That Was Dumb, So How Do I Live with It - Vancouver, BC

I'm so happy you're reaching out for support. That's what we are all here for. If anyone knows your struggle, it's us. We've been there and some are still there. It's fantastic that you're exercising and being healthy. It's definitely helpful! I can tell you that it does get better with time. I also got my tattoo because I felt like I was at a good place in my life and got it almost as a celebration of overcoming a difficult situation that I had gone through the 2 years prior. The tattoo taught me that I actually wasn't through that situation. I also seeked out counseling which is wonderful that you're doing this as well. I hope it's helping you. I can't really tell you what you should or shouldn't do. All I can do is share my own experience and I hope it helps you feel like you're not alone or you're not crazy for feeling the way you do. I hope you continue to keep us all up to date and we are all here to provide encouragement and support when you need it.

You're absolutely right - you will get better one day. Someone once told me that "everything happens for a reason", and I've stood by that ever since, even when something terrible happens. I really believe this to be one of those things. I imagine sometimes how great things will be once all this is over; how patient I'll be, how much more I'll appreciate things and so on. When you reach the end of your removal, you'll be mentally stronger and you'll know how to tackle emotional issues much more effectively. The hardest part is definitely the initial regret, but after that, you have to really focus on not constantly looking at the tattoo and accepting that it will one day be gone. Keep picturing that day where you wake up without having to even think about the word 'tattoo'. I'm shocked at how fast the last two years of my removal have gone, and over each year the tattoo has faded significantly. Before you know it you'll be saying that too. Your tattoo removal days are numbered, so take it day by day and try and enjoy life in the meantime.

I used to have and sometimes still have same feelings, but I insure you it will all get better. The way you feel now in some time will definitely change and you will get better. It is still you, lucky happy person. It is OK to be sad, it is OK to be depressed sometimes. Just keep doing what you are doing and soon you will learn that being ink is not so significant. Take it as a lesson. Learn from this experience, but don't give up! And you are not alone! It will be over one day!

Hey there, down days happen to all of us. I am glad that you shared with us, we are here to support you. Emotions can be overwhelming, negative thoughts have a strong power over us and we believe in them so much so that they paralyze us. Our life is a product of our thinking, the great news is you can change your thoughts, therefore change your life. Something that I think may help you is mindfulness meditation, please look that up. In short, it is a unique way of assisting us with becoming aware of what is already true moment by moment and dealing with that. It teaches us how to be unconditionally present, live in the moment and accept what is no matter what is happening. It creates a state of clarity that connects us to reality and helps us move forward. Acceptance is a key part of healing. The Buddha taught that to wake up from the dream of bewilderment and suffering, we first need to sit still and take a deep breath. Mindfulness meditations is that deep breath. Look at this as part of your journey, take the lessons you are learning from this, all lessons in life make us wiser and stronger. I want to reassure you that down days are normal, put it this way, if we are not aware of pitfalls and hardship then how on earth can we deal with them? Use your down days as a motivation. Chin up :)
 

Hi Nero, I'm glad you found a clinic that you are a happy and comfortable with. It is great that you are taking your time and being patient with the removal. That is important. I am also quite fair skinned and seem to be having fairly good results on my black tattoo. I hope you experience the same. I also hope you are enjoying the beautiful Vancouver summer sunshine :)