525,600 – My New Tattoo & What It Means

Categories Tattoos, , , , , , 79 Comments on 525,600 – My New Tattoo & What It Means

Hello, beautiful people – I hope you’re all having absolutely fabulous days, nights and everything in between! (God knows with all the clubbing we’ve been doing recently, I have been. I love summer.)

In preparation for Australia (and, hopefully, living my best life) your girl has been putting in work to look her best self. Now, I know to other people this might mean “going to the gym” and “getting a haircut” and . . . power to you, these are all things I definitely should do.

However, for me, my standards of beauty are less “Love Island” and more “something out of a book about myths and legends”. You guys know me; I love that fantasy, fairy look. I want long, dark, witchy hair and arms covered in tattoos that make me look like a walking forest.

So my “looking my best self” is getting new piercings and a new tattoo. Unfortunately, I happen to be saving so I couldn’t get any big pieces (sigh. I need a tattoo artist boyfriend.) – but I have had a few small, meaningful additions that I thought I would share with you all! If you guys remember my Week In The Life post, you may remember that I shared when I got a ‘lil tattoo with you all . . . and if you don’t remember, take a watch of my video!

The first of newest ink additions is this tiny ‘lil number tattoo: 525,600.

What does 525,600 even mean, Mia?

Is likely to be your first question. Allow me to explain. As with everything, I have multiple meanings for my tattoo.

Meaning #1. Time

There are 525,600 minutes in the year. This tattoo is a reminder to make the most out of all of them; that time is finite and fleeting. Sometimes it’s easy to live your life day to day and forget that time is escaping you. It’s harder to ignore the fact when you’re looking down it.

I’m most definitely not the only person who’s guilty of kind of ruining their present lives for a future that isn’t guaranteed.

Since I was very young, living with my mother hopping from shitty flat to shitty flat on a very small budget, I have been very conscious of money. Not in a massively materialistic way, but in a “money doesn’t buy you happiness, but the security and opportunities and it offers you does” way. And I am very grateful for this part of my upbringing; we now live together in a lovely house and are quite comfortable in terms of finances, but I very much appreciate money, working and the realities of not having money.

And so, since I was very young, I have always “worked hard now for it to pay off later”. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, but when is later? When do you have to stop working hard? You only have a finite amount of time and a lot of people don’t have the opportunity or means to enjoy it fully. If and when you can, stop living for the future and enjoy the minute you’re in.

Meaning #2 – RENT

The second reason is something my mum instantly clocked and, for the first time ever, she instantly approved of a tattoo idea and was praising how lovely it was. Most of you will have no clue what RENT is, but I will try to explain.

So RENT is a musical about the most diverse friendship group of bohemian people living in New York during the 90’s. It’s follows their stories, going into HIV, bisexuality, homosexuality, cross-dressing, art, love, friendship, death and all that jazz, but for me the overarching theme is love and inclusivity. It’s honestly so moving and beautiful that nothing I say will do it justice.

If you want the kind of vibe of it, though, watch this clip and fall in love. (Also, for those of you who love Idina Menzel because of Frozen, you can absolutely fight me because she’s been a whole queen since RENT and I think she should be more known for this.) (And I really want “La Vie Boheme” tattooed too.)

(Also, the music is banging.)

My mother and I stumbled across the movie RENT years ago and we instantly fell in love. It became a staple movie for us, we watched it all the time and, when it came to the West End, we were immediately there.

Anyways, there’s this song from the soundtrack, Seasons Of Love, that I just love. It’s absolutely beautiful and profoundly moving.

“Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets
In midnights, in cups of coffee
In inches, in miles
In laughter, in strife
In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
It’s time now to sing out
Tho’ the story never ends
Let’s celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love

Measure in love
Measure, measure your life in love”

At the end of the day, what matters the most in life isn’t so much what you do, it’s how you feel. It’s spending time with people you love, doing things you love, feeling and recieving love.

