Getting my first tattoo

I got a tattoo! 

Getting a tattoo is one of those things that was on my bucket list, but it was just a case of actually doing it. Although I’d been thinking about what I would get for ages, I was too nervous to just do it. One day I just thought f*ck it, so I booked it. Eeeek!

I went to a local studio called Insignia in Stony Stratford on recommendation and after a bit of research. A lady called Kerrie did my tattoo. I wanted an arrow on my ribs (more on the meaning later!) and had given her an idea of what I wanted before my appointment. When I arrived she had already sketched it out so I could check that it was what I wanted. Once I’d okayed it, she took me upstairs and transferred it onto my skin.

I was dreading the actual process because I had no idea what to expect. Everyone always tells you that the ribs are the most painful bit but I actually found it relatively painless! I was so surprised. I mean, the arrow wasn’t that big at all so it didn’t take long but the ‘pain’ was more of just an annoying stinging sensation. I winced slightly when she went back and did the shading, but apart from that, it was absolutely fine. It was over in about 10 minutes as it was only a small one. It will be two weeks since I had it done, so it is pretty much fully healed now.

I am so pleased with it! I can’t get over how detailed it is considering how small it is. I decided to get it on my ribs because it’s somewhere hidden, and I guess quite personal, like the meaning of the tattoo. I actually forget it’s there most days! It is visible just under my bra strap so you’ll only ever be able to see if when I’m on holiday or wearing a top with low sides.

I have always said that if I ever got a tattoo I would only get something that means something. And this one symbolises an awful lot to me. The arrow represents this beautiful quote:

“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backwards. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.”

It’s a little reminder that whatever life throws at me, I can deal with it. And I felt like now was the perfect time to get it.