Bucketlist

2. Get Inked

What’s stopping you from getting inked? Personally, I’ve always wanted to get ink on my body. However, my perfectionism stood in the way of what I wanted to get for a very long time. To be exact – 10 years. However, these 2 years, after developing anxiety and IBS, I decided – fuck it.

So. I got inked at Iron Fist Tattoo. For those who are thinking of getting inked, do place these considerations as you search for inspiration for your inks.

Personally, the industry I am in frowns upon displaying tattoos. However, I am a “go big or go home” kinda woman. Thus, I had to work with my artist to create something that isn’t easily found off the street, yet, I am able to hide it from the public eye most of the time.

What I love about my artist is that:

  • He took his time to know what I wanted and the factors I needed to ensure that my other priorities do not get in the way of my expression of self.
  • His designs are very detailed.

Before you get a tattoo done:

  1. Ask around for recommendations
  2. Know what designs you want
  3. Understand the style you want
  4. Read up on pain tolerance for the tattooing process
  5. Understand that this is a lifetime of commitment. Spend wisely. Don’t be a cheap arse.
  6. Understand the industry of work you’d be in/are in. To play it safe, ensure that you can easily cover up your tattoo in a corporate setting.
  7. Larger tattoos do create optical illusions. Choose the style wisely. Consider your aging process as well (weight gain, height, stature etc)
  8. Speak to people who have had work done.

Stages of getting a tattoo done:

  1. Email enquires: Most artists are working on a freelance basis and building their portfolio. Thus, the best way is to get their email or DM them on IG/ social media. Pro tip: Get recommendations and/or referrals. It breaks the ice and because it’s such an intimate process, it helps to build a relationship faster.
  2. Get a good 20 minute consultation at a minimum. Come prepared with questions and concerns. An artist who can quote you a price via email is not worth considering. It just shows that they’re doing tattoos off the mill.
  3. Find a way to stay in contact. It helps when you have any concerns leading up to the day of getting inked.

Day 1: Stencil application

Day 1: Stencil on skin.

“It’s your first tattoo. Are you nervous?” was the first question asked by my artist. Honestly, I have a high pain tolerance, so I thought it’ll feel like scratches on my body. I also own 2 cat monsters, so what is a few hours of what may seem like cat nails kneading into my side?

My 2 conditions of my ink was that:

  • It must be completely hidden under my work clothes
  • It must be large, detailed and distinct.

Day 1 – Getting Inked: Lower torso

Lower torso done, right beneath the rib cage.

Surprisingly enough, getting inked at the lower torso wasn’t that painful. As he got to the shading of the scales and texture, it was quite therapeutic and I dozed off.

Day 1 was done after 5 hours – including stencilling.

To wrap it up (quite literally), the piece was wrapped with cling wrap and tape. As it was still fresh (and sore), no extra ointment was needed as I was going back the next day for session 2.

Day 2: Completing the serpent

We started at 330pm and ended at 6pm. 2.5 hours – no biggie, right?

WRONG.

Hell. This was the most painful session, especially as the designs crept upwards. It was also when I regretted not bringing my mouth guard to bite on. Pro-tip: if you’re inking your ribs or upper torso, bring a mouth guard. Your teeth will thank you.

Overall, I’m really happy with the piece.

Finally done! yay

Additional advice if you’re considering getting inked:

  1. If you’re not into eating earlier in the day before getting inked, bring an electrolyte drink instead. It’ll definitely help with keeping energy levels up and preventing any headaches or migraines – especially for longer sessions.
  2. You will be photographed for your artist’s portfolio. If you know it’s a section you’d be uncomfortable with seeing bloated, do take precautions
  3. Wear loose fitting clothing. Separate tops and bottoms are recommended if you’re doing a large piece.

Would I do this again?

Honestly, if it wasn’t for the healing process that takes ages and is hella itchy, I would.

However, I’m pretty unnerved about how itchy it can be and the anxiety that comes on when I scratch at it in the middle of the night is slightly off-putting.

I’m into week 2 of the healing processes now. Am excited to see how it heals up in 2-3 months!

Bucket list item – checked! (:

My entire bucket list

16. Consistently invest in my health

Heading into my 30s, I met with a roadblock. For those who are seeking answers for “how to clear brain fog” or “How do I cope with mental fatigue” – We are in the same boat.

For those who are new here, I started my journey of minimalism due to my curiosity towards cultivating a healthy mind in my early 20s. I wanted to know the answers to how to create a life I would be happy with.

Naive me. I did not realise the surmountable responsibilities that came with being an adult. Little did I realise that with each “yes” or “want”, I unconsciously added these things into my mental “back pack”. The all too familiar burn out soon took over when the last straw broke my back.

For those seeking a response to “How do I clear up my brain fog” or “How can I feel less anxious about the future”, here are some ways I have invested into my health routine to help me manage my pounding migraines on a daily basis or weekly panic attacks.

AM Routine:

  • 1 probiotic + multivitamin (with B complex + magnesium)
  • 1 Vitex pill
  • 15-20 minutes of bodyweight circuits
  • 1 cup of coffee
  • 3 cups of water

Work Routine:

  • One healthy packed lunch with at least 3 servings of vegetables
  • 1 handful of unsalted nuts
  • 1 multivitamin for an energy boost (with B complex)
  • Tea
  • Time blocking for various tasks
  • Deep breathing exercises when I feel overwhelmed

Night Routine:

  • Ensure that I get 10k steps in
  • Hydrate before bed
  • No work items an hour before bed
  • Cuddle time with the cats and partner

Failures

  • I do snack quite a bit on chocolate
  • Sometimes, dinner is junk food
  • During work lunches, I am not as mindful as I would like to be with my rate of eating and food choices
  • On weekends, I do eat out more than I have in my lifetime.

As of now, my diet is not the cleanest but the next goal is to clean it up even more by ONLY eating healthy vegetarian/pescatarian meals unless dining with the partner.

Disclaimer: Although I am not too happy with where my body is at now (body fat at ~20%), my social life has better leeway. Learn to pick your battles and really hold your space with your mind if you are struggling with body image issues.

Take Away: I am in full control of my life and actions. I will make my energy work well for me.

Additionally, I would love to give A Small Wardrobe a shoutout as she inspired me to actually go into my being and start on my bucket list.

If you found this inspiring or helpful, do leave me a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

My other posts:

1. Own a cat

Butters, age 10, demanding the attention of humans
Miss Smokey, age 10, the most wanton bratlet ever.

I believe it is the childhood dream of many to “own a pet”. After all, it sounds so fun to have a tiny furry friend to play with all day and to also order around like a tiny furry sibling.

However, pets do come with a heavy responsibility – especially if you need to be self-sufficient and have no help.

A couple of lessons after a decade of owning my fur-children include:

  1. You need to be very discerning with who you live with and pair up with. Your babies will be by your side for the rest of their lives. Do include them in your future plans
  2. I realised that the responsibility of having pets is more than enough for my plate. Thus, I do not wish to have children.
  3. Would I adopt cats after they are gone? Maybe. But I would prefer to help out at shelters.

However, I love my cat children and it is a love that runs deep. If you know that you cannot commit to a pet for at least 5 years, please do NOT adopt a kitten, bunny or puppy.

For more of my bucketlist progression, start here.