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Fine Art photography, fine art photo prints, canvas, wall art, macro photography

Creativity Personal Stories Photography Travel

Follow the white rabbit inspirational idea

March 2, 2025

Sometimes, you meet people who carry a message for you, not literally, like a text on your phone or words scribbled on paper, but in the form of an inspiring, invisible story delivered casually through a conversation. These encounters might revolve around personal stories where they share fascinating experiences, unknowingly planting seeds of inspiration in your mind.

I call these people “White Rabbits,” inspired by the character from Lewis Carroll’s classic, “Alice in Wonderland,”published in 1865.

In the story, the White Rabbit appears suddenly and leads Alice on a journey into an extraordinary world. Similarly, in 2013, I met my own “White Rabbits,” whose words ignited in me the courage to travel and move overseas. Their influence, though unintentional, opened a door to a new and exciting chapter of my life.

The beauty of White Rabbits is that they are often unaware of their role.

They don’t see themselves as mentors, teachers, or life coaches. Instead, they simply share a glimpse of their world, offering you the chance to view life from a different perspective. The choice to step through the door they’ve opened is entirely yours: you can either embrace the opportunity to explore or take a quick look and close it.

inspirational story white rabbit

What Do You Have to Do to Meet Your “White Rabbit”?

Since all this theory is my personal exploration and has no scientific basis, I can only answer with suggestions, starting with: “I think you need…”

  • Ask yourself interesting questions: Reflect on what truly excites you or what you’ve always wanted to explore. Curiosity can lead you to paths where White Rabbits might appear.
  • Have new experiences: Step out of your routine. Try something different, like visiting a new place, taking up a hobby, or attending an event.
  • Meet new people: Expand your social circle by connecting with individuals from different backgrounds or interests. Each new person you meet brings a unique perspective.
  • Answer your “call of the wild”: Pay attention to the things that ignite a sense of adventure or longing in you, and act on them.
  • Be ready to explore beyond your comfort zone: Growth happens when you’re willing to embrace uncertainty and take on new challenges.

follow the white rabbit photo

Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant discoveries. The key is to remain open and curious. When you’re actively seeking inspiration and willing to explore, you’re far more likely to encounter the White Rabbits that can guide you toward new and exciting possibilities.

How Do You Know if That Person Is Your White Rabbit?

Recognizing your White Rabbit is a deeply personal experience, but there are signs that can help you identify them. Here are some clues:

  1. Their Words Resonate Deeply: When they speak, it feels like their story or perspective is meant just for you. Their words might touch on something you’ve been pondering or struggling with, offering clarity or a new way of thinking.
  2. You Feel an Instant Connection: Whether they are a stranger or someone you know, there’s an inexplicable sense of familiarity or ease in their presence. Their energy feels warm and inviting.
  3. They Inspire Curiosity: After your encounter, you find yourself asking questions or feeling curious about the possibilities they’ve hinted at. They make you want to explore and learn more.
  4. They Challenge Your Perspective: A White Rabbit often helps you see beyond your current viewpoint, encouraging you to consider ideas or paths you hadn’t before.
  5. The Timing Feels Serendipitous: Their appearance in your life feels like perfect timing, as if the universe placed them there for a reason. They might say exactly what you need to hear in that moment.

Ultimately, your White Rabbit will leave you with a sense of wonder and a spark of inspiration. Trust your intuition, as it often knows when someone’s message is meant for you. Embrace these moments and allow them to guide you toward new possibilities.

follow your dreams- compas

What Will Happen When You Follow the White Rabbit?

Remember how the story of Alice goes? She follows the White Rabbit and finds herself in Wonderland. It’s not a perfect place, nor is it a tropical paradise, but it turns into an incredible adventure filled with unexpected twists and life-changing discoveries. That’s what might happen to anyone who chooses to follow their “White Rabbit.”

When you follow a White Rabbit in your life, you open yourself up to a journey of exploration.

