If you would have asked me a year ago if I would ever get a tattoo, my response would have been a snarky no and I probably would have wondered why anyone would put themselves through the pain. However, after a year of a lot of self-growth, the thought of getting a tattoo became more appealing. In January 2017, I got my first tattoo and in February 2017 I got my second. As I sit here writing this article, I am patiently awaiting my upcoming tattoo appointment to add a third work of art to my body.

I am not going to sit here and try to persuade each and every reader that tattoos should be socially acceptable because there is widespread controversy about ink on your skin for both social and religious reasons. However, something that I want to make clear is that someone’s tattoo is none of your business. Just because you may not agree with the idea, keep your comments to yourself. For most tattoo connoisseurs, their tattoos have a deep meaning that reflects a pivotal moment in their life. Personally, all of my tattoos reflect someone or something that has changed my life. However, it is not vital that tattoos have a meaning. If you like the way something looks on your body, more power to you.

The most common question that I get regarding my largest piece, the island of Puerto Rico on my inner arm, is “Why did you get it so big”? The main reason I got this piece is to reflect my devotion to the Hispanic community and to reflect the impact of my grandmother in my life. When I was younger, I was ashamed of my culture and my Hispanic identity. I can remember hating being asked what my background was or where my grandparents were from. As a result, I choose to get it covering my entire arm so I could no longer hide it. This tattoo has been a reminder of who I was and who I have become. I am beyond proud of this piece and I love being asked about it. However, this piece is a work in progress because I will eventually be adding to it. Clearly, this “ink” has a deeper meaning.

My other piece is smaller and is on my shoulder blade. I originally got this piece on my shoulder blade because I was attempting to hide my tattoos from my parents (sorry mom and dad I will continue to get them regardless of where they are). Even though I no longer have to hide my tattoos, I still love the placement of this tattoo because whenever I turn around it reminds me how grateful I should be. I do need to admit that the meaning of this small anchor has grown over time. I originally got this piece with someone who has played an extremely important role in my life and my personal development. This tattoo will always hold this meaning and I will never regret making this decision. However, as time has gone on this small work of art has acquired a new meaning. It reminds me of how everything that has weighed me down emotionally and mentally has happened for a reason. Anytime that I question why these events have happened, this work reminds me how everything happens for a reason and I will grow from the experience.

One of the most obvious, but fascinating aspects of having tattoos is how this ink will be with me forever. No matter where I go, how my life changes or how old I get, I will always have these works of art. Whether you decide to never get a tattoo or get a sleeve, just remember that every tattoo has a story reflecting the mindset and thought process of a person.