April 6, 2022

The image to the right was taken during the summer of 2019 when the water levels were unusually high.  At any other time this little bit of land would not be near the water's grasp. This little sprig of greenery stood tall above the waves as they came crashing in one by one with each passing moment. I squatted down to get a better advantage and started to understand that this guy was going thru alot at this point in time when the greenery normally would be on dry land. It reminds me of all the times in my life would be fine one minute then we find ourselves standing in deep water. All feels lost as the darkness of self-doubt, hatred, or despair begins to creep into the frame. Wave after wave hits you and you just want to give in to the emotional beating and turmoil. You have to remember to stand tall and stretch out towards the light. These waves won't be here for long and the waters will recede. Instead of giving into the darkness, take this opportunity to grow stronger so the next time the waters rise...You will be ready to persevere. 

The previous image flows right into "Twisted Fate" (See what I did there cause they are both in water....*clears throat*) Anyways. "Twisted Fate" is another image that inspired me on that summer. It gives a similar feeling, but a different story of becoming strong. Now you could say, "Oh how could it be similar. This object is not standing up tall at all." You would be correct, but, the real story is not just about perseverance, but about the hardship its had to endure the storm to become something of true beauty. We get so focused about what people think about us. Sometimes we forget that our life stories are beautiful. All of us have gone thru times of doubt, all of us have gone thru times of pain, all of us have gone thru tough times that have left scars; visible or invisible. These times help shape who we are meant to be. During these ripples of time, we continue to grow into who we are on the inside. Stripped of regret, stripped of our embarrassments, stripped of our public mask. We are stripped down to our core to reveal a beauty that is unique to you. A story woven within our soul for all to see and admire. 

We are live on the surface of our lives and never any deeper. Life has layers like a flower. Each layer unfolds to reveal our true beautiful souls inside for the world to see. The next time you go on a hike or on a walk. I want you to stop and take a look around. Smell the roses if you want, but really see the bigger picture. The Little Things. See how the moss grows on the rock, appreciate how the water carved a path thru stone, stand in a safe place and close your eyes listen to sounds that surround you. You can call this meditation or you can call it 'taking a moment' or whatever. Seriously, take the time to listen to your inner voice. It screams out to be heard. Listen and..... watch out for low hanging branches. 

Introduction: This series of journals called "Landscapes with Inspirational Stories" are suppose to be lessons that nature can teach each and every one of us. This includes appreciating the little things to perseverance to loving yourself for who are, not giving up, having potential and believing in yourself, and just enjoying that last sunset.
All images used in every journal are images taken by Ivory Peacock Photography and prints can be purchased at the link at the bottom of the each journal.