In this day and age, so many people have tattoos. Doctors, teachers, athletes - the list goes on and on. Some people, especially if they are from the older generation, believe that tattoos are "taboo". And if they are okay with the idea of getting a tattoo, they believe that it should always have a distinct meaning. But does it always have to be that way? My first tattoo doesn't have any meaning, and here are a few reasons why yours doesn't need meaning either.
1. Your first tattoo usually comes from impulse which is okay.
I can speak from experience that, when it comes to your first tattoo, you get caught up in the moment and the idea of permanently embedding ink in your skin with a needle. I have wanted a tattoo since I was fourteen years old, although I never was allowed to get one because my ideas were too "generic" and not special enough. But finally, five years later, I got my first tattoo. This past August, I got a large elephant tattoo on my left thigh. My parents hated it, my friends loved it, my professors didn't approve--but it wasn't really their opinions that mattered. I loved my tattoo, even if it didn't have any specific meaning
2. It will remind you of your youth.
Being young is all about new experiences. It's about finding yourself and enjoying life before you have to endure the responsibilities and obligations of adulthood. Being young, as much as the adults in our lives tell us it's not, is about being reckless and irresponsible. Getting a tattoo is a great way to express your inner self and experience that recklessness. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a tattoo just for yourself, for no reason at all other than you want it. That's what I did, and I couldn't be happier.
3. The future shouldn't determine the present.
People ask me all the time about my tattoo. "Aren't you going to regret that?" "What will your children think?" "What does it mean?" I always answer these questions in the same way. For one, I am not going to regret it, because animal tattoos are a timeless dedication. Also, my children will grow up knowing that tattoos are nothing to be ashamed of, and that they are an expression of your love and passion and experiences. Finally, I say, "if you must know, elephants symbolize strength.... but that's not why I got that tattoo." This almost always receives a response of a questioning look, and even more often it receives a disgusted look. So many people like to look down on others for their tattoos. I personally think it's ridiculous because none of your tattoos - especially your first one - need to have significance.
4. It makes you feel grown up, when you have to act grown up.
Getting a tattoo is a big commitment, and whether you're a teenager or in your twenties, commitments are becoming more common. Growing up means paying bills, taking responsibility for yourself, and so many other not-fun things. But when I got my first tattoo, it was one of the first things I ever really did completely on my own. I didn't get help from my parents, I didn't do anything. That was a really great feeling, especially because I got to choose what i was getting. Even more so because it didn't have any meaning and it was truly just for me. Getting a tattoo just for myself and on my own drove me into a whole new world of responsibility.
5. And, most importantly, it's your body!
When it comes to getting a tattoo, the main point is that it is your body and you can do literally whatever you want to it. If you want a tattoo of an elephant, get it! If you want an infinite sign or a heart, go for it! Your tattoo can be whatever you want because all that really matters is that you love it. It doesn't matter what your family thinks or your friends or complete strangers because it's your body!
