I’d always wanted one, even though I wince when I get a paper cut. And as it’s not something you can just rub off with an eraser, it was definitely the big question of what it was going to be.

A tattoo is a commitment. It’s a serious step. It’s a choice. And I think that as an adult we are much more equipped to give the tattoo a little more consideration and choose something that really has meaning.

Getting inked the first time definitely came with some highly intimidating and excited emotions. A few days before the work was to be done, I flipped my way through  thousands of font selections and then had to also decide on colour selection, size, direction, and the all important one, body part.

Wikipedia tells us that since neolithic times, tattoos have served as marks of status and rank, symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, decorations for bravery, pledges of love, punishment and as the marks of slaves, convicts and outcasts.

Personally, if it was going to be hanging around with me for the rest of my life, I wanted it to represent my life and all that is important to me.

When I was made redundant a few days ago, a friend said to me:

never forget who you are.

I have realised that over the past 11 months, I have forgotten to pursue my passions and had definitely taken off the burner my joy for life.

It’s time to turn that burner back on full!

What better way than a permanent commitment and reminder to ensure I remain focussed on my passions and determination to live

no ordinary life.

As long as I add in a few raunchys to the random and ridiculous, it is definitely guaranteed to have as much colour as any full body tattoo.

you bloody ripper!