Path to Joy 12, Your Magnificence
Consider You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman. — Max Lucado All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy series 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 white satin DecoArt paint brightened this illustration’s outlines. Ultra fine Pen & Gear markers created small star shapes [pink] and little starburst [green]. Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. Succeed and Soar first presented the “Twelve Paths to Joy” series in 2020. I hope 2023’s re-interpretation both refreshed and opens a year of enriching possibilities. As Teresa of Avila said, Let us remember that within us there is a palace of immense magnificence. What a different world if everyone saw themselves this way. All begins with one. Psychology Today lists these “Four Ways to Become Your Best Self,” Develop natural gifts. In this way, we can succeed with less energy and effort. Cultivate activities that give life meaning and purpose. Follow your heart. Embrace open-mindedness and a willingness to evolve. Read article Wikihow offers three stages for figuring out who we are now , because, “we are always growing, changing, and learning new things.” While each stage has several parts, the main categories are titled, Take Action Be Aware of Your Thoughts Continue The Search In choosing more joy in 2024, Minimalism Made Simple offers “Eleven Powerful Ways to be Your Best Self.” My favorites are: 4. Focus on Healthy Habits 8. Use Positive Affirmations 10. Celebrate Little Wins 11. Help Others Read all eleven. For encouragements along this 12th Path to Joy [and your magnificence], here are “17 Super Inspiring Quotes About Always Being Your Best Self.” These brought my biggest smiles, The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self. — The Dalai LamaDo the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. — Maya AngelouSet a goal so big that you can’t achieve it until you grow into the person who can. — Zig Ziglar Read all seventeen. Succeed and Soar! Paths to Joy Illustrations In addition to posters and framed prints, the art from the 2020 and 2023 “Paths to Joy” art is available as greeting cards, puzzles, cups and journals, even shower curtains, pillows, weekender bags and more. Build your beautiful collection. Shop here. Thanks! NOTE: Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more].
Desiderata
Consider The only safe thing is to take a chance. — Mike Nichols When I was twenty, I took my mother on her first airplane trip. We flew nonstop from Pittsburgh to San Francisco. It was a combination birthday and Mother’s Day gift. All these years later, three things remain most memorable. Watching my mother drink for the first time as she prepared to board the jetliner Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Finding the “Desiderata” poster in a Fisherman’s Wharf gift shop. That list for life made a huge difference. This post shares a beautiful video. Please enjoy. Best wishes that 20provided great foundations for a happier, healthier new year. Click Here to View. Desiderata Beautiful images. Gospel chorus. 3 minutes, 54 seconds.Please download a free 8.5 x 11, printable PDF of “Desiderata,” a Succeed and Soar gift. SkyScapes Pouches Organize travels and carry possessions safe and secure in these unique and beautiful wallets. Details: Three sizes: Small 6” x 4” , Medium 9.5” x 6” and Large 12.5” x 8.5” Crafted with 100% poly-poplin fabric Double-stitched at seams for extra durability Durable metal zipper Visit All Zippered Pouches Thanks for shopping!
Winter Holiday Words
Consider When I wear high heels I have a great vocabulary and I speak in paragraphs. I’m more eloquent. I plan to wear them more often. —Meg Ryan For writers, readers, Scrabble, crossword and word gamers like me, Succeed and Soar’s “Word Witty” posts offer little puzzles that strengthen a precious tool: Vocabulary. Please enjoy. Alphagrams are letters in alphabetical order that, when re-assembled, spell words. The 9-letter word in this post’s crossword puzzle means: A kissing cue. The Anglo-Saxon word means bird droppings on twig. What is the word? What Scrabble-winning-words can be made from these letters: EEILMOSTT Enter AlphaGram for Answers Here Please enjoy Succeed and Soar’s Winter Theme crossword. Click here or picture for puzzle and answers. Happy holiday season! The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here
Goji Berries
7 Amazing Goji Berry Health Benefits Click Here to View Length: 5 Minutes Consider Healing is different from curing. Curing is the business of medicine, and it involves eliminating symptoms; while healing is the crafting of a healthy lifestyle by eliminating the cause of sufferance and disease and then creating a meaningful destiny. … Healing attends to the Soul and the Spirit. – Alberto Villoldo Several years ago, I was peering at a strange item in the East End Food Coop’s bulk bins. There near the various honeys, by the peanut butter machine and among the organic raisins, dried cranberries and equal exchange coffee beans was something called, ‘goji berries.’ A woman noticed my curiosity and said, “It’s good for you.” She smiled and walked away, adding, “You should try it.” I circled the store a couple times, eventually doubled back and bought a small bag. They do make a pretty and pleasant-tasting, red tea. I now have a lifetime supply thanks to buying one Costco bag of the organic, dried berries. The video atop this post gives a quick overview of goji berries, their origins and benefits. In addition, Web MD reports goji berries have been used to treat “diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems.” Among the “Seven Goji Berry Benefits Backed by Science,” Medical News Today lists: Blood Sugar Stabilization Immune System Support Reduced Inflammation More Thrive! is offered to share quick bits of nourishing news. When researching goji berries, a 2-minute video warning against eating them was found. View here. While the video explains the problem with goji berries is lectin, this protein is also abundant in kidney beans, peanuts, whole grains, raw soybeans and raw potatoes. Read More. Of these varying opinions, I’ve learned that understanding food and how it does [or doesn’t] nourish is important. Plus, how every body responds can be different. As Julia Child said, Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health. COMMENT Succeed and Soar! Shop the Inspiring, Beautiful Succeed and Soar Collections Click Here
2023 Path to Joy # 11, Meaningful Work
Consider The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. – Steve Jobs * All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection were created by splattering 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. Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. Consider that about half of the 24 hours in an average work day involve preparing for, traveling to and from and the time spent at work. With eight hours spent sleeping, that leaves four hours for everything else. In understanding how much of life work consumes, these thoughts merit consideration, Your profession is not what brings home your weekly paycheck, your profession is what you’re put here on earth to do, with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling. — Vincent Van Gogh Happiness isn’t found in some finite checklist of goals that we can diligently complete and then coast. It’s how we live our lives in the process. That’s why the four pillars of happiness are faith, family, community and meaningful work. Those are priorities we have to keep investing in. — Arthur C. Brooks For, in the end, it is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life. And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work. — James C. Collins What is meaningful work? Indeed lists fourteen elements, including: Chances to continue advancing skills through progressively more challenging assignments Opportunities to help others Pathways to professional development through training and mentorships Read more How can meaningful work be found? In “The 5 Pillars of Fulfilling Work,” Wavelength lists respect for self and from others. Also, how your work could improve the world. Then, there’s money-money-money. To decide it’s role in creating a more meaningful existence, ask. How much money is needed to live reasonably What are the most important things money could buy [or not buy] Read more These “Paths to Joy” were found in an old book published by National Religious Press. Of the Eleventh Path, page 117 said, “Work with right motives. The highest purpose of your life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.” When we must work, what a splendid way to spend the time. Succeed and Soar! Click here to view. Length: 5 Minutes, 33 Seconds SkyScapes Metal Prints Bring artwork to life while decorating with stylish lines and depth Details Image printed directly on 1/16” thick aluminum Select sizes from 6″x8″ to 30″x 40″ Aluminum print offset from wall by ¾” thick wood frame attached to back The high-gloss aluminum compliments rich colors with stunning results See All Metal Prints Thanks for shopping!
Lego
Guess the classic Humphrey Bogart movie that ended with, “Heavy. What is it?” “The, uh, stuff that dreams are made of.”View this clip Each month, Succeed and Soar presents a short, thoughtful video that’s offered to inspire, uplift, enlighten and/or entertain. Speaking of the weight of dreams, in seeing what Ole Kirk Christiansen went through in creating Legos, their existence is astonishing. This video is from YouTube’s “Dare To Do” Channel. What great encouragements. Succeed and Soar! He failed 1,000 times. The Real Story of Lego Click Here to View. 8 minutes The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here
Novels, Part 2 of 2: How to Finish
Consider Someday you’re going to be someone’s favorite author. –Flash Fiction Online Have you ever started a project with sparkling visions of the finish? Then, halfway through, an enormous gap opens, and the project has nowhere to go. In the world of concrete and steel, that happened while building two of Pittsburgh’s bridges. The first structure is officially called the Fort Duquesne Bridge. After years, “The Bridge to Nowhere’s” fix was seamless. Not so for the Birmingham Bridge where the huge mismatch remains visible. [See lower left side of photo at top of this post] ‘Mid Novel Slump’ is the notorious and insidious situation with a story’s beginning and ending can’t be, well, bridged. Why? In starting stories, the celebrated writer Ray Bradbury advised, “Find a character, like yourself, who will want something or not want something, with all his heart. Give him running orders. Shoot him off. Then follow as fast as you can go.” Too often, characters do run off and create situations where the beginning doesn’t seem capable of connecting to an ending. To keep going, Writers Digest recommends giving the ‘supporting cast more page time.” Because “Act One introduces [the main character] … it’s in Act