You are probably in the minority if you are going to go ahead with the decision to get that tattoo because a lot of people get scared off by the process. Lack of knowledge is probably the biggest culprit for this happening because the fear of getting a tattoo that ends up as a health nightmare of lack of awareness how to live with a tattoo after you get one runs off a lot of potential body art lovers. And when you add to that a media perception of tattoo artists as unsavory characters who operate dirty, back alley operations is far too common and radically incorrect. To start with finding out that tattooists are professionals like anyone else helps a lot. They want your tattoo experience to be healthy and successful as much as you do.
That said, it's true that there have been a few tattoo salons get set up that are not operated at the peak of professionalism and could easily scare away any but the hard core customer. But you can find bad apples in any field of business. So you as a customer have the final vote on who to use and you should do your research on which tattooists live up to a high level of customer care and which do not. By going to an established tattoo parlor that is also a respectable business that you can count on being there next week is a good start. And any responsible tattoo establishment will be happy to give you references and you should follow up on those references so you feel completely at ease when the day for your tattoo arrives. Do all you can to look at their tools and resources and if you are not completely happy with what you find out, keep looking for a tattooist you can trust.
There are several ways you will see a truly professional tattooist make sure experience with your first tattoo is both safe and enjoyable so you will come back for a second and a third tattoo from them. Before they start, the tattooist can discuss the ointments and cleaning procedures that will go on throughout the application of the tattoo to raise your confidence that all is well. In addition to good hygiene as the tattoo is applied you can expect your hygienist to know how to dress the "wound" so the tattoo is well cleaned and bandaged for maximum protection as you leave the tattoo parlor with it. But before you go the last act of making sure your tattoo experience is complete will be for the tattooist to instruct you in the care and cleaning of the tattoo over the next week or two so it heals into a beautiful work of art on your skin.
When you get home with your new tattoo, in that it might still sting or itch, you should resist the urge to wash it too much. The very act of getting the tattoo, if it's done right, is completely clean so it's fine. But it will be up to you to keep it sanitary and to change the coverings so the tattoo area is always free of anything that could contaminate it. But also work to keep it dry, at least for the first few days as the wound of the tattoo heals. And if you can go without the covering or bandage for a little while each day, you should because the oxygen will speed the healing process.
Your tattooist should be available to help you wish questions even after you have paid him for the tattoo and he can guide you on the right medicated ointments to buy for the important few days and weeks after the initial application of the tattoo. Most of what you will need can be found at the local drug store so it shouldn't be a big expense. Just be sure to be faithful to use the ointments he has you buy and avoid using harsh soaps on the tattoos area because the skin is still very tender and recovering from the tattoo.
The skin where your tattoo will continue to need special care even after the initial three to six days of using the medicated ointment. So some very basic moisturizing lotion can help keep that skin soothed and moist as the healing continues. One of the major name brand baby lotions is just the right thing because if it is safe for the delicate nature of a baby's skin, it will be right for the skin you are nurturing back to health.
The final phases of the healing of your new tattoo could be the hardest of them all if for no other reason than that you want it to be done with. But for the health of your skin and to make sure the tattoo itself is not compromised, be just as loving to your tat then as the first day you brought it home. But when the skin begins to scab over a little bit, that itching and the urge to take the scab off is a huge temptation you must fight. The skin needs this step to heal and if you got involved too early, you could hurt the tattoo as well. So have some strength to leave the skin alone and let it heal in its own time.
Taking care of a tattoo is as much a part of the life of being a lover of body art as getting one was in the first place. By caring for the skin that proudly displays your tat, you will assure good health and a great looking design for a long time. And when you invest the effort, the money and the discomfort into a pattern that will be on your body forever, that tender loving care is certainly justified.
It's impossible to ignore any longer. Your hair is beginning its transition to "sophisticated silver." Your face is taking on the look of a "wise" woman. And your kids, friends, parents, neighbors - and mysteriously, your husband - all seem to be "changing" before your very eyes, (the ones with the latest contact lenses). No need to mention the daily battle with the bathroom scales; that goes without saying.
So what to do? Assume a devil-may-care demeanor? Tell everyone you've earned your face and you're damn proud of every crease? Change your name to J-Lo? Or start a "New You" campaign and begin an extreme makeover with the ultimate goal a younger, richer husband in a different part of the country.
