I’ve always loved keys. As a child, I had been given various diaries with lock and key- but I never felt the need to write in any of the journals. I only wanted to lock the journal, keep the key safely in my pocket, and unlock it at my heart’s content.
Over the years I have given up on diaries, but my affinity for keys still remains. I have had several key necklaces and charms through out my adolescence, one being a small key necklace with a purple stone. One day, while working at the Staples in my hometown, I was ringing up a man who complemented my necklace and asked what it meant to me. I explained that it had no significance, that I just liked keys. He replied, “one day you’ll find out what it means to you” and as he handed me the tender, I noticed a key tattoo on his hand.
Of course, I pondered the significance of the key for many months. After a number of events in my life, I believe I have found it’s meaning to me, or at least in this stage of my life. I consider the key to be a constant reminder that I alone hold the key to my own happiness, success, and life in general. If there ever is a time when I am unhappy, it will remind me that I alone can change that. If there ever is a time when I feel as though my life is not on track, the key will remind me that I alone can get it on track again.
Today, I wear this key. Unlike all the others, it was not given to me as a gift. It was a key that I chose. I was wandering through the shops of New Paltz during my first semester when I came across a rack of all different types of keys, about two inches tall, with several different words engraved in each. This particular one has the word “wish” engraved in it. However, I must admit that this key was not chosen for the expression it displays. It was chosen because of its style- the twists, turns and elegant curls. It was chosen for its antiquated finish and profound essence. I have worn it every day since then.
I intend to have a key quite similar to this tattooed on my foot with the words “I hold the key” in fancy cursive. The placement of this tattoo has been a constant battle, because it must be perfect. I decided on the foot because it will be a place that will not be mistaken for a particular key of chastity, and because it will be in a place that is both subtle, yet perfectly capable of being seen when I need to see it. When I finally have the money to get it, I will think back to the man who found enough significance in a key to get it tattooed on his hand.
This necklace has received many compliments in the two years that I have worn it, and everyone always asks what the key opens. Although I never give such an abstract answer, I like to think that this key unlocks my deepest ambitions, without my ever knowing it.
The Materials of History, Thought, and Art 
I love your story of the man in Staples. I think it’s so funny how you can remember a complete stranger because of something he or she said. It’s also so interesting how objects are a source of bonds between different people and can quickly start a conversation. Even if someone does not know what an object is that someone has, the object can still spark conversation because the first person wants to know what the object is!
Do you think you saw the key as a way of having power? I especially get the feeling that the key is a source of power when you said, “I consider the key to be a constant reminder that I alone hold the key to my own happiness, success, and life in general. If there ever is a time when I am unhappy, it will remind me that I alone can change that. If there ever is a time when I feel as though my life is not on track, the key will remind me that I alone can get it on track again.”
When you get your tattoo of the key, will you still wear a key necklace? Or will the tattoo replace the object? I feel like it would be hard to stop wearing a key after having worn one for so long. But at the same time, the key will become a permanent part of your body- so even if you don’t wear a key, a key will always be with you.
Thanks, Eirinn. I would consider the key as outlet of power. Not power in the way that an evil villain wants power to control the world, but power in the sense that I have the power in my own personal life.
And yes, I do intend to still wear my key necklace even after I get the tattoo. Aside from being pretty, the key is way to show the rest of the world that I control my own life. The tattoo however, is more of a reminder for myself.
Maggie, this is beautiful! It’s interesting that you share this story, because my mom had a very similar experience. She came across a decorative key once on the ground when she was having a really rough day, trying to figure out exactly how to deal with a difficult situation. Her key says, “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.” I think a key is a very powerful symbol. Like you said, it signifies having the ability to unlock whatever lies ahead. Hopefully your key will give you the ability to unlock endless possibilities!
Thanks for sharing, Steph! It’s interesting to know you, your mother and I share a similar experience with the power of keys.
I really loved your story! I can certainly relate to the feeling of having “locked” ambitions and passions inside and realizing you have the sole power to discover/create/release them. I really like how you did not understand the meaning of this object when you first got it, but then later on use it as a tool and reminder that you are in control of your own happiness and essentially draw on it to be in touch with your own strength and positive energy. Your key has beautiful symbolic meaning to it and I enjoyed reading this story on the process of how its symbolism came to be.
Thanks Ally!