Wow this is advice is better than i could have hoped for! so thank you and keep it coming. It's really got me thinking.

I have another question:

*How do the colours last over time? and with black, does it stay black?

because i've seen a lot of people where it looks dark green, but i think its meant to be black, and it looks like an old tattoo. Is that what happens over time? do you know what i mean?

My tattoo idea:

The quote is basically an affirmation that is helping me greatly through my PND, but its also just something general to live by. Something that i can see my self still appreciating in 10 years time. Its actually a maori saying, but i'd have it written in english because it translates well and i want it as a visual reminder for down times. The reason i wanted to include the sun, is because the sun is the key to the affirmation, its symbolic too. I also like symmetry and think the words around the sun would be nice and symmetrical. I'd like to get it in the middle of my back, so its symmetrical but i need it to be somewhere that i can see it, and i can't think of anywhere on my front that would be in the middle and not stretch (ie, tummy) or chest too painful.

So overall its not sentimental, i want it more as a reminder about being positive, looking ever forward.... I have another idea about tattoos representing my children which i'm sure i won't regret but thats something i want to do later on. The sun thing i'm thinking about seriously now.