But wait! Before you do anything, listen carefully to what your best and closest advisor has to say. "Who's that?" you ask. "Your intuition," we respond.
That's right, your intuition. You know it's there. You've known it since you were a little girl, but somehow, that wonderfully accurate guidance system has grown rusty through the years - or has it been your ability to "hear" what it's been trying to tell you? Let's revisit your inner guide, re-learn how to interpret its messages, and get back on the road to a healthy, positive, confident You.
Trust your inner wisdom — People who believe in trusting their intuition tend to be more successful in life. Intuition is often referred to as a "hunch" or a "gut feeling." But there are many ways to receive this vital information, which may come to you through feelings, words, physical sensations, images, fleeting impressions, or dreams. Pay attention to how you receive these impressions and check in often with your inner "Success Coach."
Ask you intuition questions — When you're in the midst of a difficult life situation begin the habit of asking questions of your intuition. "What is it that I am here to learn?" "What is the best possible outcome for this situation?" The answer may not always leap into your mind. It takes time to retrain your thinking to "hear" the subtle messages from your guidance system. You may find that the answer comes in an impulse to try something different, or a gradual awakening to a new way of thinking about an obstacle you're confronting. Keep in mind that your intuition can help guide you to peace in any situation.
Dream, Reflect and Meditate — Intuitive answers to life's concerns come most easily during meditation, prayer and reflection. All you need is a few moments to still your mind. Find a place at your home or the office where you won't be disturbed and take a few deep breaths and turn your focus within. You might find it helpful to have a centering word or words that you say to yourself. These could include, "God," "Calm," "Peace be still" or any other word or phrase that enables you to find the quiet place within. Know that there is wisdom in the Universe that flows through you and all around you. It has your best interests at heart. When your mind is still and your heart is open, the answers you seek can come to you.
Discover what you love to do — Each of us has chosen to come into this life with a mission that will bring us joy and enthusiasm. The root of the word enthusiasm is entheos. It literally means "God Within." When you feel enthusiastic about your dreams it means God is speaking through you and saying "yes" to your goals! The feeling of enthusiasm is one of the ways intuition speaks to us. Successful people pay attention to what they feel passionate about. They commit to spending time each day doing what they love. For some it's a job that pays. For others it may be volunteer work or a hobby. When you feel excited about something, that's a hint about what to pursue.
Don't be afraid of fear - Fear is the biggest hurdle that stops most people from achieving their dreams. It happens when you move out of the comfort zone of the life you've known and into a life on the borders of your dreams. Many of us feel the fear and say, "I'm not going one step further." Or "Give me a guarantee of success and then I'll move forward." Or even, "I feel scared. This must be my intuition telling me that this direction is wrong." As you take action on your dreams you may feel as if you're on the edge of a cliff. You're about to take a leap of faith and no one is there to catch you. But you're not alone. The inspiration and direction from your intuition is there to guide you safely to your hopes and dreams.
Choose to be happy —Part of learning to trust your intuition is remembering to ask, "Does this decision make me happy?" or "Do I feel energized by this decision?" There are many ways to ask the question and experience the answer, but here's the truth: your intuition will provide you with the information you need to make positive choices. Research has shown that happiness is a choice. It is not necessarily dependent on life circumstances. There is always a positive and a negative aspect to any change that occurs in our lives, and isn't it wonderful that we get to choose our focus?
A long time ago, I got in the habit of asking, "What's good about this situation?" I promise you that if you do the same, you'll be surprised at the happiness that brightens your world. Have fun with all of this. And have a great life!
Both James Beckett & Lynn Robinson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
James Beckett has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tattoo, Internet Marketing and Personal Desktop. Finding the right can be difficult, get the best designs on the net by checking out our reviews at 5minu. James Beckett's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Lynn Robinson has sinced written about articles on various topics from self improvement and motivation, Tattoo and Brain. Lynn A. Robinson is a bestselling author, speaker and leading expert on the topic of intuition. She's a sought-after consultant who uses her own highly-honed intuitive skills to provide businesses with accurate, on-the-spot insights into goals, decisions. Lynn Robinson's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.