For me, tattooing is more than just a career oppotunity, it's been a true life-saver. Let me explain!

Many years ago, I developed debilitating anxiety problems. More specifically, OCD and Agoraphobia. They were so severe that I could no longer work, drive or even leave my house. I went almost a decade before recieving medical treatment.

When I finally got medical treatment, I realized how many good years of my life were wasted and how much I missed out on. Slowly, with treatment, certain aspects of my life began to show small improvements - mainly in the way I think and go about doing things. The mental load was a little lighter. I was still disabled by my problems but day to day life was considerably better.

After seeking medical treatment, a few years went by where I was feeling better but I wasn't doing much to improve the quality of my life on my own. And the things that I did like to do weren't really productive.

I've always liked drawing and have always been intrigued with tattooing. However, my interest in drawing faded over the years until, not too long ago, my interest was sparked at the thought of drawing portraits. So I did.

Having OCD and being a perfectionist lended itself to my drawing. I became consumed with drawing and attention to detail. This got me away from the more negative OCD ritualistic behaviors and let me focus on something that, when finished, I could be proud to look at. I found drawing gratifying and enjoyable, however, I wanted to try an art that had more of an impact, both in my life and the lives of other people.

Then it dawned on me - Tattooing!

I was able to find an apprenticeship that allowed me to learn while not pushing me too far out of my comfort zone. Okay, if I'm being honest here, it was an "online tattoo apprenticeship". I should say that I do not reccomend this. However, in my situation and out of naivety, it felt like a good idea at the time. Hey, small steps, right? It was a beginning.

As I began to invest more time, money and passion into tattooing, I began to learn a lot about myself and was able to see some changes in myself as well. I was more stoked about tattooing than I think I have ever been about anything. I realized that for the first time in my life, my anxiousness was not born from fear but enthusiam and excitement. This was something that I really wanted to do and I felt that when the time was right, I would feel comfortable and confident doing it.

Gaining this insight about myself was important because it gave me incentive to want to work hard at something that I am passionate about. Tattooing has turned my entire life around and I have learned to focus on my abilities rather than my disabilities.

This journey I am on is not only about tattooing but personal triumph as well. I am being propelled away from my fears and into a fullfilling, productive career. Because of this, tattooing has turned my life up-side-down in many positive ways and this is why the art means so very much to me.

Through my passion, I have begun to reclaim my life. And I think I like it.