The Past and the Future - The Reason I Got My First Tattoo 

I’ve always admired tattoo’s but never could commit to getting until today. I was contemplating for while. because I wanted to make sure that it was something that I would love and cherish for the rest of my life. The main reason I got this tattoo is because it's a symbol of my past, present, and future. I got this tattoo on my wrist as a reminder that no matter what happens in life, you have to keep going and push through it all. 

The tattoo that I got on my wrist is a tattoo of my heart beat before I flatlined and the date December 4th, 2019. It symbolizes to me being able to get through tough situations and overcoming challenging times. The meaning behind the tattoo is that I am able to fight through anything. 

The tattoo symbolizes that one must never give up on themselves and fight for their life no matter what happens. It's about fighting through something that seems impossible.. 

Why I Waited To Get A Tattoo 

I was always a little hesitant to get a tattoo. I'm not afraid of needles or pain, but I am very broke and super indecisive. Initially, I wanted to get my first tattoo when I was 16. I always loved the concept of a heart beat on my wrist, with either a heart next to it or a music note in the center. After what's happened in 2019, I was determined to get a tattoo. But by that point COVID-19 had happened. So everything was shut down… 

In 2020, I almost got a tattoo for free. I'm really glad I didn't, but I started getting indecisive again and the tattoo artist, who was my friend at the time. I brought up the idea of a small sun and moon tattoo on my arm, but he wanted to do a different tattoo design that didn't fit me. I changed my mind and decided not to get a tattoo that day. Plus, his artwork wasn't the best, and I found out later that people were getting skin infections from him not cleaning his tattoo gun after using it. So I dodged a bullet that day. At that time, I had so many tattoo pictures in my phone, and I blame Snapchat for that. Luckily, I never got one that day because I would have probably regretted it later on. 

After hearing about my friend's tattoo experience, I decided to wait until I had enough money to pay for a proper session. It was difficult waiting, but patience is a virtue and as the months passed it became less and less important to me.

When I Realized It Was Time to Get a Tattoo 

December 2021 — I saw my friends getting tattoos and how meaningful they were. I started back on my tattoo kick again, but this time I had money. One night, my friends and I decided to go to the tattoo shop in town and get tattoos. At that time, I knew exactly what I wanted. When we got to the store, it was by appointment only. I had a bad feeling and something told me to wait. I learned at a very young age to always trust your gut, because most of the time, if not all the time, it's always right. 

Fast Forward a few months… (Read about my college disaster story here) 

My friend and I were sitting in my living room, reminiscing about the past. Then, suddenly she told me that she wanted to get a tattoo. I was shocked, I never thought she would consider something like that. After a few seconds of silence, I said, “I know I might be coming off as hypocritical by saying this, but why?”. I was honestly confused; I remember when I told her I wanted a tattoo. She gave me a whole lecture about how tattoos are permanent and when they fade they turn ugly and blah blah blah. 

She smiled and said, "Remember when you told me you wanted to get a tattoo to symbolize fighting through something that seems impossible and never giving up?" I nodded my head, I was surprised she actually remembered that. She laid back on the recliner and said, "Well, I want to get a tattoo that says 'survivor' with a flower and the year 2017." After she said that, it hit me. Back in 2017, she was diagnosed with cancer and has been fighting it ever since. I got up from the couch, looked at her and said, "That's right. It's been 5 years since you were diagnosed." She nodded her head and said, "Yep... Would you mind coming with me?" I looked at her like she was crazy and said, "I was going to come with you regardless. Besides, I have money saved up and been waiting long enough. I might as well get mine done too." She was shocked at first, but then said, "It's about time you finally get your tattoo." 

We went in and the shop was by appointment only... again... but this time I didn't have a bad feeling like I did before. The area seemed safe and the people were extremely nice. I made a deposit for both of our tattoos and started doing research. I knew what I wanted but I didn't know what kind of rhythm I wanted. The night before our appointment, I finally found what I wanted. It was a heart beat flatlining. My friend couldn't decide whether she wanted it on her arm or leg. She finally decided when the tattoo artist told her it would be less painful on the leg. 

So, there you have it the story about my tattoo!