A Meaningful Word in Permanent Ink

When we were kids, tattoos were for ex-cons, former military, and bikers. It was a big deal to see someone with a visible tattoo and by someone I mean a man. I can’t recall ever seeing a woman with a tattoo.

Times certainly change, and once I started living with a guy who had loads of them, I started to understand. They are a form of artistic expression. Like art, every piece means something different. Jelly Roll got his first face tattoos when he was in prison. But he carried on after that. He’s sweet, kind, and one of my fave singers. He couldn’t scare me if he tried. And now it’s common to ink on women. It’s no big deal.

I recall an acquaintance in Hamilton who spent many summer days on golf courses schmoozing clients. One day, we attended the same pool party and I was surprised to see that his entire legs were tattooed. They popped with bright colours and a variety of scenes and images. Frankly, they were beautiful. He told me he planned to get his arms done – known as “sleeves” – once he retired. He worked in a conservative industry and needed to present a certain persona to gain people’s trust. So, it was legs only and long pants until he got older.

YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME

I’ve had three tattoos for many years but just one is occasionally visible. You can only see it if I wear a sleeveless top. It’s difficult to explain how addictive the process is until you’ve experienced it. I’d been wanting to get another one for a while. I knew who I wanted to do it but I didn’t know what to get.

Then I read the memoir, It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny. It’s an almost decade old book about love, loss, and how life doesn’t turn out as planned. When she offhandedly mentioned she’d gotten a tattoo of the word “now”, I knew it was what I wanted. My journey into Stoicism is partly about staying in the moment. Remembering not to dwell on the past or try to forecast the future. To pay attention to this second as it unfolds before me.

That’s my left wrist, if it isn’t obvious. I was going to get it across the underside until the artist, Sophia, suggested this. I have the option to cover it up with bracelets or a watch. It’s my fourth tattoo- fifth if you count one under my tongue, an amalgam tattoo, that my dentist found. Let’s say fourth, with intention.

WHY “NOW” NOW?

I don’t think I’m alone in realizing how much I missed by not “being there” mentally when things happened. Allowing my mind to buzz with anxiety or worry or regret instead of focusing on the moment. I’m better at catching myself wandering away from the present but this will help.

Life already travels at warp speed. This little reminder to stay in the moment helps me slow it down. It might not be how you’d choose to remind yourself, but it works for me.

Sophia was enthusiastic despite it not being the most creative thing she has been asked to do. I had met her when I purchased her lemon-faces artwork at a business gathering. She’s become an apprentice tattoo artist in London. It’s fun to watch her grow and create. One day, when she’s booked solid and charging mega-bucks, I can say I knew her when. When? Now.