I got my first tattoo when I was about about 25. I had always wanted one but my wife at the time wasn't into it so I didn't get one. When we separated, I said f' it, I'm getting a tattoo and went for it! I was nervous, wondering how it would feel. But I got through it and about 8 tattoos later over the last 18 years and I've not regretted it! I plan on getting more.
It hurt, but the pain was tolerable. I've had my chest tattooed and both my arms, and I will say that the chest hurt the most, and under my arm and my shoulders hurt the least.
Sounds like there's meaning behind your tattoo so I say go for it! I can almost guarantee that you won't regret it.