I got my first tattoo at the age of 18. Accompanied by a close friend, we ventured to a reputable tattoo studio in our town. She opted for a delicate blue star on her foot while I chose a 6-inch angel inked on my back.
As I left the parlor, skin pulsating beneath the protective wrap over my fresh ink, a wave of exhilaration washed over me. Sure, I pondered briefly about my mother’s potential reaction, but it didn’t linger. I felt secure in my choice to permanently inscribe vibrant ink onto my skin and didn’t give a second thought to the possibility of future regret. The idea of explaining my tattoo to my children never crossed my mind, and the opinions of my older self didn’t weigh heavily on my youthful heart.
I’ve come across many individuals who lament their tattoos. Some wish they had never altered their skin permanently, while others regret the design itself more than its permanence. I can empathize; I’ve danced with regret in other areas of my life. But when it comes to my tattoo? Not a chance.
Surprisingly, I find it a bit shocking that I hold no regrets about that tattoo. Regret and I have a historical relationship, often characterized by impulsive decisions I later wish I could take back. Given my youth when I got the tattoo and the fact that it’s not a design I’d choose today, one might assume I’d have second thoughts. It has faded significantly over the past two decades, and there’s even the small matter of the angel’s foot, which, once seen, can easily be mistaken for something else entirely. You can’t unsee it, but all I can do is chuckle.
Despite these reasons to reconsider that large angel with its slightly awkward design, I stand firm—I have no regrets. In fact, not only do I embrace that first tattoo, but I’ve also added several more in recent years, and I’m just as unrepentant about those. While I may not cherish every tattoo equally and some could use a reimagining, I don’t regret any of them.
“But they’re permanent!” people often exclaim. That’s true. Yet, perhaps this permanence is part of their allure for me. In a world that is constantly shifting, my tattoos serve as a steadfast reminder that some things truly last. They also bring a sense of lightness to my life, reminding me not to take everything too seriously. What’s on the outside pales in comparison to what lies within.
Critics often voice concerns about the potential drawbacks of tattoos, such as difficulties in securing employment. However, as dated stereotypes begin to fade, workplaces are increasingly becoming more accepting of tattoos. According to Forbes, the evolving perceptions surrounding tattoos are shifting rapidly, particularly as Millennials ascend into leadership roles. A Pew Research survey indicated that 23% of Americans sport at least one tattoo, with that figure rising to 32% among those aged 30 to 45.
People also wonder what message my tattoos convey to my kids. Am I unintentionally encouraging them to get inked at a young age because of my own tattoos? Maybe. But why should that concern me? I want my children to understand that external appearances—whether it’s skin color, hair style, piercings, or tattoos—do not define a person’s character. My tattoos illustrate that being a loving parent isn’t confined to conforming to societal norms; it’s about nurturing your children in your unique way.
If my kids express interest in getting tattoos when they’re older, I won’t discourage them. Instead, I’ll encourage them to carefully contemplate their decision and the significance of the design they wish to choose. I’ll remind them of the permanence involved and emphasize that inner qualities far outweigh external markings. Most importantly, I’ll reassure them of my unconditional love.
And then, I’ll ask, “Can I join you?”
For more insights on parenting, check out this related post on our blog. And if you’re exploring options for at-home insemination kits, consider checking out Make a Mom, a trusted retailer. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, IVF Babble is a fantastic site to explore.
In summary, my tattoos represent more than just body art; they serve as a testament to my journey, reflecting my choices, my identity, and my philosophy on life.