“My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.” — Johnny Depp

Younger generations are flocking to the idea of tattoos and older generations are knocking them down for it. The number of times someone older than me has said to me "you know that's permanent," or the number of times older individuals have grabbed my wrist to see what my tattoo says without asking me.

One time one lady said to me, "Oh, honey, it's such a shame to see a beautiful young lady permanently scar yourself." I had no response to this woman. I was working when this happened so I thought I should take the high road and just smile... but maybe I shouldn't have.

This world of ours is changing and people need to be open to that change. People are finding new ways to express themselves and become unique individuals. And they should not be shamed for that.

My tattoo is important to me and I'm tired of feeling like it was a "mistake I will regret in the future."

Every day when I look down at my wrist, I see a five letter word that has so much meaning to it. I look down and think of my family and how they are the best support system I could ever imagine. I look down when I'm having a bad day and think that no matter what I do my family will always love me and be there for me. I look down and feel my family is with me even when they are miles away.

My dad took me to get my first tattoo when I was 17. He doesn't have any tattoos but he didn't care if I did. My tattoo was a tribute to the people I love most in this world. These people have let me live boldly and take adventurous. These people have let me vent to them for hours and let me cry on their shoulders. These people are etched in my life forever, so why can't they be represented on my skin?

Tattoos give someone a visual way to express themselves but they also remind people of what's important to them.

They help people cope and heal. They help people find relief and peace with their past. They remind us of what we are living for. They are the words we feel but cannot say. So should we be shamed for that?

Instead of asking someone "why did you get that tattoo" in a negative way, try being more optimistic and asking "why did you get that tattoo," with a sincere feeling of curiosity.

Listen to people's stories behind their tattoos.

Let people share their story with you. It might inspire you and open up a new perspective.

Be open to letting people express themselves in different ways.

Embrace change and learn to accept it.

Never make someone feel shameful for being themselves.