As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler
– Henry David

All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy were created by splattering viscous Dylusions shimmer spray on 11×14, 98 pound, Canson mixed media paper, then spritzing with water to see how the colors would run and gather.

When dry, the above quote was evoked by drawing stars with fixed shapes and energy fields the bottom. Thin strands spiral away from these stars, eventually becoming the golden dots floating free

My understanding of this Illustrated Wisdom will change as the art reveals itself in new ways.

What do you see? Write me.

PS  Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Galleries.

There was a story I heard once about a Mexican fisherman. He spends every day working hard on the water, searching for the big catch, and living on the ocean. One day, a CEO of a company comes to Mexico and goes fishing with the local man. He talks about how many hours he has had to work and things he has sacrificed to get where he is today, all so he can retire one day and move to Mexico and fish.  

— Anonymous

In an old book of inspirations called The Treasure Chest., page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” In 2020, Succeed and Soar explored them as “Paths to Joy.” Three years later, they’re revisited, enriched.

What is joy? Theopedia says that it’s,
1] A state of mind and an orientation of the heart.
2] It is a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope.
3] It is something or someone that provides a source of happiness.

As Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify.”  How?

The Huffington Post’s “15 Ways to Live a Simple, Happy Life,” include,

• Do what you love
• Don’t let stress rob you of your birthright to be happy
• Walk in nature
• Here are more 

E. F. Schumacher said, “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.”  There, Minimal Ray says simpler lives can be happier because there are fewer complications. Deeper connections to others can be built by:

• Reflecting on  what matters to you most
• Avoiding comparisons
• Working for a life, not for a living
• Read more

Write me. How are you building your Path to Joy by simplifying things?

This charming, 7-minute video shows how one woman cultivated a feeling of abundance while living simply.
Click here to view.
also see
How I Make A Living, Affording My Country Cottage Life. [8 minutes] View here.

This Month, Shop Sandra’s Art on Mugs