Let's Talk... Tattoos.

Okkk so I was never a huge fan of tattoos growing up. I used to be that person that would moan about how 'they will be on you forever,' "you'll regret them when you're older" blah blah blah. I guess this is just proof that as you get older your opinions and views change when you grow as person. I love watching videos on YouTube where people show their tattoos and talk about the meanings, and as a blogger I thought I would make a blog post all about mine. In the space of 6 months I've had 5 tattoos my first one being when I was 20, however they're not just any old tattoos. Each one has a personal, meaningful, reason behind it so I thought Id give you all a lil brief explanation about them.

1. Japanese symbol - This is my most recent tattoo, its a Japanese symbol meaning father. I decided to get this done as I was visiting my dad in new Zealand. I always knew that I wanted to get a tattoo dedicated to my parents one day, and I thought the perfect opportunity was whilst I was there visiting him. I went back and forth between what I wanted to have done, I liked the idea of a new Zealand fern and the outline of new Zealand on the map, however I settled with this symbol on my ankle and I love it. I had it done by a tattoo company in Wellington, New Zealand called Kakapo Ink, an awesome quirky tattoo studio with an incredible view of the city.

2. Unalome- This tattoo represents the struggles that I am currently going through in life. Unalome tattoos are the visual image of reaching enlightenment. The spiral denotes my struggle with life, whilst the straight line shows that I have finally found some sort of harmony. I also had this tattoo done whilst I was in new Zealand. I found a tattoo artist that specialises in unalome tattoos, and he fully understood the personal meaning behind it which was a bonus!

3. The wave- 'The wave' was my first tattoo back in June, It was done on complete impulse in town on my work lunch break! It represents what I was going through at that current time. I was struggling with my mental health and it was a little reminder to myself that what I am going through will eventually pass, just like a wave does. It was a reminder to myself everyday that what I am going through will get easier, and it will eventually pass.

4. Semi- Colon - I reckon most of you know the meaning behind the semi colon tattoo. Some people may see it as a trend, but to people that have struggled with suicide first hand, it has a whole other meaning. Not only have I struggled with suicide, I also lost my best friend to suicide in 2014. I absolutely love the meaning behind this one, it honours the memory of my friend, and at the same time reminds me of my survival everyday.

5. Ahimsa- 'Not to injure' Respect for all living things and avoidance of violence towards others including animals. I love this little tattoo, nobody knows that the word means so when they see It they always ask me, and it's a great conversation starter. I got this tattoo also back in June because it marked the passing of my 3rd year anniversary as a Vegan. Obviously being vegan I fully support that animals should be treated equal to humans, so we shouldn't condone violence towards them.

So that's all for my tattoos, I don't currently have plans for any more but I would like more in the future.  I like tattoos, and if you’re the same, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a design because you love the artist’s work, or it holds a lot of personal meaning to you. Do you have any tattoos? What are the meanings behind them?