I am asked frequently about the meaning behind my tattoos. So, it's time for me to explain my reasoning behind getting these symbols permanently on my body.
Why I Have Tattoos
I always knew I wanted to get tattoos. I had my first one planned out long before I was even 18. I love the idea of having something that has a significant meaning to you on your body. Every time I look at my tattoos, I'm reminded of why I got them and what they stand for.
I don't care about the stereotypes behind tattoos. In fact, I think they are completely wrong. Never have I been discriminated against by an employer or professor because I have tattoos. I don't think people look at me differently when they see I have tattoos.
If you're going to get a tattoo, by all means, do it. It's your body. But, PLEASE, make sure it's something that you want to see for the rest of your life.
My First Tattoo
I was SO nervous to get my first tattoo, but I was also so excited.
One day during my senior spring break, my friend Kate and I were at the beach. Spontaneously, like we are 99.9% of the time, we decided I would go get my first tattoo that night. So, Kate, my friend Sadie and I went to Shamrock Tattoo in Ormond Beach after dinner. My mom cried (not because she didn't want me to get it but because I was getting old).
My tattoo: an ampersand. The ampersand is a broken infinity, meaning nothing lasts forever but there is always an 'and.' This has become a life motto for me. It also symbolizes my love for writing and that my story is to be continued.
Ampersands have become a symbol in my day-to-day life – on my nightstand, on my wall, in my texts. I love what they stand for. So, I got it tattooed on my wrist, where I can always look down and remember what it means to me, who I am and that life goes on.
My first tattoo came out better than I could have ever hoped. To this day, I still look down at it and smile.
My Second Tattoo
My second tattoo was something I knew I wanted, too. Again, I spontaneously went to get this tattoo. Again, I was with Kate. Are you picking up on a pattern here? This time, we went to Victory Tattoo in Ormond Beach.
My second tattoo: a crescent moon. This tattoo is so special to me. My mom and I have always said to each other, "I love you more than the moon and the stars, forever and always." I always knew I wanted to portray this in a tattoo.
A few weeks later, my mom, aka the coolest mom of all time, got stars tattooed on her wrist to go along with my moon. I love our tattoos!
My Third Tattoo
Yup, I got a third. Ink cravings are REAL.
My third tattoo was the most unplanned. My roommate, Brittany, was thinking about going to get her first tattoo, so I said I'd get one if she got one.
My third tattoo: a four leaf clover. This was another tattoo I had always considered. Since I'm born on St. Patrick's Day and my Irish heritage is an important part of my life, getting this tattooed on my ankle wasn't too random. I will always be Irish and my birthday will never change. I also love what the four leaf clover stands for: faith, hope, love and luck.
Something else I'm always asked is if my tattoos hurt. Before I got my third one, I would tell everyone how it's really nothing more than a few pinches. But, when I got my ankle tattoo, that completely changed. Man, did that one HURT. So, if you're sensitive, don't get an ankle tattoo!
There it is. The meaning and experiences behind my three tattoos. I love all three and have no regrets. I will also remember why I got them and the stories of the days I got them.
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