When I was 18—mind you I’m only 19 now I just enjoy being dramatic—I made the decision to get a tattoo on my right arm. My tattoo recites an Ecuadorian proverb down my arm that translates to, “The strong forgive, and the weak remember.” The meaning of this saying can signify a thousand different things to a thousand different people, but in my case I believe that the saying serves as a reminder to let go of grudges and memories that crush one’s will in any sense. So, in true honor of my interpretation of the proverb I have chosen to brand myself with these words not to help other people realize what I have discovered in self-realization and deep concentrated thought, although that would grant, but as a footnote to my own life.
My parents are not so much for the whole tattoo culture. Thus, they shot down my proposal for the tattoo idea I had brewing up in my head immediately. They recited things such as, “Tattoos are so unprofessional, you won’t ever be able to find a job.” “I don’t understand why you would want to do that to yourself.” And (our center of attraction) “You want one now, but you’ll regret it later.” I went along with the tattoo anyway. I’ve thought long and hard about this statement before and following my tattoo, and I’ve decided that the statement is irrelevant.
I feel like at least most of the time when people make impactful life choices they are following a silent hunch that at some point during the decision making promise made an appearance. Therefore, by following said hunch one is living out a moment that in their life was once truly desired. When I say this I am not referring to fad like tattoos that include ones that symbolize a significant other or in the moment tattoos aesthetic tattoos. I am referring to tattoos that represent your character at the time of getting inked.
Simultaneously I am a believer in the growth and maturing of our characters ever so often. We live, we observe and we grow. So you’re all probably wondering how it is possible for me to support making a decision like getting a tattoo in a world where each year we find ourselves in new beginings; either mentally, physically, or in both terms. I just feel like it is worth it to recognize the moments that turn us into the person we end up being eventually. Aside from horryingfing points in our world's history and over a handful of stories that include forcibly branding and tattooing a person people typically get tattoos in happy times, and aren’t happier moments valuable enough to remember and cherish?
