Skin Deep

Anyone with tattoos will tell you how annoying and patronizing it can be, to get some of the questions that we do, on a daily basis. 'How will you look when you're older?', 'Do you regret them?', or even; 'What are you going to do on your wedding day?'. Yes, I have actually been asked these questions plenty myself and it can be more than a little boring. My choices are my own, and I don't question anyone else's. Because tattoos are a visual thing though, for some reason some people feel it's okay to ask about our life decisions uninvited, or even question them.
So let's clear this stuff up quickly.
I will look like myself when I'm older, only with tattoos. I'm happy to accept I will be a grandma with ink all over my body, and the responsibilities that come with that.
No I do not regret them. But if I did I feel that's a very personal question to ask anyway, I wouldn't inquire about your life choices uninvited. 
Probably the one that annoys me most is the wedding day one. What will I do on my wedding day? I'll wear a beautiful dress, I will be surrounded by people I care about, I will make a promise to the man I want to spend my life with, and I will be 100% myself. I will not suddenly develop shame about my ink for one particular day. In fact, I'll look pretty awesome okay?
:]
Now, onto the reason I wanted to write this post. I was inspired by Rachel's post from Illustrated Teacup, about body confidence relating to tattoos. I could totally relate to what she had said, and the quotes that were featured in this post. I'd love to tell you all about the beauty of tattoos, and their power. Yes that's right, power.
If you've read my blog for a while now, you'll know I've sometimes suffered with my body confidence and self esteem in general before. But my tattoos are never a part of those insecurities, in fact they are usually a weapon against them. One part of my body I hate most is my thighs; they're big and chubby and not great looking in shorts. However, whenever I look down and see one of my favourite tattoos taking up pretty much the whole space of my left thigh, I smile. Because now it's covered with something beautiful. It makes me focus on something good, and I feel unique rather than ugly. This is just one example, but it happens with every part of my body that is inked. I'm filled with love and confidence by each piece of art I add to my body. Some parts are there purely because I love the design, some are so very personal and meaningful to me. It's my own canvas, and I'll let it continue to develop and inspire me. 
I already have 9 tattoos (some have been extended/added to over the years), and I plan for many more. It's fair to say I'm addicted, I like the control I have over my own body in this way. I'm making it my own. Just to be clear though, as much as I love tattoos and probably always will; I'm not saying everyone should get one. It's there for life (or until you have a helluva lotta painful & expensive removal work done) and is a big responsibility. You need to make the decision to get one be 100% your own.
I hope this post gives a little insight into how tattoos can help someone and be a really positive experience. Or at least make people think before they judge my wedding day plans..
What do you guys think? Do you have any, or would you get any?

*Photos were taken before I dyed my hair it's current green! * Not all my tattoos featured, as some were too awkward to photograph alone, haha. *Newest tattoo - the bird, rose and heart locket on my arm. *Most painful tattoo - My tiny finger one! (The smallest one too!)





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