Tattoo

When I was seventeen I decided I wanted a tattoo as soon as I turned eighteen. I was not very cool but my older sister was. I also wanted to feel very adult and do something special for my birthday. My sister had a flower on her ankle and so to follow I got a butterfly on my opposite ankle, I couldn't be exactly like her. I have never regretted my tattoo. Well, as I was getting it the pain was not fun but otherwise I have liked it. Her is the picture of it now. The colors have clearly faded a bit but I got it 16 years ago so that is expected.

For the last ten years or so I have thought about getting a new tattoo. A bible verse that has helped me get through hard times and lows of my depression was Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper, not to harm, for hope and peace." It reminds me how I am here for a purpose and the truth of God's love for me. As I made the tattoo piecing together the fonts that I liked best I decided that I wanted to switch the colon to a semi-colon. Known as a symbol to pause before suicide, a perfect addition to this tattoo. I do want to say that I am better now but still taking meds to help regulate my emotions.  My lows are something that I still have to be aware of but not something I fear as I once did. I am not sure what did it but after 10 years of thinking about it I finally got the tattoo on wrist. I love it and have had zero regret.

I do want to add as a side note about my tattoos. The size is clearly different as well as the locations. The butterfly was fully colored and I have no idea how long it took. I still remember how much I hated getting it. My sister who had come with me was concerned I would pass out and tried putting a scented something under my nose hoping to distract me. The newest tattoo is smaller and is only lines with no fill in. It took ten min at the most so pretty quick but I would swear it did not hurt as much. I think they put a numbing gel on it before the tattoo. That would have been handy 16 years ago. Though I have also lived 16 additional years and was aware of what to expect so that had to also play a part. Tattoo's aren't bad but you definitely need to be committed to your choice and think about social standards as well. This new tattoo is on my wrist but it is placed specifically to be covered by a watch or bracelets for when I am at work.