It won’t always be easy or comfortable, and you might encounter challenges along the way. But those challenges often lead to growth, new perspectives, and unforgettable experiences.

Like Alice, you might find yourself stepping into a world you never imagined. It could be a career opportunity, a creative project, or even a new place to call home. The adventure may not look like what you expected, but it will always hold the potential to transform your life in meaningful ways.

Following the White Rabbit is an act of trust. Trusting yourself to take risks, embrace change, and be open to the unknown. And while the destination is uncertain, the journey itself is what makes it worthwhile.

alice in wonderland white rabbit

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

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Elena Sullivan

Hi, there! I’m Elena Sullivan, a fine art photographer, and creative adventurer. My first joyful experimentation with a camera extended into a passionate relationship where harmony represents a constant flow of elegant devotion. I follow my intuition and curiosity in search of eternal connections in nature, then use my camera to reveal it and share it with you! Every of my photo is curated with love and artistic excellence.

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Hi, I’m Elena, a photographer, creative adventurer, and the voice behind this lifestyle blog. Here you’ll find a mix of colorful style, travel notes, recipes, art, and little joys that make everyday life feel brighter. I love sharing ideas and info that feel both useful and inspiring, always elegant, approachable, and real.

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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered.
Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength.
And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy.
That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being.
And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster.
So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local.
Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere.

Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in.
A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’.
And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed.
Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit.
#spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
•
Follow
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
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Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered.
Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength.
And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Marbella Old Town is full of little surprises for those who wander slowly. Narrow streets, colorful tiles decorating doorways and buildings, flowers spilling from windows, and small bars tucked away as if waiting to be discovered. Every corner whispers stories from the past. The walls, the doorways, even the cobblestones hold layers of history — centuries of people, culture, and life layered throughout the city. Castillo Alcazaba, built in the 10th century during the Moorish period, stands as a reminder of Marbella’s rich heritage, overlooking the old town with quiet strength. And after all that wandering, it’s impossible not to pause for a taste of the city. This time I stopped at a tapas and wine bar Barril del Gusto, savoring Chorizo de Ronda in almíbar de vino Cartojal with a glass of Spanish white wine. Simple, delicious, and perfect after a slow exploration. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy.
That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being.
And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster.
So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
I’ve heard this from so many expats who moved from the US to Spain or other European countries — Italy, France, and beyond. They all say the same thing: slowing down is harder than it sounds. Letting go of the constant rush, the need to be productive, to achieve more and more, to always be busy. That mindset runs deep. Being busy feels important. Almost necessary. Sometimes more important than joy. More important than simply being. And now, living it, I understand exactly what they meant. It’s like having an internal timer that never stops ticking, always pushing me to multitask, to do more, faster. So maybe the first step is awareness. Catching myself. Gently reminding myself to slow down. To focus on one thing at a time. Inhale. Exhale. Creating instead of constantly doing. And maybe, just sitting still and watching the soft rhythm of the waves. #spain #movetospain #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local.
Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere.

Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
•
Follow
Christmas and New Year in Marbella feels so special. One highlight is the Secret Christmas Street in central Marbella at Calle Córdoba — a small street decorated entirely by local residents. This has been a neighborhood tradition since 2020 and feels very personal, creative, and local. Walking through Marbella city center, everything feels festive and relaxed with lights everywhere. Another must-see is the Christmas fair at Alameda Park. You’ll find holiday stalls, handmade gifts, music, and seasonal food. Hot spiced wine is especially popular on cooler evenings, and there’s one very popular spot making freshly fried churros: warm, simple, and absolutely worth stopping for. #Spain #christmastime #malaga #marbella #travel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in.
A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’.
And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed.
Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit.
#spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
•
Follow
Last weekend we spent a day in Marbella, wandering through the historic old town and finishing with a little time by the beach. We walked through the main square, passed the Dalí sculptures along the promenade, and just took it all in. A little fun fact I loved learning: the name Marbella comes from the Arabic ‘Marbal-la,’ given by the Moors, possibly meaning ‘beautiful sea’ or ‘well-inhabited place’. And of course, no day in Spain is complete without food. We stopped at a local Spanish restaurant for tapas and a bowl of sopa castellana — a traditional garlic soup. Warm, simple, and exactly what we needed. Marbella feels like an easy mix of history, art, sea air, and really good food, perfect even for a one-day visit. #spain #movetospain #travel #malaga #traveling
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
As this year comes to an end, new beginnings are quietly lining up ahead of us. Before rushing into what’s next, I want to pause and say a kind, honest goodbye to 2025.

