
Hello, awesome readers.
What I remember most about my teenage years was that I liked to do things for the sole purpose of shocking my parents. It’s the reason why I got my first tattoo. I wanted them to ask me “what’s new?” and I wanted to be able to say “I got a tattoo.”
I was 14 years old at the time. At least I think I was 14 years old. Clearly I only remember the important details. Or perhaps I only remember getting that tattoo because I’ve had to look at it ever since. It’s a tiny tattoo. A heart with wings and to me it represented – and still does – freedom. The freedom to do what one wants. The freedom to feel … express … say … be who we truly are.
Then I wanted to get a second tattoo. Something just as meaningful as my tiny heart with wings. But what could possibly be as meaningful as freedom? I could never think of anything “good” so I never got that second tattoo. The other reason I never got another one was because I didn’t want my parents to judge me. Yes, I’m just a walking-talking sack of budding contradictions.
I started off as a hormonal being, existing to shock my parents. Eventually I morphed into someone that wanted to fit in. Mostly because I’ve always admired my parents. Especially the way that they seem to know random things.
Me: How do you cook a chicken?
My parents: *looking at their spine as they roll their eyes*
Whether it’s to stand out or fit in, we all have our own reasons for doing things.
And then we get to a point in life – hopefully sooner rather than later – when we realize that standing out or fitting in means absolutely nothing if we aren’t doing whatever we’re doing for … wait for it … ourselves.
Are you with me so far?
If you’re my parents reading this right now, I know what you’re thinking:
Wait a minute. Back up there, sparky. What do you mean “your FIRST tattoo?”
Yes, I’m getting to that.
So as I mentioned, I’ve always wanted to get another tattoo; something just as meaningful as my first. Something that defines me but doesn’t limit me. But what?
I’m a writer, so a fountain pen?
No, I’m more than a writer.
I love to train, so a gym weight?
No, that’s just stupid.
A glass of wine?
Stupider.
A little cluster of trees to represent the woods or nature?
Now I’m looking at my spine.
And then several months ago it dawned on me. There’s this thing I like about myself. It’s something I do really well … that I do naturally. Yet sometimes I need a reminder to do it. (Yes, another one of my walking contradictions.)
That something … the thing I’m really good at and yet sometimes forget to do is devour the moment.
Whether I’m writing, training, enjoying a glass of wine, or out for a walk and appreciating the view – I devour the moment. I’m right there, either soaking it in or letting it consume me.
Then there are those other times when I get anxious about something that’s usually related to either the past or the future.
I should have said …
Why didn’t I …
What if …
That’s when I need to rein myself in. So I’m either right in the moment or need reminding to be in the moment. And when I’m in the moment – truly appreciating the here and now – I like to breathe it in and say, “right here, right now.”
It was during one of my devour-the-moment, right-here-right-nows that it dawned on me.
Of course!
It’s both my motto in life and something I strive for. And so …
TA DA!!!

Dear my parents:
Aren’t you glad I didn’t get DEVOUR THE MOMENT tattooed across my arm?
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Hi Mona,
Ok so hmmmm. This so hit home. Not about the tattoos, since I don’t have any (although I secretly long for one) but all the rest, being different.
I have to say, I still enjoy being different, walking my own path, but then, yes I’ll put in a blazer once in a while for work, depending on who I am meeting.
At work, three of us started a movement. It starts with what if….?
There’s power I’m those words!
There certainly is power in those words! As for being different -vs- fitting in. I’ve come to the conclusion that we need a balance of both 🙂
Dear Mona,
I keep asking myself why you have not yet writen TV scripts, as your brilliant writing, depth of perspective and comedic expressions would resonate with millions.
Love your new tattoo! If only the obsessive folk who live by social media can incorporate your “Right here, Right now” in their lives and start enjoying what’s around them!
Looking forward to hearing what your parents said about your new tattoo(s)!
warmest regards,
Mary
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mary.Truly appreciated. Especially on a Monday 🙂