Tattoo reward for goal weight

madisonirons

As I will be turning in less than three months, I was thinking about rewarding my weight loss with a tattoo. I've seen ideas all over the Internet, but the two that stick out in my mind came from other posts on this website: a dandelion with seeds floating away for each 5 lbs I have lost, or the word 'fly' (finally loving yourself). I fully intend on putting the tattoo in a concealed place for future career purposes. However, I have had several older family friends cautioning me on my decision to get this tattoo for a few reasons. First, they say I'm too young and may regret getting a tattoo when I'm older. Then they mention that because I am so young, I have plenty of time to put the weight back on, thus ruining the meaning behind the tattoo in the first place. But when I achieve my goal weight, I'm hoping that this tattoo will be a constant reminder to be healthy and make smart lifestyle decisions, thereby avoiding tremendous weight gain in the future. I need opinions from others going through this difficult journey with me, and I would appreciate any input, either positive or negative! Thanks!

TheConsciousFoody

So I'm covered in tattoos. From my head to my calves! Spend some time really thinking about it, it seems meaningful and has a story...that will never change. How can you regret a reminder of a positive change in your health? Most of mine have no meaning at all and sometimes they are spur of the moment. Will I regret them? Doubtful because they tell my story. They are a timeline of my life, things I love now, things I loved then, all kinds of stuff.

Don't let what those older people said bother you, it is your body. As long as you have it placed some where that won't hurt a career choice do what you feel is right. My grandfather was decorated in some original sailor jerry art and if he had a problem with my tattoos he never said anything.

keeponkickin

From an "older person" :laugh: I say go for it! You won't regret it. I didn't start getting tattoos until my late 30's and I don't regret them. I have one that reminds me of my weight loss journey and as I'm approaching my 46th birthday I'm looking to get a tattoo in memory of my mom that passed 3 years ago.

kazdav

Ok controversial. Don't do it, you have beautiful skin, don't ruin it. Think of what that tattoo will look like when you are old and wrinkly. Sorry I just think tattoos are chavvy, same goes for piercings. How about rewarding yourself with a bracelet, like pandora and with each significant milestone reward yourself with a charm.

paijing

Tats are increasingly common; according to Pew, 36% of U.S. adults 18-25 have at least one tattoo. However, of those who have a tattoo, 17% have some regret after getting it.

The tough part about getting a tat now is that like a new pair of heels or a sexy leather jacket, it will likely go out of style at some point. I know the dandelion design you're talking about, and think it looks awesome, but later on you might feel embarrassed that you put something on your body that was all over Pinterest in 2012.

Another thing to consider is what you want to say to people who ask about your tattoo. If it's at least occasionally visible, people will think of it as fair game for conversation. One of my friends has the word "water" tattooed on the inside of her wrist and though it was incredibly meaningful for her at the time she got it, now she feels kind of stupid explaining her college-girl motivations.

I'm not saying don't get a tat, but I am encouraging you to think through it. I have too many friends with out-of-style tats or tats that are no longer meaningful to them. There are lots of ways to mark an occasion; tats are just one of them.

(And if you think you'll ever want to get it removed in the future, then stick with black ink. Colors are hard to remove.)

TheConsciousFoody

Ok controversial. Don't do it, you have beautiful skin, don't ruin it. Think of what that tattoo will look like when you are old and wrinkly. Sorry I just think tattoos are chavvy, same goes for piercings. How about rewarding yourself with a bracelet, like pandora and with each significant milestone reward yourself with a charm.

In all honesty.. what will your skin look like when you're older? We all will get saggy. A wrinkle and a sag is just that, having a tattoo isn't going to change the fact that old people sag and wrinkle. It is close minded people like this that annoy the crap out of me. Seriously. How is getting a tattoo RUINING skin? Do you go out in the sun? Do you have any idea what that exposure does to precious skin? Have an opinion but try not to be ignorant.

Maidofmer

I want to get the one on my ticker. got tats so far, started at 16 and i'll be 24 on Saturday. For me, the one on my ticker is a rib cage, and you have to be in very good shape to get one.

mortyfit

The four I have were all for specific reasons, and all are easily covered by a t-shirt. If you want one, get it! But make it something that is meaningful to you and will remain meaningful to you.

Maidofmer

Ok controversial. Don't do it, you have beautiful skin, don't ruin it. Think of what that tattoo will look like when you are old and wrinkly. Sorry I just think tattoos are chavvy, same goes for piercings. How about rewarding yourself with a bracelet, like pandora and with each significant milestone reward yourself with a charm.

totally badass

BigDnSW

Above my 54 year old fiber eating bod above my *kitten*, "Exit Only".

