All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection 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, stair steps were added to suggest climbing to the stars, a feeling Henry Ward Beecher must have understood when he said,
Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven.
And Frank A. Clark added, “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” .
Art is available with and without text. Shop Sandra’s Galleries.
Two years ago, Succeed and Soar’s “Heroic Heart” post was inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “We do not have to become heroes over night. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up.” A random act of kindness qualifies.
Three years ago, the 2020 “Paths to Joy” post on Generosity offered Luther Vandross song, “Inside Every Heart is a Hero,” and Scientific American‘s report on the gifts that come from giving as well as the detrimental effects of stinginess.
This post presents The Ascent’s findings that high-generosity people:
- Report greater satisfaction with friendships, family, romance and finances
- Are happier with what they have
- Experience higher self esteem
- And more
That said, keep Suze Orman’s words in mind,
No strings attached. No expectations.
And remember Scott Adams advice. ‘Generous people take care of their own needs first. In fact, doing so is a moral necessity. The world needs you at your best.” So, of the four steps Psych Alive suggests for practicing generosity, one is: Accept the generosity of others because, “it is important to let others do things for you.” This is called the generosity of acceptance. Read more.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that generosity can encourage the brain to secrete chemicals like serotonin [regulates moods], dopamine [pleasure] and oxytocin [a sense of connection to others]. “Giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a ‘helper’s high’ that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combat feelings of depression.” Beyond these ‘feel good’ effects, researchers have found that “giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker.” Read more.
Imagine a home then neighborhood, next a city, country and world where people infect each other with energy that seeks one little way, each day to help another with grace and receive kindness with gratitude. Isn’t it worth a try?
And why not start with support for Succeed and Soar. I’ll definitely be grateful!
Sandra Gould Ford
Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire.
What happens when one who has so little is asked to help another?
Brings to mind Margaret Cho’s words,
“Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else’s life forever.”
View here.
Length: 2 Minutes & 38 Seconds.
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Watch Dave Ramsey, an Evangelical Christian discuss how generosity builds wealth and influence. He also tells why God doesn’t need his 10% off-the-top-of-his-earnings tithing and donations.
Length: 9 Minutes & 33 Seconds. View Here
Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Weekender Totes
- 24” x 16”
- Soft spun polyester fabric
- Have double-stitched seams
- One-inch thick, white cotton handles
- Can spot clean or dry cleanhone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available.
Price: $43.25
CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to:
- Enlarge, reduce size of art
- Change placement of art and text
- Choose background colors
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