Yep, I got a tattoo.  No, I wasn’t drunk.  It was a well thought out decision I have been pondering and praying through for a long while.  The timing was right and I did it without telling anyone…not even my husband.  On the way to get it, I did text him for final input (and he was super supportive, so no worries).  So, why didn’t I tell anyone?  …  I didn’t want anyone’s commentary.  People love to pass judgment, tell you about themselves and say things that are not always the most helpful.  I really wanted this to be a positive experience with meaning.  And for the most part, it has been.  The only negative comments I’ve gotten were from my daughters.  My 6 year old did not like it and thought I should have gotten a star.  My almost 12 year old was quite upset and we still have not fully processed her negativity towards having a “mom with a tattoo”.

The last couple of years have been filled with major life changes.  We have made choices to totally change how we do life.  It is all represented in the tattoo.  The inside of my right wrist now has a dark blue wave.  All that I have been processing and experiencing on my walk with the Lord is represented in it.

First of all, it is a simple tattoo–one basic line and one color.  I’m pretty sure all the tattoo artists were laughing at me as I walked out the door.  Surely the quickest tattoo in the history of tattoos.  It represents my journey towards living simply and having a minimalist lifestyle.

Next, navy is my favorite color–simple, neutral and the color of the sea.  The wave ties into my last post on “Word of the Year”, which is SALT.  I love the ocean.  I am more myself on the beach than anywhere in the world (and I have been to lots of places)…there is really no where I would rather be.  Also, I love to surf.  I know it’s probably surprising to many of you…I even have a surf board.  I haven’t been on it in a few years, but I’m ready to get back on it.  My dream is to go to a surf camp with some girlfriends–message me if you’re interested. (I’m thinking fall 2016!!)

Lastly, there is a verse that is meaningful to me:  Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”  There have been very deep waters I’ve had to navigate over the last few years.  The song “Oceans” by Hillsong United is one of my favorites and beautifully captures what I have been feeling and experienced.  Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBJJJkiRukY

Now, maybe some would say I’ve over thought this whole tattoo thing.  I did not want to get a tattoo just to get one.  It has been something I’ve been wanting to do with purpose, with meaning and for myself.  Sometimes as a mom, I feel like I get lost in the shuffle.  Like I come last and what I want does not always matter.  Now, I do not mean to sound selfish.  I am saying this as a woman who has given up her career and her free time to raise her children and homeschool them.  And this is a choice I have made voluntarily in response to what I hear God telling me to do for my family.  That being said, sometimes I need a little something for myself.  I hope this makes sense…