As cultural stigmas and stereotypes surrounding tattoos and those who rock them continue to fade into the past, itâs time to ask ourselves just what we can learn from these awesome individuals. Youâve heard the saying that behind every tattoo is an epic story. Weâd like to raise it one and say that behind every tattoo is a lesson. So, grab yourself a cold one, grab a seat at the imaginary bar top, sit back, and soak up the wisdom just waiting to be gleaned from those who wear their stories on their skin.
1. Donât judge a book by its cover (or a dude by his ink).
We all remember that one time our mom pulled us a little closer when a heavily tatted dude walked by. And while we canât fault moms for being a little extra protective, itâs time to realize that sleeves and a Harley donât necessarily spell trouble (at least, not in the âhide yo kids, hide yo wifeâ kind of way).
In our experience, more tatts are often an indicator of a deeply sentimental individual. These guys (and gals) are incredibly loyal, protective, and down to earth. Some are doctors, some are teachers, engineers, politicians, or preachers. So, try striking up a conversation before making that first impression judgment.
2. Your standards come before everybody elseâs.
Thereâs something to be said about someone who defies cultural trends and standards and paves their own way. Itâs easy to do what everyone else is doing. Daring to be different is the not-so-easy path, but itâs definitely the path worth taking.
Those sleeves might not meet grandmaâs standards, but thatâs ok. Youâll respect yourself more by setting and meeting your own personal standards first. And when you respect yourself, others will learn to as well. Not everyone will like every piece of art you adorn your body with. Donât sweat it. If you love it, thatâs literally all that matters.
3. Not everything has to have meaning.
Some tattoos are incredibly meaningful to the individual. But that doesnât mean that every tattoo must be chock full of sentiment. Some come from rolling the dice or a blind draw. Some are just for fun. Some are the result of an artist getting a green light to do what they do best. Maybe instead of asking âwhat does it mean?â we should start asking âwhatâs the story?â Now thereâs a conversation.
4. You can embrace new experiences without fear.
Close your eyes and go back to that heart-pounding, pulse-racing, second-guessing moment just before you went under the needle for the first time. Now fast forward to walking out of that parlor on cloud nine sporting bandages and the proof in ink that facing your fears leads to the best kind of high. That first tattoo experience translates well to all of lifeâs new experiences. The going in might be scary AF, but coming out the other side on top of the world makes it all worth it.
5. Life isnât about money.
âToo bad you didnât put that money in a savings fund instead.â If youâve spent any decent amount of money on your ink, youâve probably gotten a comment like that from a well-meaning but missing-their-filter relative. And while that might have made a nice little nest egg, you traded it for some rad self-expression and a conversation piece thatâll last forever. Ask any tatted individual you meet, and theyâll likely all tell you the same thing: âLifeâs about the experience, not the money.â
6. Pain doesnât last forever.
Whether emotional or physical, pain is something everyone faces. Those with tattoos know that pain is temporary, no matter what form it takes. In the moment, it might seem like it will never end. It might last longer than youâd expect, dig deeper than you want, and hurt harder than youâd think. But even the worst, most unbearable pain has to reach its end.
Enduring pain might be the last thing youâd intentionally choose to do, but it builds character, grit, and provides an opportunity for you to help others through their pain when you come out the other side. And sometimes, pain is the ingredient necessary to create something beautiful.
7. Lifeâs what you make it.
Tatted folks think of their skin as a clean slate, and they view life in the same way. Life is a create-your-own-masterpiece kind of experience. Your choices, beliefs, and individual characteristics create the unique individual that is you. Embrace what makes you one-of-a-kind. Play the cards youâve been dealt, mix that lemonade, grab a chocolate from the box, and make the most of life while you can. And while youâre at it, you might as well get another tattoo.
For many, their tatts are a part of who they are and how they live. If youâve always wanted one but were never quite sure you wanted to take the plunge, we recommend tattoo lifestyle clothing. Wearing your favorite artistic styles is a great first step to finding your personal style and how to express it through tattoo art.
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