When my ex-H and I broke up...I bought a ticket to Paris, went skiing, reconnected with family that had been alienated by exH, had an amazing time in Paris, adopted a dog, became a foster mom, finished my Master's Degree, , went on a cruise, etc. It was awesome...and really didn't "set me back". I was living, after not really living for so long. It was absolutely necessary; and yes, I calmed back down and have settled into a much more reasonable adventure consumption level.
The tattoo sounds lovely, now that you have explained that his has deep relevance to you.
Congrats on your new found life!