Being Present, Being Creative, Living Fully

Aside from Inspired Floral Designs NYC, I work full time in independent senior living  - a field I have been part of my entire life. It is work rooted in care, connection, and humanity. And if there is one thing this work teaches you, again and again, it is what truly matters.

When you spend your days with people who have lived long, full lives and when you are present during moments of both joy and loss everything comes into sharper focus. You see how fragile life is. How quickly time moves. How the smallest moments often hold the greatest meaning.

This week, Barbara and I unexpectedly lost a dear new friend in our community. She was a remarkable human -  a passionate advocate for human rights, for women, for children, and for humanity at large. Her life was one of purpose, conviction, and compassion. Her passing was sudden, and it stopped us both in our tracks.

In my role as Program Director and often Manager on Duty, I am the person who walks alongside families and residents during these moments of deep sadness. While never easy, these experiences are profoundly grounding. They strip away the noise and remind you of what is essential: love, presence, kindness, and the courage to live fully while we can.

Life is quick. Far quicker than we ever imagine. And because of that, it asks something of us...to be present, to savor, to create, and to do the things that stir something deep within us.

Create the art. Write the words. Take the walk. Stand up for what is right. Say yes to joy. Tell people you love them. Do what inspires you. Fulfill the dreams you have. Anything is possible. 

That belief is at the heart of why Barbara and I created Inspired Floral Designs NYC. It is not just about scarves, or flowers, or beautiful things - it is about honoring creativity at every age, celebrating friendship, and choosing to live with intention. Our work is an extension of that philosophy: slowing down, noticing beauty, and allowing creativity to become a form of presence. We believe deeply in what we are creating together. We believe in sharing that special friendship, in making art rooted in meaning, and in offering pieces that carry a story not just a pattern.

Our friend Merle embodied that way of living. She was fully engaged in the things she loved until the very last moment - creating, learning, and contributing to the world around her. She had just completed another book with a dear friend of ours, someone she collaborated with for over 44 years. Merle continued to practice yoga, sing, write, remain politically active, and advocate passionately for justice for all. She lived with purpose, curiosity, and heart.

If there is one takeaway I hope stays with you, it is this: live every single moment to the fullest, with love and light. Be present. Be brave enough to do the things that call to you. Treat everyday as a special occasion. Wear your favorite necklace and scarf, take the yoga class, start painting, photographing, drawing, singing, dancing!  Life is precious, and creativity is one of the most beautiful ways to honor it. This reflection is shared in loving tribute to Merle - someone who reminded us, simply by how she lived, to move through the world with compassion, purpose, and positivity. Her spirit will forever be part of the light we carry forward.

This is life - not something to postpone or rush through, but something to meet fully. A reminder to live awake and inspired, to follow what lights us up, to create boldly, and to savor each day with gratitude, intention, creativity and love. May we all carry forward the courage to do what we love, to stay present, and to live beautifully in the moment.

This reflection is shared with love for Barbara Sprung, who so recently completed this meaningful work alongside Merle. May Merle’s light, spirit, and dedication to creativity and humanity continue to inspire all who were touched by her.

Sending love to both Barbara S. and Merle's loved ones.

With gratitude and heart,

Whitney 

Inspired Floral Designs NYC