Tattoos are becoming more and more popular with younger generations. Many see it more as a fad than a life choice to have their skin permanently inscribed with ink. Tattoo stereotypes have existed many years, usually consisting of bikers, criminals etc. As long as it was a "substandard population", it was acceptable for them to have tattoos and frowned upon by many others in their community.

Now tattoos are on the skin of many people both old and young, regardless of their clique or socioeconomic status. Tattoos are proudly worn by veterans, cancer survivors, family members and friends of those formerly suicidal or battling a type of mental illness.

Tattoos can be to memorialize an event or person, show religion, sexuality, or other important traits about the wearer. Increasingly, girls are getting tattoos because they look "so pretty" or "are cute." That's fine for them. I don't view that as being a good reason to get a tattoo, but it's their skin and their choice.

Most people that find out I have a tattoo are initially surprised, and even if they say they like it, act as if it's shocking I have one and that "someone like me" would do this. The first thing I think is "why should having a tattoo help define what kind of person I am?" After all, I didn't get a tattoo to define who I am, but to show who I am. The next thing I think is "what do you mean someone like me?" I know many people who have tattoos, and many of them are people I really respect and are wise, thoughtful people who are very happy with their decision to decorate their skin with these works of art.

I'm not saying who should get a tattoo or why you should or shouldn't, but I will say there are a few things you should think about before you do. Like, if I have grandchildren will I feel silly having this? Is this something really important to me that I truly want to mark my body with? If this exactly the design and message I want? Even if I'm questioned ten times a day about why I got this tattoo, will I be confident with this and be happy to share? You will get looks and stares. People will ask you why. You will get negative comments, but as long as you trust in your heart that this is what you want and you don't think you'll regret it at a point in your life, you'll likely be very happy to spend the money and bear the pain. When done with thought and a skillful hand, tattoos are very beautiful creations worth showing off and bragging about.

The most beautiful thing about tattoos, however, is that they give you a chance to control what people see, and likely what they'll remember about you. In life, you'll meet many people, and undoubtedly they won't remember much about you unless they become a friend or you see them often. With every person you meet, you'll mostly remember four things. 1. What they look like. 2. Their general personality. 3. Good memories you have with them. 4. The important or deep conversations you have with them, showing you their true values.

Tattoos can do most of these things. They'll be seen, remembered, and show what's truly important to you. Not every tattoo will be a work of deep thought and a reflection of a person. Maybe it'll be just because they want it, to match family/friends, or just to add something to their appearance that reminds them of good things in their life.

Any reason you choose to have a tattoo is your own reason and is enough to make it happen. Just remember there's power in ink, and don't just let the chance to paint part of the world's portrait of you pass by.

I got a tattoo at age 20. I first thought I might want one when I stood naked in the mirror, looking at the young, frail, plain girl I was then. At this point in my life, my self-confidence was pretty much non-existent and I hated how fragile and empty I felt. "I never want to feel this naked and insignificant again," I thought to myself.

Now, wherever I go, I can look over my shoulder to see a cross that reminds me I'm always protected, loved, and watched over. I see beautiful butterflies that represent the family members so important in my life. Some have passed but are always in my heart. I also see the words "Serenity, Courage and Wisdom" to remind me of my goal to continually work towards being happy and improving or accepting what's going on around me. I'll always be reminded that I have God to serve and a purpose, working to provide the best for myself and others around me. There's power in ink and beauty in the art we inscribe on our skin.