagram, Paris shared an image of herself with her hands behind her head, revealing all of the tattoos that grace her inner arms. “[T]he craftsmanship of tattoos will always be a controversy. some people like them, some people absolutely hate them. i appreciate art, i always have. especially when that art means something to me,” wrote Paris, to caption the image. “[T]oday i can look at my inner forearms and see art that has meaning for me, i don’t see a dark past anymore.”

Paris continued, “[M]y scars and past of self-hatred have been covered by loving marks, creativity, ingenuity.. and depth.” She adds that she will, of course, carry her past with her in the future, but her tattoos will be there to remind her that she’s always growing and getting better.

“[I] look back at my old self and then i look in the mirror, and i see a fighter looking back at me,” asserted Paris. “[I]’ll always keep fighting, and encouraging others to stay strong. we all go through hell every now and then but it makes us the warriors of love we were meant to be.” In taking the time to open up about her own struggles, Paris has simultaneously inspired us all to look at how far we’ve come.

“[S]o to anyone struggling, it gets better,” concluded Paris. “[Y]ou’re not alone.“