You know those moments on road trips when something unexpected just grabs your attention? That happened to me recently on the drive home from Lake Oconee, Georgia. I was cruising along, thinking about everything and nothing, when a pop of color on a quiet roadside wall made me do a double take.
Naturally, I had to stop. And I’m so glad I did.
There, in a small stretch of town I hadn’t planned to visit, were three bold, beautiful murals—each one dedicated to a single, powerful word: Healing, Hope, and Courage. Each piece told its own story, and together they formed a kind of visual encouragement I didn’t know I needed.
First up: Healing 🦋
The first mural featured a monarch butterfly in flight, set against a swirl of bright colors. Beneath it, the word “Healing” was painted in soft script with a white cross beside it. Butterflies have always symbolized transformation for me, so this one really hit home. Whether you’re healing from something physical or emotional, it’s a journey—and this mural captured that beautifully.
Then came: Hope 🐦
Just a few feet away, I spotted a small bird soaring through a vibrant red and yellow sky. “Hope” was written to the side, simple and bold. Something about the way the bird was captured mid-flight made me pause. Especially during tough seasons, hope can feel just out of reach—but this mural reminded me that it’s still there, waiting for us to catch up.
And finally: Courage 🐟
The third mural featured a golden koi fish swimming upstream through bold waves. If you know koi symbolism, you’ll get why this matters—koi are known for swimming against the current. With the word “Courage” painted beneath, it felt like a message meant for anyone pushing through hard things.
A Reminder I Didn’t Know I Needed
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to find street art like this tucked away in a small Georgia town. But that’s what I love about road trips—you never know what’s around the bend. These murals weren’t just pretty—they were powerful, and they lingered in my mind long after I got back on the road.
If you’re ever driving near Lake Oconee, keep your eyes open. You might just find inspiration staring back at you from a painted wall.
Have you ever stumbled across unexpected art while traveling? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment or tag me on Instagram at @lensesandlatitudes.