Thoughts behind tattoos have shifted over the course of the past several years. It used to be thought of as outrageous and scandalous. However, people around my age have changed the idea that they are strictly for bikers, gangsters, and prisoners or what have you. Now, as my mother puts it, we use tattoos as jewelry. I wouldn't say that's exactly the case. Most of us proud tattoo "owners" put a lot of thought into everything we put onto our bodies. However, it's a good place to start.

I had my first and second tattoos done when I was 19 years old done within five minutes of each other. It was a huge step for me. Yes, it was one of the first things I had done against my parents will, but it was more than that. I had done something to set myself apart in a huge way from people. Made a permanent, "adult" decision. I felt so freed. That in itself puts a lot of emotion into those tattoos. Both of the tattoos held deep meaning for me, and I had thought about them for a long time. My first was a quote from "Will Grayson, Will Grayson," by John Green and David Levithan. It reads, "right now, he floats." It reflects that, although our burdens may be heavy, just a little bit of love, or happiness, or joy can lift it up and help you keep on moving.

My next tattoo read, "See you later." It goes along with one of my best friend's tattoos that reads, "but never goodbye." Through the years, my friend and I have had to grow apart in a variety of ways. It definitely took its toll on us as we moved to different colleges. We had to put in way more effort into our relationship. These tattoos are a permanent reminder of each other and have helped a great deal in keeping us together.

Now, regardless of your opinion on tattoos, we all have something that accomplishes these goals for us: something that holds symbolic importance to us, and something that forms a bond. These goals can be accomplished in figurines, stuffed animals, in songs, or really anything. I like to wear my heart on my sleeve, so to speak. I'm not the type to be open about everything, but these two tattoos in particular are a doorway into what makes me me and helps get the conversation started.

So, what's your "tattoo"? What keeps you close with your loved ones or helps you center yourself? Let me know!