Permanent Change

This week I got a new tattoo. To cover up an old one. This is something that I have wanted to do for a while and have spoken with my wife about for a while. I got this tattoo when I was 19 and have always liked it but wanted to change it, to reflect my family. I chose a wonderful Vienna based New Zealand artist, Sam Rulz, to help me. Her work is excellent and beautiful to follow on Instagram. It is a big step though. Into permanent change. Not to erase the old, but to renew and to symbolise where I am now. I don't feel shame or regret for my former tattoo, but I would like it updated and renewed. My wife has to look at the back of my shoulder more than I do, so what nicer way for me to show my love than to get a tattoo.

It is also symbolic, in that we all change and need renewal. Not to erase the old, but to make it fresh again in some way. Not to cover up but to build over and strengthen. Change is inevitable for us all. Sometimes we cover up previous situations and build over previous efforts. Things never remain the same. The memory of my old tattoo will stay with me and when you look closely it is still there, but now it is transformed.

What do you want to transform about yourself? Perhaps a look, a tattoo or a behaviour? We all have the ability to change and I encourage it. Find help, transform and make the change permanent, for now. Nothing but is ever really permanent but it can feel like it for awhile. 20 years ago I never thought I would get a cover up tattoo that takes up a quarter of my back but I am proud of it. With measured ideas and consideration it now apart of me. I am changed. How will you change?