Ever since I got this tattoo, I’ve been sporting it every chance I get: photos, trips to the beach, the gym. This tattoo of Ghandi Xtreme snowboarding is the perfect conversation starter. It’s the best depiction of what I think is great in life: peace and adventure.

When I got it, friends and strangers would say how I’ll be sorry when I’m older, predicting it will become a stain on my aged body. But I was fine with that; what’s cooler than a cool grandfather and his tat?

But then, I started to think…really think…about my future. What if it follows me everywhere…like everywhere I go?

What if this tattoo stays on my spirit when I die?

If there is an afterlife-and I am a firm believer in life after death-then do I want this image remaining on my left pectoral? How permanent is this, really? I don’t know what I’m going to be doing in heaven-or who I’ll meet. I mean, sure I love showing this thing off now, but who knows what my detached apparition will find amusing?

It’s not only a first impression, it’s a first impression for the rest of eternity. Who’s to say I won’t want to try something different? Maybe I won’t be all that into Ghandi when I enter my next level of consciousness.

And what if I meet Ghandi up there? Oh God, that’d be so embarrassing. Nothing screams “fan-boy” like a novelty tattoo of your idol. That’s a definite turn off, and ruins any potential I have of creating an actual friendship with the guy.

And maybe there’s no way of covering it up. I don’t know, I’ve never been to the permanent bliss that follows death, maybe they don’t allow clothes. That’s the good thing about having a tattoo now: you can hide it when you don’t want people to see it; but if I’m in heaven and anything goes, I’m in the spotlight and Ghandi competing in the X-Games is shining bright on my chest.

Just the thought keeps me awake at night.