You Only Live Once

Amidst all the studying and stressing over the AP exams the past week or so, I completely drowned out everything else. Monday was my AP Biology exam and today I finished up my AP English Language exam. Needless to say, I thought my hand was going to fall off, but I'm beyond relieved that all that is behind me. Though more than a little drained, my frame of mind is back to normal; no more obsessing and stressing over failing my exams. THANK GOD.

Anyways, being back in my regular state of mind it dawned on me: you only live once. Yes, I've realized this before; it is a well-known fact. However, this occurred to me today over something as superficial as a tattoo.

While browsing Facebook, as I often do, I came across a picture someone had posted on their wall of Megan Fox's tattoo. I'm not a huge fan of Megan Fox, but her body art is pretty interesting, so I took a closer look. There was a quote from her on the side of the picture that read, "Every time I get another tattoo, it's like a little F-you to anyone who told me not to." Not the classiest statement, but a valid point.

I've always wanted a tattoo, and it may just be my rebellious side, but reading this made it apparent to me that whatever I choose to do with my body is my choice. I hate to disappoint my parents, but life is about doing what makes YOU happy. You can't live to please everyone or you'll make yourself miserable. It is physically impossible to please everyone, therefore it is pointless, in my opinion, to try. If it makes you happy, and doesn't put anyone else in danger or jeopardize any friendships, you should go for it.

This entire revelation hit me in a matter of about a minute; it was a quick and unexpected epiphany. It didn't last long, but the message was clear. If I want to be happy, I have to do what I want, not what anyone else wants or expects of me. In the end, I know I will make the right choices and I won't screw myself over, so what difference would something as insignificant as a tattoo make in the grand scheme of things? It would be but a small smudge on a humongous canvas; no big deal.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: do what you need to do. Be careful, and use common sense, but in the end it's your life; do with it what you will.