Things to consider before getting work done

On a sunny afternoon, I can be seen playing with my two children in our suburban front yard. The scene could be straight out of 'Better Homes & Gardens" if I didn't have quite so many tats, or perhaps the nose ring. But I do -- and I am not afraid to let them show... It wasn't always like this. At first, as a rebellious teenager, I wanted to have it all done. I got my first tattoo, and the nose ring at fifteen. I had the bug then, and still do... but after a few years I decided to go on to study and build a career. It's hard to get people to see past body modifications, but that is slowly improving. When I got my nose pierced, I had to go to almost every chemist in town until I found one that said yes. Even then they looked at me as if I were crazy! That was twelve years ago, and now there's places offering facial piercing on every second street corner. That doesn't mean it's totally accepted, yet, but it is getting more so. Nonetheless, I have had to consider very carefully every single thing I've had done I eventually went on to do nursing, and now I'm studying science -- with the hope of going on to study medicine. Of course, I know I may have to cover some of the work I have, but I have weighed up each piece very seriously and I know how far I'm willing to go in risking my career for the sake of 'being me'. I cannot, however, cover it all nor would I want to. Why? Because I wouldn't feel I was being true to myself, and I feel I will be able to demonstrate my ability through hard work and dedication, rather than calming people with a mundane outer appearance. I am actually glad people are now more accepting. However, as body modification becomes more common, a few new problems emerge... For example, what does a person do if they don't want to be part of a 'flock of sheep'? What's the point in getting a radical piercing done if it's now as common as spiky hair? Well -- there is a point. You need to do what is right for you, whether it's in fashion or not! Still, for some the pierced ear, nose or even nipple is not enough. For some of us, there is a strong urge -- almost a need, to change ourselves into an image we hold deep within working until the outside matches that inner model. For those who feel this way, it is not a matter of changing our 'god given' body, but of expressing our true selves... So -- what do you do if you want, or feel the need, to modify yourself in some way but are working or living in a way which could be threatened by such a move? The answer is that it's a highly personal decision which no one can make for you. However, there are some considerations that may help; these are things which I've come to recognize as factors which I considered every time I modified my external self not just when the modification in question was considered 'radical' or 'extreme';

  1. Is this something I want to live with forever? *(There are ways to remove or change some work, but it's not as good as choosing the right thing in the first place!)
  2. Am I really worried by what others think? Are these people important to my happiness (boss, spouse) and, if so, would they eventually accept my decisions?! People may surprise you...
  3. If those I'm concerned about would not accept the changes, ever, do I want to go ahead anyway?! (Here, you must decide whether the job or relationship fits you so well that you aren't willing to give it up; or conversely that, barring the ability to 'be yourself' you'd rather give up the relationship/job)
  4. Am I doing this for the right reasons? (In love, not anger; In self-respect, not self loathing; To express myself rather than to try to be like someone else...?)
  5. Have I considered all the possible consequences for myself, both now & in the future?
  6. Am I sure about the design?! *(Many, many people want 'something' done -- but don't wait until they have the perfect thing for them... it's not something to rush -- just use your head!)
  7. Will I be happy with this change in all circumstances and in different company? (You will live with yourself all your life; the group you're in may not always be around)
  8. If I don't do this, will I regret it later?
  9. Do I trust and respect the work of the person I am intending to have work on me?
These few questions can save you years of regret and may lead to a carefully thought out piece of work that is perfect for you, and you alone -- rather than an embarrassing eyesore you feel the need to hide or explain away as a youthful mistake! Please, don't misunderstand my message -- I am totally in favor of well thought out body modification. By all means, go for it! Just think it through first, and be sure to go to someone who practices safely, and whose work you have seen and like. Good luck, and happy modifying! jj
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