• About
  • Visit Gray Star Design
  • Minted Collection
  • Design Services
  • Contact

The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: Inspiration

Inspiration Photo Friday: You Rule Your Kingdom

22 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

change, choices, control, drugs, evolution, fear, growth, happiness, Inspiration, journey, kingdom, lessons, life, life journey, negativity, positivity

In life, only you can create your own happiness. When things get rough, toughen up and get through it. When sadness takes over, wipe those tears and appreciate all the good things you have. When devastation hits, take time to greive then get back on your feet. No one is as responsible as you when it comes to your life. This is why you need to rule your kingdom.

We all make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them. Otherwise, you will continue to run in circles and never get anywhere. Of course there are people that will help you along the way. They will inspire, intrigue, show you love, and support you on your journey. But they are not responsible for your true happiness. That is only something you can create for yourself.

It’s funny. There are people in my life that are doing great and expecting many amazing things in the future, some that are going through hardship and heartbreak, and others who remain stagnant and miserable. All these different types of situations have been caused by their individual choices. So in essence, they have created this journey, every step of the way, on their own. And because they are all different, each will find his or her way along a positive path or a negative one.

It always bothered me when people complained about things they have total control of. If you aren’t happy, just change what you need to. I know its not easy sometimes but you just have to be strong. Involving everyone around you and making them deal with your problems is selfish, especially when you aren’t taking the steps to change it. Eventually, people will keep their distance and not want to be involved, which I don’t blame. No one is a lost cause unless they allow themselves to be.

I have experienced a lot in my life and can proudly say that I overcame all the hell that came my way on my own because I am a strong person. As I got older, I continued to deal with curve balls and had to take detours along the way, but nonetheless, I succeeded and created my own happiness through it all. I am lucky to have such amazing friends and family to support me and they truly play a part in my life story. However, I am the one who lived it and I am the one who got myself where I am today.

Below is a photo of me at 16 years old. A total opposite of who I am today. At this time in my life, I was fearless. I consumed all sorts of drugs, were always around my friends, partied whenever I could, and recently dropped out of high school. I rebelled every chance I could because I was bored and uninspired. I wasn’t a bad kid, just wanted to see and taste the world around me. The one thing that wasn’t different was my love for art. This has been my one true passion all my life.

So, for me to stand here, a happily married woman, BFA graduate, homeowner, and business owner, you can say I am damn proud of myself. I could write a book about my life, seriously, oh the stories I could tell, and the fact that I evolved into the woman I am today just proves you can create a journey that is powerful and positive. I chose to not break down because I am worth so much more. I knew what I always wanted and I made it happen. I may have gotten there later than I planned, but I made it, with tons of lessons along the way.

The world doesn’t owe you anything. You were put here to live a unique life all your own. Be positive and stay strong, you will get there in the end. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel as long as you believe there is. Being the ruler of your kingdom is a tough job but one you are born to do. It’s the one job you have to do best. And once you truly realize that, you are gold.

Inspiration Photo Friday: You Rule Your Kingdom

Inspiration Photo Friday: Love

08 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animal rights, animals, Benner's Farm, compassion, earth, farm, farm animals, farm life, Inspiration, love, photography, sheep, sheep love, value, vegan, vegetarian

A few weeks ago my husband and I visited Benner’s Farm here on the island with my best friend and her daughter. It was the first time we were there and I have to say its a really cute place. Of course, the animals were my favorite part. All were friendly and kind, like most animals are, and some had unique characteristics. So much fun.

Every time I am around a farm animal, I can’t help but think of the terrible things humans do to them around the world. They are commonly treated as if they are worth nothing. Well, that is certainly not true. Chickens, cows, goats, sheep, and horses are just some of the amazing creatures we can learn from. They can inspire us all.

How can someone hurt an animal that clearly expresses emotion and value? Even if you don’t do it with your own hands, eating meat is the same thing. You are supporting something that kills, destroys, and initially hurts you and your family. The animals rights /veg movement is one to truly consider, at least one to look into and learn about.

This photo below was taken at the farm. These two sheep were so beautiful together. Not only did they express love for each other, they did it publicly with no regard. Nothing in your face, just a gentle gesture of kindness and compassion. You can always count on animals to make you smile and these two had my heart a glow. I will forever be in love with the Earth’s creatures. They continue to surprise and inspire me day after day.

I just hope most of all, that the world can see what I see and make the connection of how important they truly are.

