So, right now I’m totally using my blog as a very scientific poll to see whether or not you think I should get a tattoo. Growing up, I was very anti-tattoos. I’m pretty sure I even wrote a letter saying that if my mom ever got a tattoo it gave me the permission to go live with my aunt. Even in my 20s I still wasn’t crazy about tattoos. I couldn’t think of something that I would want permanently on my body. However, since my 30s, I’ve been warming up to the idea of tattoos. I like ones that have meaning and have a story. Something that shows the significance of a momentous occasion in your life.
I can’t think of a more momentous occasion than becoming a mom, and a big part of me wants to get a tattoo for my kids. (Both Vincent and Z) I don’t think I want their names or birth dates or anything like that, but I do want something to represent them. I looked up tattoo designs for moms, but nothing caught my eye. Then I looked up adoption symbols, and this image came up. The image of a triangle and a heart intertwined. The basic idea of this symbol is that the adoptive family, birth family, and the child are all united in love.
I LOVE this symbol, and it’s definitely what I would get tattoed, should I choose to get a tattoo. But it’s adoption and not really about Z… Well, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it could stand for him as well. He isn’t my biological child, but I love him as if he were, plus, we have a great relationship with his mom and step dad, so even though technically it’s the adoption symbol, I’m using as the “step parent symbol” too.
Recently, my sister reminded me of the triangle representing the trinity – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I think that’s what sold me and is giving me the push I need to actually take the plunge and get the tattoo. I need God in all elements of my life, but He is so clearly a part of my becoming a mother that it’s nice to know He had a hand in bringing Husband and I together along with Z, his mom and step dad, Vinny, and his birthparents. We’re all connected through the miracle that is God’s love.
Practically, there are a few issues a tattoo brings – I’m a teacher and I can’t have visible tattoos as part of our handbook. I get it. I completely understand why they wouldn’t want us to have tattoos our students can see, and I’m 100% fine with that idea. So, I’d have to get the tattoo in a place that would always be covered by clothes I wear to school. I definitely don’t want it on my back anywhere because I’d like to be able to see it. It’s going to have a very special meaning to me, so I’d like it to be something I see everyday, and I’m not opposed to other people seeing it, just not my students, their parents, or coworkers.
Also, I’m not at the ideal weight I’d like to be at right now. I’m not complaining about my body or saying I’m fat or anything, I just know I could stand to lose about 15-20 pounds to feel healthier and more confident with the way I look. I started tracking my calories and watching what I eat, but I’d like to lose at least 15 pounds before I get a tattoo. Maybe this will be my reward for loosing the weight.
I still fluctuate about putting something PERMANENT on my body. Will I still like the design in 5 years? 10? 50? Do I even want something to be forever etched on my skin? What if it’s a huge regret? Then I can’t do much about it, can I?
Help me make up my mind bloggers, to tattoo or not to tattoo?
September 14, 2015 at 9:24 am
I love that tattoo idea! I too was against tattoos for the longest time, but (in my 30s) am reconsidering. With that design and it’s meaning, I don’t there’s a chance you won’t still like the design down the road. I would think that seeing it as a reminder, especially as Vinny and Z grow up, would only increase it’s importance and significance to you!
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September 14, 2015 at 9:55 am
I vote for doing it because you have found something you can live with forever. That is my hang up amd I camt seem to come up with something. You might be able to find someplace that sells custom temporary tatoos. I’ve seen them online for children to put phone numbers if lost and found. You may be able to send them your design and get a few to try out in different places before you commit.
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September 14, 2015 at 9:57 am
I say go for! However, it took me 2 long years to commit to my own first tattoo but now it’s a part of me and always something that I am proud to talk about! Take your time in deciding.. I did and I will tell you once it was done I never thought wow I might regret this. I just kept thinking why did I wait so long 🙂 Either way your love from your children and all those who love them is forever a part of you!
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September 14, 2015 at 9:59 am
It’s a perfect design for you. It will never lose it’s meaning! You can scale it down to small size and put it over your heart.
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September 14, 2015 at 6:40 pm
It sounds like you have found something that you can live with forever, I say do it! As far as positioning have you thought about your collarbone? You can offset it enough that you don’t have to worry about clothing covering it at work but you can still see it everyday.
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September 15, 2015 at 9:23 am
I’m in agreement with Libby – I considered getting a tattoo for about 8 years (I know right!) and once I did I had the same reaction – I was in love with it and couldnt believe I had waited so long. I don’t see tattoos now as just something to get on my body, but rather, they become a part of my body, my story, and of my most intimate self. It was a choice I made not just about my appearance, but about my life and what I want my life to mean. I am a very visual person, so having a permanent and visual expression of my passions makes me feel empowered – like I am living my life in a very deliberate way, with direction.
Good luck 🙂
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September 20, 2015 at 3:47 am
I’ve had this same dilemma, but I’m 50 now. Yesterday, I booked in to have my 1st tattoo next month. I’m getting a pocket watch with filigree and beautiful ornate hands with 2 sets of times (4 hands) on it – the times my sons were born. I’m getting their names tattooed alongside the respective times, with two roses depicting love. I love your idea! I think if a tattoo has meaning, we love it so much more. Good luck!
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October 1, 2015 at 2:36 pm
Please post a picture in these comments, so I can see – it sounds like it will be beautiful! I decided that once I get my weight back to the 130s (which is about 7-8 lbs) then I’m scheduling mine.
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October 1, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Let’s follow each other and I will do a post with a photo!
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October 1, 2015 at 4:53 pm
Perfect – done!
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