That, to me, is what that song celebrates and teaches – and it’s something I massively believe. So it’s not only a tattoo to remind me to make the most out of my time on earth, it’s also one to remind to make the most out of it in a certain way.

I’m very grateful to my mother for exposing me to this kind of media from such a young age. It massively shaped my opinions, my values and morals. Not only am I a lot more accepting of other people and alternative lifestyles, but I appreciate my own individuality a lot more too.

Meaning #3 – Home

You guys have heard how much I’ve mentioned my mother’s influence on this tattoo already; I’d been wanting to get this or “la vie boheme” for years, but as I am moving out to Australia and I am going to massively miss my parents (it’s the only thing I’m really worried about, to be honest), I really wanted something to represent one of the biggest gifts my mother has given me: unconditional love and the teachings to see and accept people from all walks of life, quirks and all.

So that’s what my newest tattoo means!

View this post on Instagram

525,600 minutes 💐

A post shared by Mia (@miajosiex) on

While we’re on the topic of sharing tattoos, to all you lovely ladies who asked me about my first tattoo (the big rose in a triangle one) and wanted a post on it, I promise I will eventually do a post about it. But (there’s always a but, right?) my first tattoo is what I lovingly refer to as a starter piece. I absolutely love it, but there are some areas I want retouched and added to/perfected before I share it.

Okay, you beautiful humans – I hope you enjoyed this ‘lil peek at one of my latest tattoos. Have any of you seen RENT? Have I possibly convinced some of you to? Do you have any tattoos? Let me know your thoughts down below!

Peace,

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Published by crystalsandcurls

I'm going through a bit of an existential crisis right now, I'll tell you about myself when I figure out if I'm real or not.

79 thoughts on “525,600 – My New Tattoo & What It Means”

  2. Trouble. Please note the capital T is not just because it was the start of a sentence.
    I am also wondering if I could get stainless steel crocodile teeth. My best mate is married to a lady from Singapore and he emailed yesterday to say he got some new tongue piercing there that no one will do here. I have encouraged him to do as it would reduce his need to talk to some of his workmates. You will hear a song here called Friday on my Mind, by the Easybeats. It about sums it up.
    I actually found myself stranded on a commune many years back with the singer. We could have socialized a crocodile.

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  3. I love this Mia, so much! All of your tattoos are beautiful, but hearing about the meanings behind this one, especially how impactful your mother’s been on life made me love this one the most so far!! I have a list of tattoos that I’m waiting to get, and each of them have so many little meanings, 100% getting one when you’re down here my girl xx

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  5. I loved the idea of this tattoo right when I saw it in a picture you posted on Instagram.it’s so unique, and I find it really bold of you to get something permanent done on you.i can never have something this permanent, just because of my conception that ill get over it and regret later.I love this, it’s so simple and meaningful at the same time!

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  7. I know what Rent is. I fell in love with the musical by the songs six years ago. My first time actually seeing the stage show in full was the final Broadway cast film.

    But first time seeing it live was last year when it toured to Charlotte.

    It really is about how to live life: in the moment and in love. It is about community. It is a meaningful musical of my life.

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      1. I am a musical theatre fanatic.

        Last year, when I saw Rent, I had the most perfect seats. I was an emotional wreck watching the musical. Rent is a powerful musical that is both sad and inspiring. If a plot has to be sad, it has to be inspiring as well as in it has to go beyond the sadness

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  11. I LOVE this post! I love the tattoo… it’s so minimal and cute AND the meaning is really super duper cool. Now every time someone asks you can recommend a movie as well haha. That’s great!

