After my first tattoo I came to the conclusion that I believe in getting tattoos and their ability to help you find things out about yourself you have never known. Tattoos are becoming more and more common in our society. When you get a tattoo it marks a place in your life you will never forget. Some societies look up to tattoos. You can see them everywhere, school, church, the mall, baby showers, and many other places. Having a tattoo will give you the opportunity to share your story without saying a word or by spilling your guts. If someone asks why did you get that, then you have free reign to spill it. Tattoos are a very personal thing. Some people get them and you will never know they have them, but they know. They know why they got it and why they want it and what they had to go through to get it on them. They are a stronger person now. Getting a tattoo you forget about everything except the pain. You are free from stress and life. You will realize how strong you actually are and what you can put yourself through. My belief is based on my experiences in getting tattooed. I have three tattoos. My tattoos are so much a part of me and my life. I know whom I was with and what I was doing before and after I got them. I never thought I would be able to get one, but when I did I found out my love for four things: myself, my home, my life, and getting tattooed. My tattoos consist of an outline of the state of Tennessee with a star over Knoxville, I have the word Knoxville, and I also have a tattoo of every landmark in Knoxville. I know that tattoos are expensive, and sometimes even painful. I will say that one thing you can spend money on and know that it will be there with you for the rest of your life is a tattoo. They really do teach you about your self. My tattoos make me who I am and somewhat frame the way I feel. I think that this is an art form that is incredibly hard but so amazing. If I can sit in a chair for a couple hours to forget everything then count me in, pain or not—–Tattoos are a way of life.