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

Inspiration Photo Friday: Experience

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

bob marley, happiness, Inspiration, journey, life, marriage, suffering, true love, truth, vows, wedding

The other day I came across a quote shared from the one and only Bob Marley. It resonated with me a great deal because its the truth. Not only did I totally agree with his words, felt it had a true connection to my life. These are the words of wisdom:

“If she is amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy… Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for”. ~ Bob Marley

Some may read this and say, true love doesn’t involve suffering or getting hurt and it shouldn’t be too hard. Well, you are wrong. Life is not a fairytale and neither is love. No relationship is easy. When I look back on just the few relationships in my life where I was actually in love with the person, they were all challenging. And some were even crazy at times. Sure, you will love a lot of people in your lifetime, and of course I have, but the few that were monumental are the ones that greatly contributed to who you are today. They are the ones which helped you grow and evolve as a person as well as helping you to learn what you need and want in a relationship.

I can say for sure that I’ve never been easy. It’s not that I am a difficult person to be with, I just have a multi faceted personality and bring a lot to the table. There were times where the person I was with never gave up on our love, as did I, and others where ending it was the right choice. And sometimes you just have to deal with the fact that you can be in love with someone but you are not meant to be together. It happens all the time and I know first hand how it feels. And Marley knows what he is talking about when he says everyone hurts you, because its true. It’s all a matter of who is worth suffering for and how much you can take. It’s a testament of patience, loyalty, and love – to know if the one you are with is worth all the hard work.

It all comes down to experience and learning through growth. I have had many challenges thrown at me, in all aspects of my life. And since a child, I was always curious  to see and taste the world around me. Because of this I’ve experienced a lot, like many other people. Sharing what I have been through with others has always been something I felt obligated to do. For it’s only the ones who have overcome that can inspire and help others.

As far as love, I believe we can never know if we were meant to be with someone forever, because people eventually change and everything always comes to an end. But I do know that who we choose to be with, prove to be the right ones over time. You simply can’t know in a month or a year, if it will truly last. But after you’ve both lived life together and taken on challenges as a team, your experience will speak volumes.

My husband Dan and I have been together for 5 years and married a little over a year. We have been through a great deal together since we met back in the summer of 2008.   I’ve never dreamed of getting married like many other girls. My success as an artist was always number one. But when I shared my vows with Dan on our wedding day, I was honest and true with every word. Below is a photo of our vows along with my bouquet, which I preserved. I treasure these very much because they are a testament to our relationship and the start of a new chapter of our lives together.

Neither of us has given up on each other and I feel we have both suffered enough in this relationship, as Marley states, for it to last years to come. All I can say for sure is that our connection will grow with each day and our love shall keep us strong. I believe we have created a foundation that will guide us when we are lost and provide comfort when we need it. For true love has no boundaries. And when you realize the true worth of that love, happiness overcomes the suffering.

bouquet1

Inspiration Photo Friday: Beauty

14 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

beauty, clouds, colors, darkness, home, Inspiration, life, light, nature, positivity, rainbow, sky

The other day there was a beautiful rainbow in front of my house. It was right after rain had stopped, my husband was leaving to go the store and he told me to come outside. It was beautiful. I had to take a picture of it. This was the first time I stepped onto my porch and saw something that pretty so close to home. It made me smile.

Nature never ceases to amaze me. Everywhere you look, there is beauty to be seen. Even after a long storm, the air can turn into amazing colors and uplift your mood so quickly. It helps to remind you of how life has its ups and downs, but there will always be a positive that comes out of it. And yes, harsh winds and a relentless downpour can certainly change your mood for the worst. However, try to see beyond the darkness and there will be a light. And if you keep your head up and look even further, you may even see a rainbow.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Beauty - ©  2012 Melissa O'Connor-Arena

← Older posts
color in films sound in color art inpsired palettes
art and design the home events and parties weddings real weddings color inspiration film-reviews historic places news and updatesminted






minted.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives



martha

Magnolia Rouge

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.29.10 PM

Etsy

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.18.10 PM

logo

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.42.13 PM

P&PBlogHeader

wedding chicks


ruffled

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.47.49 PM

Screen Shot 2014-04-23 at 2.16.32 PM


lauren-elle-photography

jenlombardo

logo_website

site-logo1

kelly_dekenipp_logo

homelogo

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Join 1,385 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • The Design Inspirationalist
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...