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The Design Inspirationalist

~ Inspiring Ideas | Spectacular Creations

The Design Inspirationalist

Tag Archives: truth

The Desire to Create

19 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, life

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Tags

art, artislife, artquote, create, design, desire, dieterfuchtdorf, evolve, fuelyourfire, getcreative, growth, iamart, life, lifequote, soul, thearts, truth

This truly resonates with me because as long as I can remember I felt an urge to create. Anything really. The arts just happened to be the true connection I had with the people around me. It enabled me to express myself in ways that were necessary. Whether it was drawing, capturing my vision through a lens, writing and playing music, digital design, creating unique spaces, collage, putting my thoughts and feelings on paper, or painting… I dove in and opened myself up to theworld. Creating was something I was born to do. It keeps me alive. It gives me purpose. The desire that fuels the fire within me will never fade. It’s just not possible. I simply cannot imagine who I would be without it. So I honor the gifts I hold and spread as much beauty as I can. I’m just so grateful.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Experience

30 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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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: Mind Evolution

11 Friday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Uncategorized

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Tags

7 Deadly Sins, envy, evolve, gluttony, greed, honesty, lust, Mind Evolution, pride, sloth, truth, wrath

I was always one to speak my mind, whatever the cost. Throughout my years in art school, I focused on the events and experiences in my life for a lot of my projects. My thesis and first show was called the Mind Evolution, held in April of 2006. It referenced my life in a sequence of digitally enhanced photos I took of myself along with text I wrote. Using the 7 Deadly Sins as my guide, I featured pieces that represented my thoughts and feelings during these times in my life.

The show was very personal, raw and honest and even though I was very excited to unveil my work to the public, I was secretly nervous to let it all go. I was so happy it was a hit and everyone thought it was a success. I had put so much work into finalizing this show, you can’t imagine the process I went through. From researching the mind and evolution to analyzing my life and past experiences. And choosing to open myself up to the world was brave to say the least.

I wanted to share these pieces on Inspiration Photo Friday because I feel they not only inspire people to be strong and truthful, but courageous as well. Sometimes you just have to replenish yourself and rid your soul of the monsters that live inside you. Even though they were negative experiences in your life, they will help someone else overcome a tough spot in theirs or may even help them avoid trauma.

We are all connected in this world so by opening yourself up to other beings, you spread truth and bring honor to the human condition. It is each other whom we learn from and gain knowledge, whether it be something you want to forget or something you are grateful for. Enjoy.

{I have created a book on this particular show that includes special notes on each piece as well as comments that were shared by viewers. If you are interested in purchasing this book, please contact me}

WRATH: Years of solitude inside my head. You never led me towards the light you proclaim to have. Leaving me broken…I leave you behind.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

SLOTH: Wasting time. Standing still. Life is passing me by. I will find my self and explore once again.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

LUST: I feel their eyes on me. Hands bound to me. My soul…exhausted.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Gluttony: Tasting myself once again. I erase you with every scar. I am this without you. I can never get enough.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

GREED: Here in my box of knowledge, I taste the world, touch what I see and make it mine. I take it all in. I grow…I share.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

ENVY: I look at her, satisfied. Envy undertones. The future me. Beautiful.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

PRIDE: Others start to fade as I gain success. Shadows walk beside me, for I am truth. May my strengths captivate. My talents impress. My pride overcome.
Inspirational Photo Friday: Mind Evolution - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

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