Remembering this year brings mixed emotions: pain, exhaustion, and excitement, all at once.

It began in the emergency room with a beloved person, followed by months of recovery, uncertainty, and life on pause. Our carefully planned scouting trip to Spain was canceled. And then came the decision, the hardest part of all:

Do we still take the leap and relocate to Spain without that trip… or do we let go of the dream altogether?

That question was terrifying.

Once the decision was made, everything else became technical: research, planning, paperwork, logistics. There was no space left for creativity. Many of my creative projects had to be put on hold so we could simply move forward.

Ever since my first big adventurous move (relocating to Cancún, Mexico in 2013) I’ve felt deeply grateful. Grateful to experience different cultures, live in another language, grow through discomfort, and be amazed by every small step forward.

This kind of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who feel comfortable being uncomfortable and see it as a catalyst for growth.

Comfort is such a vague concept anyway. We all define it differently. Often, an interesting and engaging life has little to do with the size of your house, cars, brand labels, or followers. Exploration and learning tend to fill an inner space so fully that the hunger for more material things naturally fades.

Yes, life is life everywhere. You can’t run away from yourself.

I once heard the saying: “People who wander are lost.”
I don’t believe that. I think those who wander are deeply curious — about the world, life, and themselves.

So here’s what I hope inspires you:
Don’t be afraid to make a brave decision. It may not meet others’ expectations, even family, and that’s okay.

We all have one life. This one.
Live it your way.

I wish you a year full of brave decisions, endless inspiration, and curiosity.
And when fear shows up, see it as a sign that you’re about to grow. #movetospain #travel #spain #inspiration
•
Follow
As this year comes to an end, new beginnings are quietly lining up ahead of us. Before rushing into what’s next, I want to pause and say a kind, honest goodbye to 2025. Remembering this year brings mixed emotions: pain, exhaustion, and excitement, all at once. It began in the emergency room with a beloved person, followed by months of recovery, uncertainty, and life on pause. Our carefully planned scouting trip to Spain was canceled. And then came the decision, the hardest part of all: Do we still take the leap and relocate to Spain without that trip… or do we let go of the dream altogether? That question was terrifying. Once the decision was made, everything else became technical: research, planning, paperwork, logistics. There was no space left for creativity. Many of my creative projects had to be put on hold so we could simply move forward. Ever since my first big adventurous move (relocating to Cancún, Mexico in 2013) I’ve felt deeply grateful. Grateful to experience different cultures, live in another language, grow through discomfort, and be amazed by every small step forward. This kind of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who feel comfortable being uncomfortable and see it as a catalyst for growth. Comfort is such a vague concept anyway. We all define it differently. Often, an interesting and engaging life has little to do with the size of your house, cars, brand labels, or followers. Exploration and learning tend to fill an inner space so fully that the hunger for more material things naturally fades. Yes, life is life everywhere. You can’t run away from yourself. I once heard the saying: “People who wander are lost.” I don’t believe that. I think those who wander are deeply curious — about the world, life, and themselves. So here’s what I hope inspires you: Don’t be afraid to make a brave decision. It may not meet others’ expectations, even family, and that’s okay. We all have one life. This one. Live it your way. I wish you a year full of brave decisions, endless inspiration, and curiosity. And when fear shows up, see it as a sign that you’re about to grow. #movetospain #travel #spain #inspiration
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
@elenasullivanphotographer
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