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  13. Oh wow! I’m in love ❤ The meaning behind it is just so relevant and important. Personally I'm a littl' too good at forgetting that time is as precious as it is – so thanks for the reminder. I absolutely love tattoos and I'm so down to get one myself – one day. Take care you gorgeous girl xxx

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    1. Aww thank you so much Karen ❤ Honestly, I'm the exact same – I think a lot of us could do with the reminder 🙂 oooooh if you ever do, I'd love to read that post!xxxx (completely irrelevant side note: I've been setting up my travel journal atm and I'M SO EXCITED TO SHARE IT WITH YOU because I think you're going to love it)

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  15. You have such a gift! I love this piece and the meaning behind this tattoo! I think it is so important to find a balance but, as you said, to live in the moment and truly feel content with the life you live. I absolutley LOVE reading about depth and meaning and I think it is extremley unique to have an explainable and individualized tattoo! Good luck on your journey! Sending light and love your way! Blessings! Xoxo

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  16. Ohh this tattoo is so special! The meaning of it and the thoughts behind it are so unique, so you! I don’t have any tattoo’s (yet) but the thought of getting one has been there for a few years 🙂 When are you moving to Australia? xx

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  21. I love love the meaning you have for your tattoo. The constant reminder of time is so so so important and often overlooked. Its also so nuanced in the way that you have to live for the future and also learn to live for right now. And the point about it relating up to the musical RENT! As a lover of TV shows and books, I totally understand how pieces of art like that can resonate with someone so immensely deeply and you chose such a great piece to carry with you! Looking forward to your other tattoo meanings post! Also, when will you be moving to Auzzie?

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    1. Awww thank you so much! I’m glad so many people can relate and enjoy it 😀 Like you said, it is a nuanced and bloody tricky balance, but I think it’s very much worthwhile to master it 🙂 (not that I’m there AT ALL lol, but one day) And September 3rd – terrifyingly, soon!x

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      1. Yesss. Oh gosh, ok I will be paying attention to your instagram and blog during this transition period! Wish you all the best in everything and I can’t wait to read your thoughts about all that! 😄 😄 😄

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  25. What a beautiful range of meanings! I love these kinds of personal explanations behind tattoos. I’ve never heard of RENT?! How is that possible? Kinda want to see it now. Also, about missing your parents – it will happen for sure but it gets easier. For me, week 3/4 was kinda the worst bit, but after that I adapted pretty quickly, so I think you’ll be okay ❤ xx

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    1. Thank you, Alys! I have a couple of other tattoos I might do a similar post for 🙂 And omg i know – I definitely think you’d enjoy it 😀 Thanks girly, I know it’ll be okay but . . . I’m just gonna miss them ;-; ❤ xx

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  29. I love the idea behind the tattoo.I have never seen Rent but I have heard about it and want to listen to the soundtrack at some point. I have a habit of listening to music and only half-listening so I want to take time to properly listen to it, not as background noise. xx

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  32. Love the meaning behind the tattoo, Mia! I had no idea that there 525,600 minutes in the year & I’ve not seen RENT but I’ve always wanted to! So cute that your mom even approved! Wow my mom says “tattoos are for sluts” about all of the ones me & my sis get. 😂

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  33. I love that your tattoo has more than one meaning, I feel like that’s what makes it even more special. Simple but still special and it’s one that I’m sure you won’t regret to have gotten in the future. I’m still thinking about what kind of tattoo I want too because it would be stupid to get one without no real meaning to me

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  34. Reading about people’s tattoos is my favourite thing to do I swear, I find it SO interesting. (I’m getting some new ones tomorrow and I’ve already written my explanation posts…) I absolutely love this!! xx

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  35. I love to read the meaning about tattoos always so much ❤️ Your tattoo is so beautiful and I loved the meaning of it. It’s so important to remind ourselves of time, appreciate it and make the most out of it.

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  36. I have always wanted to get a tattoo or two, so I absolutely adore reading this post. I’m beyond thrilled that it holds so much inspiration and memories for you!! on another note, can I ask what made you want to move to australia and how you’re planning it? I fully intend to move to spain in a few years, but I am struggling with the planning. xoxo

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  37. I’m in love with your new tattoo and the meaning behind it 😊 it’s especially lovely to hear how much your mum has impacted your life and how much you’ll miss your parents when you move to Australia xx

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