Got Ink?
This is a somewhat personal blog post, I didn’t even want to publish it, oh well I have to practice what I preach.
“Once you get one you will be hooked.”
This was said to me a few times when I said I was going to get my first tattoo.
It made no sense to me at the time, but I had no ink.
Three tattoo’s later, it makes a lot of sense to me now.
I was never one of those people that liked Ink. I really didn’t see the point of it, and to be honest the thought of getting something “permanent” really scared the sh*t out of me. I just didn’t “Get It”.
Fast forward 6 months and now I have 3 tattoo’s and I am soon booking for a fourth. Oh well!
My ink means something to me. I don’t really care what others think, and to those that don’t like it, well, I don’t really care. I got my ink for me, and I am sure everyone has their own reasons why they got their ink.
I got my first tat in Laguna Beach California about a year ago. I had NO desire or intention to do so. It just kinda happened.
My life took a really cool turn for the better by me getting out of my comfort zone and I wanted, wait let me rephrase, I NEEDED something to remind me that getting out of my comfort zone is needed, often, so I got my first tat.
Courage
It has meaning to me, it came when my life took a turn because of me doing something I didn’t think I could or should do, In hindsight it was one of the best decisions of my life, and this is my reminder that everytime I want to be a wuss, to relax, to be comfortable, that I NEED to get some balls, be courageous, and do what it IS I am avoiding (usually we all know what we SHOULD be doing, we just avoid it because in the short term it may be scary or hard, but in reality the harder the decision and the more difficult, the more rewarding your choice and result will be.)
My second tattoo I got in Las Vegas when I was there for some seminars, hanging out with some cool people. Some of my coaches (Bedros Keulian, Sam Bakihtar, and others) and some new friends such as Jonas Deffes, (Damn this dude got some amazing hair.. I am super jealous lol).
Anyways back to my point, I got my second tattoo as a reminder that LIFE IS SHORT.
That we can go at any minute, and that I am blessed to have such a great life with such amazing people in it. I really can’t ask for much more in life than what I have. I am NOT CONTENT (as I think content is another word for dead) but I am very happy. This comes from surrounding myself with amazing people, following my passion(s), and meeting amazing people and learning as much as I can, always.
Memento Mori
Memento Mori – “Remember Your Mortality”
From Wiki :
Memento mori is a Latin phrase translated as “Remember your mortality”, “Remember you must die” or “Remember you will die” It names a genre of artistic work which varies widely, but which all share the same purpose: to remind people of their own mortality. The phrase has a tradition in art that dates back to antiquity.
In other words, make the most out of this life, because you only get one shot.
Think about that.
You live ONCE. You can’t be 19 again, or 37, or 54, YOU GET ONE CHANCE AT LIFE.
My third tattoo I got a reminder for something else that is very important to me.
A reminder that no matter what, no matter how hard things are, no matter how life grabs you by the balls, no matter how hard things get, to never, ever ever GIVE UP.
You see most of us when we are young dream.
We dream of being someone, of being SOMEBODY, of doing BIG THINGS.
Then life catches up, we grow older, we get debt, we get families, we get big cars and big mortgages, and then we no longer LIVE, we just exist. We live through others, through TV, through our MEMORIES (Notice I didn’t say dreams, as we stop dreaming).
Not me.
Never.
My business has almost failed about 5 times. Most people don’t know that. It’s not something I like to talk about. I mean NO ONE likes to fail, so we stop trying out of FEAR OF FAILURE.
You have choices. You can move forward and RISK FAILURE.
Or you can stand still, be afraid, and die where you stand.
Failure sucks, but it’s the best thing that can happen, the more you fail the MORE YOU LEARN. So if you stop fearing failure you will learn a LOT about yourself.
My tattoo is a reminder to NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP.
Vinco, Vici, Victum - Thank You Dave Munroe - Trouble Bound Studios
Vinco, Vici, Victum – Overcome, Conquer, Master
Here is why you should never ever ever give up.
I just bought the house of my dreams, I have an amazing girlfriend,, I have a business I LOVE, I NEVER “Work” (My work is my passion) I have amazing friends & staff, I get to travel often and meet amazing people and see the world.
What a lot of people don’t know is a few years ago I had almost lost it all. My house, my business, my passion, myself.
I had to make a decision.
Overcome or Give Up.
I Chose To Overcome.
IF I had of given up when things were hard, or when I failed right now I would be full of anger and regret.
I have been had these feelings and they suck.
Give me fear or failure any day over anger and regrets.
I have my fourth tattoo planned, it is for something important to me, and it will remind me of something else that will change my life and the life of others.
Remember, most times the things you are afraid of is the BEST THING YOU CAN DO.
Be Fearless, Life Is Short.
Memento Mori
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23 Responses to “Got Ink?”