Maidofmer

Above my 54 year old fiber eating bod above my *kitten*, "Exit Only".

lol

TheConsciousFoody

Argh how do I add pictures instead of links!!!

BigDnSW

Ok controversial. Don't do it, you have beautiful skin, don't ruin it. Think of what that tattoo will look like when you are old and wrinkly. Sorry I just think tattoos are chavvy, same goes for piercings. How about rewarding yourself with a bracelet, like pandora and with each significant milestone reward yourself with a charm.

totally badass

Obviously the pic was majorly photoshopped...get real...

BigDnSW

Above my 54 year old fiber eating bod above my *kitten*, "Exit Only".

lol

I am not gender/sexual preference biased, but for me...better than "Men At Work". However...

dakotababy

I have 3 massive tattoos. Back, forearm, leg. I love them all...but I regret 2/3 of them! Every one of them also had meaning attached to it.

The reason WHY i regret them is because 2/3 of them had a ****ty artist to it...so FIND A GOOD ARTIST! DONT SETTLE AND DONT GET IMPATIENT! Though all of them have potential to be fixed up and look amazing, I have not made it a priority.

The funny thing is...even though I regret these tattoos - if some crazy guy came and cut off my skin with my tattoos on them, I would immediately go get them replaced. They truly became a part of me. Old people can be just that - old, traditional, closed minded. We do not live in the 1930's anymore, so we can move past that - tattoos are becoming increasingly more common, more beautiful, and more accepted by everyone. No one's parents want their kids to get tattoos. As for the comment about saggy, gross skin when you age - this is true. So either way - we are all going to look like crap. Don't live life focusing on when you are 60,70,80 years old - Live life focused on the NOW! The young, at your best.

Oh yeah - so I have a giant treble clef on my forearm...I have heard the comment at least a thousand times "Do you like music?" It has come to the point where I am very sarcastic and just say "no I hate music." Personally - I hate it when people ask me about my tattoos (more so strangers). That is like asking "Where did you get that burn from?" or "Thats an interesting mark on your body...whats the story behind it?" Most people do not honestly care...they are just being annoying.

It hurts - but always worth it in the end! I plan to get a .5 sleeve Phoenix once I'm down to 150lbs. I am really excited for it! Have fun though, and enjoy life to the fullest now.

kazdav

Do I go out in the sun, of course because sun is good for you. Do you know that rickets are coming back due to lack of Vitamin D which is produced when in sunlight. I go out in the sun and I make sure I have adequate protection and I always wear a large sun hat and sunglasses.

I am not ignorant and yes it is my opinion, I find tattoos totally unattractive.

Maidofmer

totally badass

Obviously the pic was majorly photoshopped...get real...
[/quote]

why does it have to be photoshopped?




lighten up man. tattoos are an ultimate expression. and when I am old and wrinkly, i'll have every important expression and meaningful experience for all to see. to the OP, get what is the most freeing thing you can think of. Modifidemama's right. we all get old and wrinkly. skin is beautiful, but I like to add color.

Dragonnade

And there we have it. The only negative comment is from someone who finds tattoos totally unattractive. And you're unlikely to change people's minds on that; it's not necessarily close minded or whatever, just personal opinion that dictates the perspective of the more generic reasons not to get a tatt.

And with that in mind, if you like tattoos on other people and given you're totally planning it, it seems unlikely you'll have a change of heart 20 years down the line.

If you can find a reason not to do it, hold off. Otherwise, totally go reward yourself with a thing you like that'll last longer than a) food and b) the latest gadget!

TheConsciousFoody

Do I go out in the sun, of course because sun is good for you. Do you know that rickets are coming back due to lack of Vitamin D which is produced when in sunlight. I go out in the sun and I make sure I have adequate protection and I always wear a large sun hat and sunglasses.

I am not ignorant and yes it is my opinion, I find tattoos totally unattractive.

Not ignorant? Haha. Ok, give us your definition of "chavvy"? I would love to know how that is not ignorant. Not finding them attractive is one thing, she didn't ask if you thought it would be attractive, but using a word that is considered derogatory by some...well that is just ignorant.

Gemmax0902

I would say do it!!!!!

I'm 29 and had my first tattoo when I was 16 and still like it as much now as I did then. I now have 6 in total, they are all in places that can be hidden away if need be but there part of me and am proud of them.

I'm definatly not finished either I already have ideas for my next 2 lol.

It's your body so as long as your not hurting or offending anyone else go for it.

Love Gemma xx

TheConsciousFoody

Meh, I can't get the picture to be a decent size so here is the link

http://modernviolentgentlemen.com/tag/vintage-tattoos/

Maidofmer

Meh, I can't get the picture to be a decent size so here is the link

http://modernviolentgentlemen.com/tag/vintage-tattoos/

there ya go mama

kazdav

Haven't got time for a proper answer at te moment as have people coming over. Just do me a favour, look at Madison's picture, she is a stunning natural beauty.