Two that the supporting cast comes to life.” This article also explains the “Rule of Three,” a valuable story-building tool. See “What to Do when You’re Stuck in the Middle of Your Novel.” “Five Ways to Beat the Mid-NanoWri Slump” recommends, “Getting out of your usual writing space and breathing some different air can be one of the best things to do… Whether it’s taking a short walk, driving around the block, or doing a little shopping, the change of scenery gives your brain a break.” See four more tips. Also see “Six Tips to Avoid a Sagging Middle.” The videos below share enriching, empowering writing motivations. And, Pinterest offers insights from accomplished authors. One of my favorites is also from Ray Bradbury, Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way. Keep in mind, someone could be waiting for you to become their favorite author. Keep bridging the gaps between start and finish, whatever the type. Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. See Wordsmith Stars Part 1 of 2, “How to Start A Novel.” https://wp.me/p9Qn9N-Lx Ten Best Tips for Overcoming Writers Block Click Here to View. 12 minutes, 50 seconds. How to Get through the Sagging Middle of Your Book Click Here to View 23 Minutes, 59 Seconds Join me in drafting a complete novel [or memoir] during 2024. Each Weekly Class [via Zoom] includes: Inspiring Resources Enriching Discussions Encouraging Support Enlightening Feedback Goal: 430 page first draft by mid December Cost: $100/month. [Sample first class for $25. ] Write me with questions and to register. This Month, Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Puzzles As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Puzzles are great for quiet time, focus and centering. A pleasant way to share time with others or relaxing alone. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” paper stock A semi-gloss coating on top surface makes image pop Puzzles available in two sizes [18”x24”, 500 pieces and 20”x28” 1,000 pieces] Safe storage in in handsome, sturdy box with artwork printed on top Puzzle pieces are unique shapes Prices vary, from: $40 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this Puzzle View All Puzzles Thanks for your support!
Novels, Part 1 of 2: How to Start
Consider The first draft is you just telling yourself the story. – Terry Pratchett Many think the year’s eleventh month is November. To a half million people worldwide, these thirty days have a special, exhilarating name: NaNoWriMo[National Novel Writing Month]! From the 1st through the 30th, hundreds of thousands are averaging almost nine pages a day to make their fabulous visions real. Minute-by-minute, they’re accumulating 50,000 words. Whew! Succeeding at NaNoWriMo requires special preparation and stamina [I’ve done so]. Whether aiming to meet the 30-day challenge or allowing more time, here’s how to start a book. How to Write a Novel in 13 Steps. Among the tips offered here, the recommendation that starting by thinking through the main characters is important. Why? “Readers become invested in what happens to them. You can develop the most brilliant, twisty narrative, but if the reader doesn’t care how the protagonist ends up, you’re in trouble.” Mind Map Your Novel This technique is a great way to plan a novel can be. Mind mapping can start with a central premise [what if a cat flies to Mars to become human] and allows possibilities to be explored and characters developed easily. How to Start A Book Don’t have time to write? Consider, … time is not something we have; it’s something we make. Set aside time, even just 10 minutes per day. Start a timer … to reinforce the feeling that you’re keeping an important writing appointment. In 10 minutes you can: Write a quick scene synopsis Find out as much as you can about a setting Create a character profile detailing a character’s appearance, goals, fears, strengths, weaknesses, secrets The internet offers lots of advice on how to write books. I liked the above resources best, as well as the two videos offered below. Both are packed with great insights. If you’ve got a story to tell [or are curious about how the process begins], keep award-winning and best-selling author Margaret Atwood’s words in mind, If I waited for perfection, I could never write a word. Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. How to Write a Book, 13 Steps from Top Selling Author Click Here to View. 17 minutes, 36 seconds. How to Write a Novel, for Beginners Click Here to View 10 Minutes, 33 Seconds Join me in drafting a complete novel [or memoir] during 2024. Each Weekly Class [via Zoom] includes: Inspiring Resources Enriching Discussions Encouraging Support Enlightening Feedback Goal: 430 page first draft by mid December Cost: $100/month. [Sample first class for $25. ] Write me with questions and to register. Classes begin mid-January, 2024, Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Puzzles As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Puzzles are great for quiet time, focus and centering. A pleasant way to share time with others or relaxing alone. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” paper stock A semi-gloss coating on top surface makes image pop Puzzles available in two sizes [18”x24”, 500 pieces and 20”x28” 1,000 pieces] Safe storage in in handsome, sturdy box with artwork printed on top Puzzle pieces are unique shapes Prices vary, from: $40 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this Puzzle View All Puzzles Thanks for your support!
