I'm writing this only hours before I will be getting my fourth tattoo and I am high on anticipation waiting to get inked once again. Ever since I was 16, I was in love with the idea of putting personalized works of art on my skin. While I often get slack from my family — asking questions about appearance and reputation with tattoos — I know that the current trend is moving toward mainstream acceptance of tattoos and away from the stigma that they are unprofessional.

The tattoo I a currently awaiting is the biggest one I have gotten yet and I am going through all the emotions I felt when I was preparing for my first tattoo (not long after my 18th birthday). There is a strange process from planning all the way to the shop.

1. Inspiration.

Usually, the inspiration for a tattoo comes out of nowhere and at the worst time possible. Mine usually happen when I'm driving with nobody else in the car. Desperately clinging onto the idea while finishing the drive, I usually begin my obsession with an idea here.

2. Planning.

Now that you have the inspiration for the tattoo, it is time to think of the actual design and where it would be placed. Then, if you already have tattoos or want more, it is crucial to make sure this piece will fit in with the grand scheme of everything else that is wanted. Usually a lot of staring at blank paper occurs during this stage. Slowly, an idea begins to form.

3. Consultation.

Ah the dreaded consultation. While it is exciting that the general idea will begin to work within the chosen artist's style, it is often difficult to get that perfect idea. The team effort to create something perfect can be tedious when you have such a great idea in your head.

4. Impatience.

Now that the idea is set and the appointment time is planned, it is often difficult to wait weeks (or even months) to finally arrive at the tattoo date.

5. Second thoughts.

Sometimes, while unfortunate, during the waiting time there can be doubts about the design or if this is truly something that is wanted on the body forever.

6. Decision.

Luckily, most of the time for better or for worse, the decision is to carry on as planned.

7. The anxious waiting.

And so we return to anxiously waiting for tattoo day to arrive. While so close, it is so far away. During this period, try distracting yourself with planning more tattoos. Feed the addiction.

8. Tattoo day.

FINALLY it is the day that has been waited upon for weeks. Prepping yourself for whatever pain you may feel is somehow nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. Once the needle hits, however, there is no turning back.

9. Healing.

We all knew this was coming. The burn, the bleeding, the peeling skin; you did this to yourself. Worth it? Definitely.

10. Obsession.

Once healed and the final product is visible, there is a period of showing everyone that you run into your tattoo. Even if they have seen it before, they will be seeing it again.

11. Falling in love all over again.

It is inevitable that at some point the glitter and shine will wear off and the tattoo will become just an ordinary piece of your body again. Especially if it's in a not-so-visible spot, the tattoo may even be forgotten for a little. You won't be staring at it for hours on end for a while and the lackluster will set in; however, at some point you will rediscover the art work that is forever with you.

Like a baby opening gifts, the pure excitement of having something so special will wash over you once again. So with this in mind, make sure the tattoos you chose will make you fall in love over and over again for the many years to come that it will be with you.