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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: patience

Inspiration Photo Friday: Seek and Discover

12 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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beauty, challenge, change, determination, discover, earth, evolution, growth, intense, life, nature, patience, pear tree, seek, strength, thoughts

Throughout my life, I’ve had to reinvent myself many times in order to adapt to change. We all do. I don’t mean become a different person, I just mean evolving and growing at a faster pace. Some people have a hard time doing that but I just never had a choice, so I got used to it. You really learn a lot about yourself when life is a constant challenge. I always felt it was healthy to seek out the “new” within you because you never know what you will discover.

I took this photo the other day in our backyard. We have two cherry trees which always bloom in the spring and grow the cutest plump cherries in the summer. I love watching the process. We also have a small pear tree not too far from them, but I never really pay attention to it because it just doesn’t really grow. Well, the other day I visited the tree and to my surprise there were tiny pears hanging off its branches. This really made me smile.

It’s moments like this that remind me of how life can be funny, yet intense. There are new and exciting things out there, right in front of you, that are just waiting for you to discover them. Some may be scary or sad, but it’s these things that inspire growth and change and push you to see more of you are, as well as who you can be. Some may even remind you of who you once were.

Today, I still encounter challenges on a daily basis. They keep my thoughts flowing and my determination to move forward, right on the surface. The strength and patience I have gained throughout the years surely make a big difference in my battles as well. This all makes up “me”. And because of all the times I had to seek within myself to persevere, I have discovered there is an endless amount of beauty that will always remain. No one can destroy it or take it away because it’s all mine. And I promise myself to let it shine every new day I have on this Earth. Okay “life”, bring it on. I’m ready for your next journey.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Seek and Discover - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

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: Blooming Beauties

21 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday, The Great Outdoors

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beauty, bloom, flowers, garden, life, nature, patience, plants, stress, summer

My husband and I have been so busy with home projects and family gatherings that we haven’t been able to actually sit back and enjoy summer yet. Thankfully, our list of things to do is almost done! This is our second summer in the house and it’s really not until now that we are seeing some of the most beautiful things bloom on our property. It’s such an inspiration to see nature at its best, thats for sure.

Our garden is doing well. It’s wild and free and showing its true beauty through various plantings from the past. Our hydrangea bush is finally blooming and even the peonies I planted last year are saying hello. Clover accents the space and the pink roses bring color, while my Grandmother’s hosta is growing at a spectacular rate. And it was nice to see the group of iris’ from the previous owners bloom as well. Didn’t get to see them last year.

The photo below is one I took of the left side of the garden, where our back fence begins. Last year, I intertwined our other rose bush with the fence so it would have a natural stake and spread out. What a beauty is has become. I imagine that whole side of the fence being covered one day. How pretty would that be? It really made me smile to see it all coming together.

All our blooming beauties have shown me that sometimes, time can only tell. Waiting for things to happen in your life is never fun and I highly support going for what you want. However, there are times when you just have to allow nature to take its course and try to enjoy the ride. Patience is not only a virtue, its a gift. Personally, it’s the one thing that has helped me get through a lot in these past few years, in every aspect of my life. Rushing into something, whether big or small, just isn’t worth the stress. Sit back and relax, because everyone’s time will come.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Blooming Beauties - © 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

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