Beyond Rice, Millet & Quinoa
Consider Real food doesn’t have ingredients; real food is ingredients. –Jamie Oliver Dr. Arjan Khalsa explains health benefits of grains and how to quickly make millet. Click Here to View Length: 4 Minutes 44 Seconds Rice The part of the rice plant that’s eaten is its seed. Rice is a staple for over half the world’s people. In some places, ‘to eat’ means, ‘to eat rice.’ It’s third largest agricultural product after sugar cane and maize but the highest in human consumption, ‘providing more than one-fifth of the calories consumed worldwide.’ Question: How many types of rice are there? 400, 4,000, 40,000? See Answer Below. For variety and added health benefits, consider adding these grains. Millets Millets are starchy, protein-rich cereals that provide plenty of phosphorus and magnesium. They’re easy to digest and gluten free. Millets health benefits include: Helps postmenopausal women with signs of cardiovascular disease like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels Hydrates the colon to prevent constipation Contains a high amount of lecithin which strengthens the nervous system. Reduces cancer risks with the photo chemicals like phytate Millet Recipes: Martha Stewart: How to Cook Millet 26 Millet Recipes [include cookies, multigrain roti, eggless biscuits and porridge] Quinoa Quinoa was first grown 7,000 years ago in the Andes. The seed is loaded with vitamins and minerals. One cup contains more fiber and protein than most other grains. Here are a few RDI [Recommended Daily Intake] that quinoa provides: Manganese: 58% Magnesium: 30% Phosphorous: 28% Folate: 19% As well as valuable amounts of copper, iron, zinc, thiamin, riboflavin and Vitamin B6 Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that is a complete protein. It contains all of the essential amino acids. Keep in mind, Proteins are made of amino acids, which can either be made by the body or found in certain foods. Nine amino acids are essential because the body cannot produce them. Is quinoa better than rice? The Healthy reports that quinoa’s high-fiber content is linked to lower cholesterol and weight loss. Also, quinoa has a low glycemic index, a good way to control blood sugar. This article also mentioned that brown rice accumulates higher-than-average amounts of mercury and arsenic because of exposure in flooded fields. Also, these elements are stored in the bran which remains part of brown rice. Recipes 40 Quinoa Recipes You Will Absolutely Love [includes Cumin Quinoa Patties, Chickpea Tortilla Soup, Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers] 1-Minute Video: How to Cook Quinoa Resources: American Gardener Health Shots Healthline The Healthy Web MD Wikipedia COMMENT Succeed and Soar! Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Hooded Sweat Shirts As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, shower curtains, caps, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more Puzzles are great for quiet time, focus and centering. A pleasant way to share time with others or relaxing alone. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” paper stock A semi-gloss coating on top surface makes image pop Puzzles available in two sizes [18”x24”, 500 pieces and 20”x28” 1,000 pieces] Safe storage in in handsome, sturdy box with artwork printed on top Puzzle pieces are unique shapes Prices vary, from: $40 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this Puzzle View All Puzzles Thanks for shopping! Quiz Answer Question: How many types of rice are there? Answer: 40,000. According to Bon Appétit, rice comes in three major categories. Long grain, dry like basmati and jasmine Short grain, for sticky, starchy clumps Medium grain, for moistness without starchiness
Path to Joy 10: This Moment
The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment. — Thich Nhat Hahn All “Illustrated Wisdoms” in this 2023 Paths to Joy collection were created by splattering 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 with 10 circles contain clock hands. The gaps remind that, amidst situations that seem to confine life [as time can do], pauses can open larger possibilities. Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. “What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today,” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day,” said Pooh.” ― A.A. Milne Have you heard, “A pause for the cause?” What if the cause for pausing is joy? Of this tenth ‘Path to Joy’, an old book called The Treasury Chest recommended, ”Live in a daylight compartment. This means living one day at a time. … Make the most of today for it is all you have.” This approach can be what the Berkeley Well-Being Institute calls, “Living in the moment” rather than recalling the past or projecting into the future. Odyssey Online reports the main benefit of avoiding ‘’could have’ regrets means less stress and sorrow. By taking breaks from ‘’should be’ imaginings, happiness increases because moments can be enjoyed for what they are. Disappointment is reduced because, “When you don’t have expectations … everything that happens will be a pleasant surprise.” For some, this mindset is natural and easy. For others, the Berkeley Well-Being Institute offers fourteen tools, including: Practicing Gratitude, which encourages appreciation of immediate surroundings like, “the smell of fresh-cut grass, the feel of the wind on our cheeks, or the sight of a flower growing.” Keep a “Living in the Moment” journal [which could be done with a Smartphone] where special things are mentally ‘photographed,’ like the shade of red at sunset or birds taking flight. Read more. Remember, The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present. – Eckhart Tolle Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Click here to view. How to Practice Mindful Eating A precious reminder about food as a way of caring for and about ourselves. Length: 47 seconds