Well, I think it's time to talk about something that comes up once in a while...
I am a Jewish woman with a full chest tattoo.
How in the world did this happen?!
Many years ago, when I was in the Navy, I lived a different life. I wasn't modest, I had zero connection to Hashem, and I partied.
I was itching for another tattoo (yes I have others) and I came across some beautiful henna designs that women put on their chest. I loved the idea of turning this idea into a tattoo, but with me being in the Navy, I had to follow certain regulations.
At that time, tattoos couldn't be shown while in uniform, so I had to get my tattoo so it fell below my shirt collar. I went to the admin to ask for a chit (a special request form) so I can get a tattoo, and they said as long as it doesn't show in uniform, I don't need one.
If any of you are wondering why I needed a special request form, it's because when you are in the military, you are considered government property, so getting a tattoo is like defacing government property. No joke.
I searched for tattoo shops in the San Diego area I was stationed at, and found an artist in Ocean Beach who wanted to take a little creative liberty with the design I brought in.
He (yes he, again, I lived a different life) drew the image that became my tattoo and once I saw it I fell in love with it. We did several placements on my chest to make sure it didn't show in my uniform, and once we got the perfect placement, I said let's do this.
It was some of the most painful 3-ish hours of my life. That tattoo needle went right on the chest bone and it's a pain I can't describe if I tried. We took several breaks, got some lunch, and continued in increments. But before I knew it, it was done, and I absolutely loved it.
What I didn't love was the surprise push-ups my group had to do the next day, but that's the military for you lol.
Fast forward many years later and I am a completely different person. I'm modest, I have a relationship to Hashem, and I no longer party.
Do I regret getting my chest tattoo? Absolutely not. I still love it, and I don't mind if it shows.
It's a connection to a life that taught me tremendous lessons and values. It's a one of a kind piece of art that's all mine. It's an expression of beauty and where I came from. It's a symbol of many pieces that have come together and are still being connected.
I still itch for more tattoos. Every once in a while I see a beautiful piece and get that craving for another session. But I remind myself of the healing my body has to go through when I do it. The metals in the inks I will now have to detox. The lost days of working outside because I have to protect it and let it heal......
I don't believe Hashem is mad at my tattoos. I think he sees the journey I've been on and is more proud of my spiritual, mental, and emotional growth than a silly session on a tattoo table.
But if he is? I accept that :)
Discourse (1)