Inspiration Photo Friday: Contentment

07 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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appreciation, beauty, contentment, evolve, family, friends, growth, happiness, life, love, nature, relationships

Today is a windy and cold morning here on the island. There is a storm coming our way so the air is fresh and everything has a dewy look. I love how this weather makes all the trees, grass, and plants a more prominent green. When the beauty of nature is accented, it makes you see the world a little bit different.

I stepped outside my back door today to let my dogs out and just took in how pretty my yard looked. Every time I am back there, I appreciate it more and more. The fact that I am content with where I am in my life and where I have chosen to build a family, surely makes me happy. My past has brought a lot of things, but feeling content was not really on that list. Sure, at times, but as a whole I always wanted more or something new. I guess that is part of growing up.

I know perfection doesn’t really exist. People, relationships, careers, children, you name it, nothing is perfect. We all have our issues and deal with them in our own ways. I can definitely say my life isn’t perfect, but I am content with how it is and look forward to the future. Rather than always wanting to move and evolve at a fast pace, I can take day by day and see what what comes my way.

I think that if you sit back and think of all the good things you have, the beauty that surrounds you, and the people who love you {as well as the ones you love}, you will realize that things aren’t so bad. Contentment doesn’t mean you want to stay where you are forever. It just means you appreciate all you have and are happy with how far you’ve come. It’s a mighty good feeling.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Contentment - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Changes

31 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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change, earth, evolution, family, friends, grounded, journey, life, mother earth, nature, trees, world

The world we live in will always change. That goes for each of our lives as well. Expecting people to stay the same is very naive, we all grow and evolve. Hopefully, its for the better. My life has certainly gone through a lot of change, from childhood to now. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I look around at the people in my life, both friends and family, everyone has changes they are going through. From babies and marriage to ending relationships, moving, and coping with death, its all important to their growth as individuals. And it all happens for a reason, even if its not that great at the time. I can vouch for this for sure.

The photo below was taken recently while my husband Dan and I were on our vacation in Massachusetts. There is always something about a quiet road or path that inspires me to keep going in a positive direction. This photo also reminds me of one thing that will never change, nature. Mother Earth is always there to surround you with love and protection, sharing its beauty every chance it gets.

So when there are times that change gets a little too much, visit a park or take a peaceful walk in the woods. You can always count on nature to keep you grounded and calm. It’s the one thing that can never be taken away. So cherish it with all your heart and appreciate all it does for us. Because it doesn’t just give, it teaches all of us about the one thing we can’t escape, change. Evolving every minute, Earth does a fantastic job at showing us how to evolve with grace.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Fallen Souls

22 Friday Feb 2013

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death, friends, friendship, loss, memories, memory, rememberance, sadness, souls

It’s a sad time when people you know or knew have passed away. Even if you are not close with them, it hits you at the core, and forces you to put life in perspective. Unfortunately, I have had many people in my life leave this Earth too soon, both family and friends. It is certainly not something I like to think about or remember, considering the upsetting thoughts that remain.

Yesterday, I heard, yet again, that a friend I knew growing up has died. I don’t know all the facts and am not even sure how it happened but it upsets me, to say the least. His name is Mike and he was a really good guy. We were neighbors in an apartment complex when I was a teenager and saw each other pretty much every day for the time I lived there. When I got older, around 15 or so, I started to hang out with him and his friends a little more, which led to us becoming closer. Back in the day, we surely had good times.

We roamed the streets together, explored different types of drugs together and got into trouble together. We were all a crew and Mike was someone who you could just count on. At least I did. About 10 or so years ago, his brother died of an overdose, which surprised us all. I was still living in New Jersey at this point so my mother and I went to the funeral. Years passed since I saw Mike but just recently, about 8 months ago, I saw him and a few other guys from our old crew at a benefit for a friend. It was really nice to see them all. I am so happy, especially now, that I got to see Mike and catch up. Who knew it would be the last time I would be able to?

Mike, Tony & Jimmy – June 8, 2012

There are fallen souls all around us. We don’t want to think of it but we know some people just let the worst of life get to them. It’s sad in so many ways. Every time I saw Mike nothing had really changed. When we talked, it seemed like everything was the same. I definitely couldn’t say that about my life as I have moved on and explored so many new things. I think some people just get stuck. Although they have made their own choices in life to be where they are, maybe it would have been different if they were led down a brighter path.

Take the time to appreciate who you have in your life and surround yourself with positive people. When you know a soul who has fallen, just hope they are in a better place. Picture them smiling and feeling happy, once and for all. I now have another friend who will be remembered and memories that shall be locked away forever. Tucked for good in a place that no one can get to. There, they will live on and be safe. Something I surely wish for Mike…xo

Mike, Jimmy & Tony – June 8, 2012

Inspiration Photo Friday: BFF’s Rule!

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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best friends, childhood, friends, friendship, growing up, love, wedding

Everyone has those special people in their lives they will always love and feel connected too. These can be family, friends and of course someone you are in a relationship with. I can probably count on my two hands the people I consider great friends in my life. They aren’t acquaintances or people I just met, they are the ones that I have known for years and will always be close with, no matter what.

My wedding day was a fantastic memorable day. I was so happy my friends could be there to celebrate with Dan and I and be a part of it all. Capturing these special moments was really important to me so I tried to get all the pictures I could. Of course I was all over the place and overwhelmed so I didn’t get as many as I would like but there are a few that truly make me smile.

This photo is one I will cherish forever. I am so thankful to my photographer, Lauren Elle, for capturing all of us so perfectly. I have known the people in this picture since middle school and have had the pleasure to grow up with them with and be a part of their lives. We were a crew back in the day and had gone through so much together. Although none of us really see each other that often, when we get together, its like we were never apart.

I only have one other photo with all of us together and it was taken in 2006 after I graduated. Now, six years later, we are still best friends and know that we will always have each other, no matter what. I can’t tell you enough how much I adore this photograph. I think back to when we were kids and how long its been since we all first met, over 20 years ago.

Meg is now a mom to a beautiful 6 year old girl, Hernan is working and focusing on his music, I am recently a Mrs., Joe is doing great with his partner Dan and having a blast traveling and living life, and Val is a new mom to a gorgeous little girl and engaged to the love of her life. I couldn’t be more happier.

Starting from the left – Meg {my maid of honor}, Hernan, Me, Joe & Valerie

This other photo captures what my girls and I have shared for so many years, a love for music. Asunta and I have known each other since 1996 when I moved to Florida. We have been great friends ever since and she even lived with me for awhile a few years ago. To the right is Heather, we’ve been close ever since I moved to Long Island back in 1996 {before Florida}. She was the first girl I was ever in a relationship with and I will always love her. We are still best friends and see other often as she lives only 25 minutes from me. Her present girlfriend, Brytni, is next to her, whom I adore greatly. They have been together for a number of years and I think she is awesome.

I have gone through a lot with Asunta and Heather throughout the years and we have so many great memories to look back on. This photo is one of my favorites though. It’s up on my wall with the other one, for all to see.

Starting from the left – Asunta, Me, Brytni & Heather

Remember to keep your true friends close to your heart. They are the ones that will be there to pick you up when you are down and give your life a special happiness only they can provide. BFF’s rule!