Rob this. Great post, very inspiritational. I myself have 8 tattoos and while they don’t have meaning as deep as yours or represent a hard point in my life. Every single one represents something that I love and represents who I am. I do have plans to get more representing many more loves of mine. I have always found tattoos to be incredibly beautiful and often inspirational, such as yours. I have a tendency to notice them first and I love to ask people about their ink. Some of the explanations behind the different tattoos are awesome. I absolutely recommend doing it, something as silly as a lock and chain can have so much meaning behind. Great post Rob, and a great staff is only as great as it’s employer! So thanks for being awesome and appreciating life to it fullest. Excellent message to put out! Everyone should try it.
Super inspiring, Rob! While I don’t have any ink, and probably never will (that’s what you said, too!), I do relate to the messages you have so purposely emblazoned on your body.
Thank you so much for spilling your guts. That takes a lot of courage. Bravo, Rob!
preach it, white boy.
Excellent Post Rob, I have 2 tattoos myself, one Compiles all of passions i once had and incorporates them into one symbol, this one is just basic but will be added to in the future! my other tat was originally obtained to represent the year of my birth and the strength and courage and drive I need to have to make the decisions in life that will benefit me best. This was also supposed to be a representation of love with an ex significant other. It will now remind me that the only thing that is permanent is yourself. Everything around you can come and go in a heart beat, but you can never leave yourself! The story behind my second piece is also one of courage and strength as well but we can leave that for another time! lol. Pushing past you comfort zone and stepping out that door to new and strange things is the only way to live life. Anyone who has stepped outside before can certainly agree, the most rewarding things in life are the things you once said ” I can’t do that” and then done. Awesome post Rob! Very inspirational! and Like Bobbi said “a great staff is only as great as it’s employer! So thanks for being awesome and appreciating life to it fullest”. so Thank you!
ahah thanks Ken
Thank you Bill, really appreciate the feedback and comments.
Thanks Bobbi!
Great comment Jon, really appreciate it!
I thought exactly the same you did, when you said you didn’t see the utility of having a part of your body inked for life, back then. If someone would have told me i would have a tattoo by the end of 2010, I would have laughed at him, 2 years ago. And now I have my forearm tattoo’ed with my passion for music, and plann to get the arm done by fall! It’s crazy how much we can change our mentality in a heartbeat. WE only live once! better enjoy it.
Take care Rob! great blog
Agreed Marco, funny how that works hey.
Thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it!
Rob, the ink is solid. Love the words, script and the meaning.
I got one when I was 16, then waited until I was in the Royal Canadian Armored Corps in Petawawa ON on base and chose a big old Celtic Cross head on my shoulder.
I love it and will never regret it being an Canadian Irishman and Warrior of Faith. Its like my shield and my personal reminder.
I am always thinking about the next one, but want it to be over the top full of meaning for Faith, Family & Friends.
Cool art brother.
Hey Patrick,
Thanks dude! Appreciate it. Be proud! Love it!
Cheers
Rob
Powerful words Rob!
I FINALLY know how you feel, there is NOTHING like living your passion, helping others and enjoying the life that you designed. Go Get Em’ Bud;-)
Rob – this was a KILLER post. I’m going to send my list to it, feel like this is something they should see
Wow dude..thank you so much!
Rob, I love this post- and a per Michael, ill be sending this to my list. Great work and see you in San Diego in September.
Wow Kristian, many thanks!
See you in SD!
Rob
I got ink. Just got it not to long ago either, a wk ago actually. RobKing, what you described here relates to the reason why I got my done as well. I’m glad you opened up to your fans, etc. — I started creating my design back when I was 10 yrs old for my first tat. I finally got the opportunity to get that design put on me, now that I have a great life with a great girl in my life, a wonderful puppy I have, along with great friends and family members. — If you are ever in the Sebring area of Florida, stop by and check out INK JUNKIES and talk to either the Owner George, or Bill Fold for a great deal on a spectacular tat. — I’ll be getting more tats now that I got my first one, I’m already creating more of my One of a Kind Custom Art to get them put on me. I now know the true meaning of, “I NEED MORE INK” and I’m hooked now :0)
Hey Matthew
Thats awesome man. Thanks for the feedback and the info. Really appreciate it!
Cheers!
Rob
Hi Rob,
This is Mike (Smith) from the mastermind group from last year. I was in the group for about 6 months and it truly helped, as you’ve said. My Mom was diagnosed with cancer and recently passed away. It was and is devastating, and I wanted to thank you for the great post and inspiring messages. I feel A LOT of the same ways, and losing my Mom suddenly when I’m only 29 years old will clarify MANY things about life.
Looking forward to seeing you again and living life with the same focus.
Mike
Hey Mike,
Nice hearing from you.
I understand what you are going through. My mom passed away a few years ago after over a decades battle with cancer. It’s not something I generally talk about, ever. But I feel your pain and I wish you all the best man. Stray strong.
Rob
Hey Rob,
Nice!! I got two, one that has no meaning and I am in the process of getting that one removed. The other I got when I turned 40. In chinese they don’t call mid life a crisis but an oppourtunity
, My ink represents a Crucial point or mid-life oppourtunity. I do plan to get more…
Thats awesome Ada! Thanks for sharing!