Lessons Learned | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Lessons Learned

Deep thoughts from an airbrush tattoo artist.

10
Lessons Learned
Just Cute Animals

As I've mentioned before, I work at Silver Dollar City. It's an amazing 1880s theme park in Branson, Missouri and I love everything about it, especially the fact that it is run by a Christian company. This time of year, you can usually find me one of three places when I'm working. One of my favorite places to work at is down in the Grand Exposition giving airbrush tattoos. I got to thinking the other day, while I was giving a little boy a tattoo for his birthday. I realized all the lessons I've learned just from being an airbrush tattoo artist. So, today, I figured I would share some with you all.


Find the joy in the little things.

When little kids show their excitement and happiness when they are getting their tattoo done, I can't help but smile like a girl getting a cute text from her crush. These types of kids make me so, so joyous. I get that tingly feeling inside that a person gets when they get a major compliment from someone they highly respect. These kids know the true meaning of finding joy in the little things. Something as simple as an airbrush tattoo that will only last a few days (let's face it, they're probably gone after a few hours) can give a child so much joy to their life. That amazes me. Us older kids (we're all kids at heart, right?) need to start finding the joy in the little things more often. Starting now.

It's okay to make mistakes.

Nobody is perfect. Nobody except Jesus. We all make mistakes on a daily basis. It's just how we humans are. When I'm giving an airbrush tattoo, the likelihood of the stencil moving is very high. When this happens, mistakes are made and the tattoo becomes fuzzy and 3D looking. I never say anything about it to my customers when this happens. I smile and think to myself, "Please don't say anything, please don't say anything." And guess what, no one ever says anything. The person getting the tattoo is always so happy about the result. I love it. This has really taught me that it is okay to make mistakes. Just don't make them intentionally.

Sometimes you will encounter not-so-pleasant people, and that's okay.

Not every person is going to be happy about getting an airbrush tattoo. Most of the time, it's the parent or whoever is with the child. I had a lady bring her two grand-kids to my booth the other day, and she was one of the most hateful people I've ever encountered. She wouldn't let her kids physically touch the counter, even though I told them to so I could steadily do their tattoo. She stood behind them the entire time, griping about how trashy tattoos are and how atrocious she thought it was that her kids were getting tattoos. Mind you, these are airbrush tattoos. They are fake. Temporary. All you have to do to remove them is scrub them with rubbing alcohol. Having an airbrush tattoo does not make a person trashy. I'm almost twenty years old, and I think they're the coolest thing ever! I would sport airbrush tattoos all over the park if I could (sometimes, I do this anyways). Those unpleasant people that you cross paths with don't mean anything. Don't allow their attitudes to bring you down. Chances are, you won't remember them two days down the road.

Price doesn't always matter.

Before you go out and buy every Prada purse and every Lilly Pulitzer jeep known to man, please understand what I mean by this. Our airbrush tattoos can get a little pricey if you start adding extra colors. I've heard several times that the price isn't worth it. And I agree, on occasions. But, if spending a little extra money on something brings you happiness, then go for it. If you're worried about not having enough money, put your faith and trust in God. He provides for us. He will always provide for us. God doesn't leave us hanging even though sometimes it seems like He does. But we have to put our complete faith and complete trust in God. You'll see what amazing things He does when you do that. If I didn't put my complete faith and trust in God, I wouldn't be attending one of the best universities in the world (yes, I am very biased toward ORU), I would've been struggling to raise the money to go to South Dakota back in the spring for missions and I certainly would not be able to be living my dream of dancing with a professional ballet company. So, it's okay to spend a little extra money. God will provide for you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188024
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13527
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456828
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26001
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments