"You'll regret it". I keep hearing it. Over and over and over people tell me I will regret it.
What I'm doing: covering up a significantly painful part of my past with something beautiful to constantly remind me and people around me that no matter what you've gone through, you can come through and be more beautiful because of it.
What people think: I'm getting a huge tattoo that I'm going to regret in 20 years.
Who CARES? Why do people constantly tell me not to worry about my scars and that they're "a part of me", and yet when I want to cover them with something that will bother me less people think I will regret it? I see my arm every single day. I don't get to cover it and pretend it isn't there like I let the people around me do. I cover it every day to keep it from bothering other people, why is it frowned upon when I want to cover it up with something that will keep it from bothering me?
Maybe I will regret it someday. Maybe in 20 years or more I will look at my arm and think ew, there's all this wrinkly, faded, tattooed skin. BUT will I not also be able to remember that it's covering the ugliest part of my life? Whether I regret this tattoo or not, I will always regret the scars that make up my arm right now. And instead of ignoring that nagging feeling that my arm is ugly and I hate it, I would rather do something about it.
The way I feel right now: nothing can look worse than my arm looks right now. Tattoos are a gorgeous form of artwork, and I've put a lot of thought into mine. I need to WANT to look at my own body, and right now, the scars keep me from seeing my own beauty.
Now... Maybe reading this to my parents will make them accept my choice. Here's to hoping!
