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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: path

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way

28 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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advice, bellmore, earth, life, meroke preserve, motivation, nature, new york, outdoors, path, patience, positivity, strength, success, trees, woods

There have been plenty of times in my life when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. Just like most people. Staying positive and being strong has helped me move past these road blocks as well as having patience. Sometimes you just have to stop and breathe to see the bigger picture. Know that everything happens for a reason.

This photo was taken a few years in Bellmore, NY at the Meroke Preserve.  I have always loved pathways, whether they be a bridge, a road, or just a simple trail, they remain one of my favorite things to photograph. Its become such a connection to my life, the will to keep moving forward.

You may not see a clear path in this shot, but I do. The trees are silently guarding it and the sun is delicately lighting the way. Nature always shows you where to go. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper and really think about the best way to move forward in life. Don’t let anything or anyone get you down. Be positive, stay motivated, and kick ass. Hopefully, just like me, you will always find a way to succeed.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Hiatus

05 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

art, career, design, destiny, fate, Inspiration, journey, life, money, path, stress, travel, work

Sometimes in life you have to really take a look at what is making you happy and what isn’t. When stress takes over, it can seriously disrupt all aspects of your life. I am a true example of this. Stress has played a character in my story for way too long. And although it was due to many different reasons, the main cause has been my career and money. I am sure a lot of you can understand that scenario.

My career has been my focus my whole life. It’s impossible for me to be happy unless I have the time and space to be creative and continue to do what I do best. Art and design has been my life since I was a child and the only thing I truly know for sure is I was destined to be in the field. It took me a good 6 years out of school to establish myself as a freelancer and have sufficient client work. It was a long and tiring road for sure but I appreciate the good things that have come my way. I never thought it would become a problem in my life.

Now that I have started Gray Star Design, I feel like I am cut in half. Essentially, I am running two businesses, which has been sadly running me into the ground. Gray Star Design is my heart and soul and I promised myself I would focus on it and give it my all. This is what I eventually want to continue doing, and nothing else. So I am trying to set up my future and of course there has to be issues. Nothing can ever be simple.

My dilemma is just never having enough time to get GSD truly off the ground. There are things that you need to do when starting a business and yes, I have done a good amount, but there is plenty more to do – and I need full focus to get them done the right way. That means no distractions. I have already decided to not take on new clients but I do have a few I continue to do work for on a regular basis. I don’t want to cut these clients off, as I enjoy working for them, but something’s got to give.

So, after months of being stressed and having this issue take its toll on my life, home, and marriage, I have come to a decision. It’s time to take a hiatus. I have chosen to take some time off from all work and make sure Gray Star Design gets all my attention. This will allow me to have the time to get things done as well as have the creative space I need to bring new designs to the table. It’s the worst when you have so many ideas and no time to actually work them out. It’s pretty much torture, if you ask me.

I am happy my husband agrees with this decision as well. We both feel its the best thing to do right now. Not just for my career but for my sanity as well. It’s time to take control of the situation and do what is best for me and my future. Starting next week, I will be on a hiatus from client work till June. I think this will be sufficient time for me to get back on track. You don’t know how excited I am about doing this. It’s a long time coming.

I wanted to share my situation because I know there are more people out there that go through stuff like this. It doesn’t have to be about your career or money, everyone has their own issues. I hope to inspire you all to take control of your life and do the best for you. No one else is going to do it so don’t wait too long to make a move. Feeling like your everyday is a whirlwind is not healthy, mentally or physically. Take a stand and don’t allow it to negatively impact your life anymore. When you do, its the best feeling in the world.

I chose this photo for the post because it illustrates my message. It was taken in PIE on our honeymoon this past September. It may be a long journey down the path you know you need to take, but eventually, when you get there, a new journey awaits. You may not be able to see how it plays out now, but just know it will be inspiring and full of surprises. Get moving!

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

 

Inspiration Photo Friday: The Road Home

01 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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clouds, drive, home, home sweet home, life, Maine, nature, path, patience, road, sky, strength, travel, trees

Everyone has bad days and goes through troubled times. That’s just life. But it helps to have someplace to call home, a place where you can relax and just be. And some even have special places within that home to go to for some peace and quiet. Whether you’re a homebody or not, there is no place like home.

This photo was taken on our family trip back from Maine over 2 years ago. A week filled with peace, quiet and lots of relaxation. The beautiful views and breathtaking atmosphere was quite an inspiration for me. Especially since I adore nature. This photo reminds me of how much I love home and the pure essence of new beginnings. Even though our trip was over and we were sad to say good bye, we were excited to get back to our special space.

When I look at this image, it speaks to me in a language that is clear and simple. No matter what life brings your way, there will always be a road to lead you in the right direction. A safe pathway that will not only bring you home, but teach you lessons along the way. To think of this road as an ending is missing the beauty of starting fresh. Returning to your special place only enables new paths to appear. With a clear head and the will to move forward, life is waiting outside your door.

And no worries about the things we cannot control. Life will continue to test our abilities and patience. Just remember to keep your eyes open and find that path that awaits your travels. For it will take your hand and bring you to where you belong, home sweet home.

Inspiration Photo Friday: The Road Home - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Winter Wonderland

28 Friday Dec 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

caumsett park, cold, long island, nature, new year, new york, path, pathway, photography, seasons, snow, trees, winter, winter wonderland

The holidays may be over but winter is officially here. The cold is making its way into our backyards and snowy days are surely due. It’s time to focus on what the year has taught us and get ourselves ready for what 2013 has to offer.

I took this photo a few winters back while visiting Caumsett Park here on the island. It was a perfect day to go because the snow added a magnificent bonus to the scenery. As I walked down the main path, I was inspired by the beautiful symmetry and natural line work of the trees. Bare as they were, they brought a nice architectural element to the shot. The path made me feel I was on my way to something great, something spectacular. Having always loved the look of pathways, it was no surprise I was drawn to Caumsett’s.

Everyday should feel like this. Looking forward, surrounded by beauty. In this case, a winter wonderland of nature’s frozen tears. Just because its cold and dreary, doesn’t mean this season has to be a sad and boring one. It’s a time to reflect. As the Earth renews itself for another year, we all should do the same. Take the time to reflect upon your accomplishments, your mistakes and the significant moments 2012 has given you.

I hope you all have a happy new year and create a winter wonderland in your heart this season. Remember, everyday can be as beautiful and inspiring as this photo. Just keep in mind that you are amazing and take the path toward positivity and happiness.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Winter Wonderland - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

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