My New Favorite TV Show.

I typically don't watch the TLC network. It goes back to a mini-ban of the channel I self-imposed on myself. You see, I really like reality TV, but felt that the show Trading Spaces was just crap. I really got sick of all the hype over this show and of all its spin offs. That, along with the gluttony of “A _______ Story” shows they put on, I just wanted to put the parental lock on the channel and forget that it ever existed.

Then, all of a sudden, they put on what could be one of the greatest reality shows I have ever seen. Miami Ink, for me, will go down as one of the best “story” based reality shows of all time. The show centers itself around a tattoo artist named Ami (that's pronounced ahh-me) and the opening of his brand new shop near Miami Beach. The cast is great! From world renowned tattoo artist Chris Garver to shop whipping boy/apprentice Yoji Harada, these folks not only know how to lay down some wicked ink, but understand that every tattoo has a story.

And that is what I like best about the show. Ami, his crew and the shop are truly just a backdrop to the customers and the stories behind each tattoo. I love hearing the why someone would put themselves through so pain. I have seen a woman that wanted to cover the “cutting” scars of her teenage years with a flower blossom. I saw a father let his son write his name on his dad's chest that got turned into a tattoo. I have seen countless people that have lost loved ones come into Ami's shop to get remembrance tattoos. I even saw a couple come in for a consultation about getting matching tattoos to solidify their relationship, only to break up before appointment (the guy went ahead with getting the tattoo).

Story is powerful. It is the most powerful element of communication in existence. But if this is so, why do so many hide from telling their story? Or even worse, why do so many refuse to stay still long enough to listen to someone else's?

If you haven't done it lately, go out of your way to hear someone else's story. Do it in person and do it with out an agenda. You'll be surprised how it will change your story.