Two types of people get tattoos: those who want to show them off, and those who don't.

For those of us in the second category, I think we get inked because it's something personal and meaningful to us...and not necessarily because it's something we want the rest of the world to see.

It took several years of careful consideration before committing to being permanently marked--although the design for my tat was something I had in mind from day one.

So for me, having a not-so-visible tattoo isn't about hiding the design from coworkers; it's about knowing that I carry a very special and personal mark that has meaning...and that it's something that isn't shared with just anyone.

I work in the nonprofit sector, and generally people wouldn't expect me to be the type of person who has a tat....  But that's the funny thing about expectations, isn't it?   :)

My tattoo is an expression of who I am...and who I want to be.