I may not know what it was called in other local languages during the days of our grandparents but I know that what we call tattoo today is an ancient fashion sense, particularly among ladies of marriageable age in that era.
Wearers of tattoo in that generation wore it with poise. It was decently and modestly done and they carried it with dignity. I remember my grandmother had it on her wrists and ankles. It was a beauty to behold.
Whatever your opinion is for or against tattoo, this piece is not about tattoo. It is about how a decision you make today can permanently affect the choices you make tomorrow.
I was in a social gathering recently and tattoo became the topic for discussion. It was reported that a young man had his admission into the Nigerian military revoked because he had a tattoo on his arms.
It occurred to me that some actions you take casually based on today’s preference can have a lifelong effect on your choices years later even if you decide to change your mind.
A tattoo is not just a tattoo, it is a lifelong decision that is irreversible. If you choose to tattoo any part of your body, you must be ready to live with it forever or carry the scars if it no longer catches your fancy.
Which actions are you about to take that may permanently shape your choices tomorrow? Reflect and reflect again if you are willing to live with the consequence, just like a tattoo on the body.
📍Betrayal of trust is a tattoo. A trust betrayed is difficult to restore to its original state, even with the truest remorse and apologies. A person betrayed may forgive and still trust but he won’t totally forget the first experience.
📍The choice of your spouse is a tattoo you must be willing to live with forever or carry the scars if you change your mind. While marriage is not a do or die affair, the appellation of ex wife or ex husband is a scar that cannot be totally erased.
📍The unpleasant words you speak or write that touches on a sensitive part of the recipient’s feelings is not easy to recall. The way the human mind is wired is to absorb the first utterance as the true intention of the speaker or writer, even when it is later explained differently.
I pondered how an admission to the military could have been a lifetime dream of that young man, but aborted just because of an innocent action he took to satisfy a momentary yearning that became irreversible and the consequence of which he must live with forever.
Take a moment to reflect. As it is with a tattoo, are you willing to stay with that decision forever or live with the consequence if it no longer catches your fancy?
I was offline last week Monday. My sincere apologies for the unannounced break.
Thank God it’s Monday.
©️ Akin Oluwadare Jnr.
02 February 2026
