Has your grandma ever told you that you should never permanently mark your body? Have your parents ever told you you'll regret getting a tattoo later on? Has anyone told you that you'll probably not be able to get a job because you got a tattoo?
I've been told all of the above things and then some but all I can do is laugh.
Yes, at twenty years old, I decided to get a tattoo. I know adults disapprove and many frown upon it, but their happiness didn't cross my mind. It wasn't a drunk decision, a dare, or a lost bet. I was clear headed, I thought about it for weeks and I recruited my siblings to help me design it.
Before you judge me, ask me about the meaning behind it.
After we nearly lost my brother, Conner, my three other brothers wanted me to bare the Constantine's sign in my tattoo just like they all have so that I am protected like they feel they are. I wanted to honor Conner in some way because we are best friends and lastly I wanted to do something to reflect my heritage. The above picture is what we designed, and without Conner knowing, I got his initials inside of it.
It is on my left forearm, closest to my heart, and on the same arm where my brothers all have the Chi-Rho. Every time I see it, I am reminded of the miracles in my life. My adoption from Russia, gaining a family, and my brother surviving an accident. When I look at it, I see hope and I am thankful. They are stories of my life that I share with joy because these were not things I could control. It reminds me that through the good and the bad, God is writing my story and I know I need to continue trusting him.
I would never tell someone they should go get a tattoo because I am a firm believer that the only ones you won't regret are the ones that have a personal meaning to you. Every person has their own opinion on them and I respect that.
To those who think I should have hidden it -- what good would it be to hide God's miracles in my life? If no one saw it, I'd never be able to share with anyone and it wouldn't be as special. I also wouldn't have been able to see it if it was on my back or side so I specifically placed it in a spot that people could visibly see, look at and start a conversation.
To those who tell me I'll regret it when I'm older -- I am thoughtful, smart and I do not do things without thinking them through. I placed it on a part of my body that will not change much over time so that it won't get distorted years from now. Please don't tell me what I will regret like you know how my mind works.
To those who have told me I won't find a good job -- I will be in the business field and I intend on wearing business clothes, which usually consists of a blazer or long sleeve top. I am aware that I may need to cover it up and I will never object to doing so. Secondly, tattoos are becoming more and more common as we speak, so if I don't get a job based off of my tattoo, that company will be missing out on a dedicated, creative and passionate individual without even knowing who I am and what I can bring to their company.
Tattoos aren't for everyone but in all honesty, there are much bigger things happening in our world than what I did to my own body. Don't judge me, please. Instead, ask me questions and watch me get excited about adoption and my personal faith. I doubt you'll tell me I'll regret it one day after you know my whole story.
