Growing up I was never allowed to even think about getting a tattoo. I was told that tattooed people were dirty and ugly and want to hurt themselves or disfigure themselves. I was told it was not lady like and it would hold me back from getting the job I want or people would look down on me. Whether it was my parents, teachers, family friends or the media, tattoos were presented to me this way. In my generation it was most definitely frowned upon and it worked because when my friends decided they were going to get a tattoo I would avoid it at all costs. It was just one of those things that I knew if I did it my parents would kill me ๐ so as my friends got their tattoos I certainly didn’t follow along. I always wanted one. I just thought they were so pretty. That’s as far as the thought would go.
As I grew older things started to change. The older generation was doing just that….getting old. And my younger generation was starting to make a whole lot of sense to me. Tattoos were becoming more popular. Not because we ignored the older generation we just discovered tattoos are not what we thought they were or what we were told they were. In this generation they are considered art or a way to express yourself. We are much safer with how they are done and what products work best. We are aware more of the risks and people and the media are accepting them more and more. Being a tattooed person doesn’t mean the same anymore.
When I turned 32 it was at a point for me where I began to listen to myself more . I had always allowed people to make up my rules or tell me how to live so at 32 I finally decided enough was enough. I took the bull by the horns and started thinking about how I had always wanted a tattoo and God dammit I was gonna get one if I wanted too! So I figured out what I wanted and where and went on a mission to find a tattoo artist๐
I found an amazing artist named Liam and so began my tattoo journey.
This was my very first tattoo. I made the desicion to get one for the simple reason that I do believe they are an expression and I want to be able to express myself and feel beautiful and I certainly don’t want to be like everyone else so it was time to set myself apart from everyone. This tattoo to me represents my children. Each flower is a part of them. One slightly bigger as I have an older daughter and the other a little smaller. Pink….my favorite color and the vines representing their growth.
Once I had this one done something amazing happened to me. I felt better….more comfortable in my own skin. It was like a visual of the past few years of listening to others and not myself and I decided then that my tattooes were going to be my visual journey.
This one was my second. It’s a lotus flower which represents new beginnings. It reflects the LOVE I have for myself. This was a part of the journey that was going to forever change me. I had this one done after meeting the love of my life. Every time I look at it I think of our love and where it began๐๐
This was my sitting for my third tattoo. I have to give a shout out to my artist Liam. He is amazing. Not only as a tattoo artist but as a person and a musician. He makes the pain go away with his truly genuine personality and love for his work. If you get a chance check him out at https://www.instagram.com/jarvistattoos519/ at https://www.instagram.com/blackcloudtattoocollective/
This one hurt the most!! It’s the most beautiful piece of work to represent me. Liam knew exactly what I wanted and it could not have turned out more beautiful๐ I was becoming more confident in myself at this point in my journey and when I look at my arm it reminds me that I’m as beautiful as the art.
This one is my latest tattoo. Number 4. It has the most meaning so far. It is the name of my oldest daughter. The writing is done by one of my best friends in the whole world and the purple stars represent my daughter’s favorite color. Liam was able to perfect this in my eyes. My other wrist will be my youngest daughter’s name..Julia…and it will be very similar to this one (pictures to come when I’m done getting number 5!)
My point to all this is that even though I was taught something one way doesn’t mean that I will always think the same. I think I did what was right at the time. I didn’t go get a tattoo as a younger person who probably would have gotten something to regret. I put lots of thought in to my journey and also waited until I was 32 and clear headed to make the desicion to get tattoos. I absolutely will be getting more in the future to mark my journey in life and this story to me gives me encouragement in knowing even though things may be one way today…..someday there may be a change.
When I speak to my children about tattoos today I encourage them to wait until they are ready. I do not say that they are not allowed to get a tattoo. I share my story with them and tell them that when they are ready they will know and as long as they make their desicion wisly I will never be upset for their expression. Whichever way they choose to represent it๐๐๐
Dont underestimate tattooed moms. We don’t always have to be looked at as unfit moms who spend their kids money to disfigured ourselves . We all have a story that should not be judged visually. And by the way….we will be kickass grandmas someday!!!๐๐๐
Anyone else have a tattoo story? Please share….i would love to hear I’m not alone ๐๐
Sometimes I think it’s a generational thing, other times its a cultural thing for why people don’t like tattoos. I have always liked them, I didn’t get one cause I thought it would be too painful. That and I didn’t know what to get. I started looking at designs years ago then finally worked up the courage to get my first one early this year. Since then I’ve gotten another one, and I love both! My second one definitely hurt more as it’s a full mandala near my shoulder! My siblings like my tattoo, my parents haven’t really commented on it XD I definitely agree until waiting till you’re ready. An impulsive tattoo you might regret, but one that you’ve thought of for a while will be worthwhile ๐
Thanks for sharing your story!
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I agree with the generational thing. And I yes you’re right they are definitely painful lol but totally worth it. I’m glad you enjoyed my story ๐
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I too have a tattoo . Just one on my ankle . This I did when I turned 40 .
It’s not for everyone but no one should be ridiculed for having them .
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I was brought up with the same attitude towards tattoos that you were, but I never wanted one. I don’t think they enhance anyone’s beauty. Some are pretty like yours, some are ugly. Having said that, I’m not going to pass judgments about people who like tatts and sport one or a few. I think you need to do what feels right for you without being made to feel worthless. So, I don’t like them, but I’d rather like or dislike you for who you are.
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Thank you. Well said ๐
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Totally related to this post! I have been brought up with similar restrictions and in India โ most older generation and even some younger generation or people at work frown upon having visible tattoos. Why, it doesnโt make sense.. because originally I have read that my society actually used to encourage women to tattoo the names of their villages or husbands or tattoo symbols using primitive methods to be able to identify themselves because they didnโt write then. Strange how society changes. I think tattoos are a very special way of being you- where you have a picture or an art that is permanently there on your body that you gave to yourself and every tattoo has a beautiful story or reason to it- unless one got one while being super drunk.. lol! I am a mom too and I have two tattoos- one on my waist and another on my ankle. I have plans of getting two more- but just waiting for the right moment to get it done๐
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Thank you for sharing! I’m glad I was able to help you relate ๐ I’m sure we are not the only ones who grew up that way and probably won’t be the last. Let me know when you get your next tattoo! We can share tattoo stories ๐
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Absolutely!!
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Hey, thatโs great! A great design and looks beautiful on you. Cheers to you!
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Thanks very much! ๐
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Your tattoos are beautiful. I especially like the Hope one with the stars. I have to admit, I was not happy when my kids started getting tattooed five and ten years ago. But itโs so much more accepted now. Who knows, maybe Iโll get one some day. ๐
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They are gorgeous, glad you found the courage to do this for yourself.
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Thank you so much! ๐
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Totally get where you’re coming from. If people are going to judge you for your tattoos then they’re missing out all you have to offer ๐
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Exactly! Thank you so much ๐
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I’m a very tattooed mom, before being stay at home mom I was a teaching supervisor for an insourcing company and I had no one judge me. But now as a stay at home mom, all the heads turn. No shame in my tattoo game. They’re beautiful girl! โค๏ธ
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I only have one tattoo, but I totally agree with you that they are a personal expression of who you are! Like you, I grew up thinking I’d never get one, but in my early twenties I changed my mind and ended up designing my own. It’s on my upper back so I don’t see it all the time, but I smile when I look at it.
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Wow that’s awesome. Designing your own is a great idea. I just need to find the right tattoo artist I think that really gets my idea’s. Thanks for sharing with me!
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