BigDnSW

totally badass

Obviously the pic was majorly photoshopped...get real...

why does it have to be photoshopped?




lighten up man. tattoos are an ultimate expression. and when I am old and wrinkly, i'll have every important expression and meaningful experience for all to see. to the OP, get what is the most freeing thing you can think of. Modifidemama's right. we all get old and wrinkly. skin is beautiful, but I like to add color.
[/quote]
_______________________________________________

First of all, I like tatoos. Second of all I am pro photographer and graphic artist...easy for me to see fake pics. Rather have the real thing..several here... and I am getting one...only one...that's my choice...

Sweatinglikeapigtolooklikeafox

And it is also her body to with as she likes!

I have had several arguements with my Dad over my stretched lobes and tattoo's. He is very closed minded but has gotten better over the last year because I can cover mine up for work.
If we did things to please other people we would never be happy.
I am planning on getting a new tattoo when Ive lost weight. Either a huge design around my wasit/rib cage or a biggish one on my thigh and trust me...no-one but my partner will be seeing them unless I walk round naked.

MissTattoo

What I want to know is, who the hell comes into a thread that has the subject of getting a tattoo and voices their opinions in opposition of it? Go away!

As long as you think about said tattoo then who cares what others think? I say go for it! I couldn't get seeds floating away because I'd be covered in them! ha ha ha ha!

RockaholicMama

I've been planning my full sleeve since I was 17 years-old. My story down my arm.

I'm starting with the night sky a moon and one star for every person that I have in heaven.

Then from the night sky, I'll go to a weeping willow. A weeping willow represents a special spot for me. A spot I would go to collect my thoughts. I went there after losing loved ones, after being raped...

From the weeping willow we're adding a book that says "Once Upon a Time." I'm a writer and it is my story.

Down my forearm will be a quill...again, I'm a writer.

The quill will be writing "Shut Up and Color." I lost my best friend to a drunk driver in 2002. We were 17 and I had known him for years. Those were the words he would say whenever I felt stressed...throw your worries out and "shut up and color."

There are a few more things going in but I prefer not to post openly. If you'd like you can PM me and I'd be happy to share.

madijo41

I had two older ladies come into my workplace the other day and say the same thing. "You are so pretty, imagine what those tattoos will look like when your older." I said "I will be all wrinkly with a tattoo on top of it, and it will give the nurse something to look at when she wipes my *kitten*."

I got my first tattoo when I was over 30, I now have a continuous one that goes from my chest over my shoulder down my back (dragon tramp stamp too), down my left leg, ending by my big toe! I agree every one has to mean something to you. Do not get what everyone else is getting. My first tattoo meant nothing and has since been covered with something that is important to me.

I now have an idea about my next one, Hint...dandelion fluffiez :laugh:

BossReyes

Ok controversial. Don't do it, you have beautiful skin, don't ruin it. Think of what that tattoo will look like when you are old and wrinkly. Sorry I just think tattoos are chavvy, same goes for piercings. How about rewarding yourself with a bracelet, like pandora and with each significant milestone reward yourself with a charm.

Please tell me how beautiful you'll look at 80 being old and wrinkly.

Topic Starter, go for it! I got my first one a month after turning 18. No regrets at all! Only regrets I have are not having more room lol! But I'd rather be fit then have more canvas :P

shandi_b

I took nearly 18 years to get my first one. If you want to get one, go for it. Personally I finally got one that means something to me (my profile pic - its a lotus flower). Sure it's in a spot that is commonly referred to as a tramp stamp, I don't care. My hubby loves it and it's easy to conceal for work purposes. I am going to get another one just trying to figure out what and where.
As for when I am old and wrinkly, well I will be able to look at it in the mirror and remember my younger years!

LMick1986

So what if you regret them! At least you're brave enough to make a decision knowing you may one day regret it. It makes you interesting! You have a story to tell, so tell it! I personally don't think you'd regret something like that. If you put the weight back on, maybe look at it and get your motivation back. I put on my weight after having my pretty sweet tattoos put on. Nothing to do with weight loss, as this is my first time on that journey. But looking at my tattoos, I'm like "I'd love to rock these with a rockin' bod!" So it motivates me. I say, who cares what others think about them! "What about when you're 80? How are they gonna look then?" Ummmm, I think I'll look like a pretty sweet, grand, old lady with something to show for my entire life....and all you non-tattooed peeps will just look old and wrinkly. Non of us will be physically attractive when we're old. Non-factor for me. Do it if you want....and do it when you want. If you wait your whole life to decide, you've wasted your whole life. And I like your ideas! Too cute!