illusions

“Nothing has happened in the past; it happened in the Now. Nothing will ever happen in the future; it will happen in the Now.” 

 -Eckhart Tolle; The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Once upon a time, time did not exist. 

Man and creature roamed the Earth as one, living freely throughout the vast land. Each day they rose with our giver of life, the Sun, and ended the workday as its rays slowly faded away. There were no clocks, deadlines or calendars - they just simply lived. 

Time was created by man to form a more civilized environment. It has served a great purpose, but I've grown to realize that it's also hindering our faith in the present. Too often do I hear the words "Oh, I just don't have time", "The timing isn't right for it" or (my personal favorite) "Everything will happen in time". Instead of recognizing the power of the present, we fixate our happiness in the future - a time that we are not promised. We sit and wait for the "perfect time", but there will never be a perfect time. 

Because life is far, far from perfect. 

Instead of placing your fate in the hands of time... 
grab its hand and run wild.. 
run any direction your heart desires. You're the leader here.
Love someone? Call and tell them. Itching to explore? Buy your plane ticket.

You're the only person stopping you.

The following photos were taken during my ten day trip to Ireland in 2013. Every experience, landscape, person and food item was new to me. I was curious about everything and open to anything, I was free. Although I'm very accustomed to the sights and people I see each day in small town Florence, AL; incorporating this sense of presence and curiosity shines a new light on each day.