Love
We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. – Sam Keen For decades, I’ve gathered precious insights. Each one I read is like a breath of life. They lift my spirit and remind of the good we can do and marvelous things we can be. I hope these words of wisdom encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. I hope the Succeed and Soar web site gladdens your heart. Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go. – Louise Driscoll Blessed is the season that engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. – Hamilton Wright Mabie Now and then in life, love catches you unawares, illuminating the dark corners of your mind, and filling them with radiance. Once in awhile you are faced with a beauty and a joy that takes your soul, all unprepared, by assault. — Jennifer Worth First romance, first love, is something so special to all of us, both emotionally and physically, that it touches our lives and enriches them forever. – Rosemary Rogers Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, While loving someone deeply gives you courage. – Lao Tzu Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Shop Succeed & Soar Mugs Details: Ceramic Dishwasher and Microwave safe Two sizes: 11 oz and 15 oz View All Mugs Thanks for shopping!
Soul Words: Traumatic Wisdom
The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect. – Peter A Levine Throughout 2022, Succeed and Soar will offer eight posts. Each names a heart and mind, a soul and spirit condition. Some concepts are new to me. With some, I seek better understanding. This first “Soul Song” examines Wisdom of Trauma, the positive adaptation to psychological pain and turning those wounds into wisdom. Resilience. I’d never heard Wisdom of Trauma and decided to research and present a little information right before February 2nd. In the United states, that date is called Groundhog Day. In other cultures, the moments between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox are called Candlemas, a Catholic ritual of purification, and Imbolc from ancient Britain, a celebration of ‘the washing of the earth’s face.’ Winter’s frigid barrenness can represent loss, disappointment and grief. During such periods, spring’s lush green, budding trees and flower-scented warmth can seem like memories from another life. Six weeks after the darkest day of the year seems a good time to consider what Dr. Bruce Perry calls,” the experience where you’ve been able to get through adversity, and … take what you’ve learned and use that to see the world differently. You use your pain and transform it into power and help other people. I think of the most transformative people I’ve ever known. Every single one of them had personal pain and traumatic experience that was a core element of who they became.” See more. Just as at Candlemas and Imbolc, a time when lambs are born and roots are developing from seeds fallen beneath snow and ice, some cultures address troubles in healing ways. The Japanese prepare for spring with mamemaki where they prepare lucky beans and throw them at people costumed as demons. Here’s a water ritual for grief and trauma from the Wicca tradition. Competent medical counseling is an important way to turn trauma into grace and empowerment. I hope these insights have been helpful. I’m definitely glad to know about ‘Traumatic Wisdom’ and that it means: … redirecting your pain towards something constructive, preferably something that affects the lives of others in a positive way. It can enable you to search and find true positive meaning in your life. As well as ultimately become better versions of yourself. Source Dr. Gabor Maté Quotes: Can we be human beings in the midst of civilization? Because what we call civilization demands the denial of human needs. Every human being has a true, genuine, authentic self. And the trauma is the disconnection from it and the healing is the reconnection with it. Why do we get disconnected? Because it’s too painful to be ourselves. Trauma is not the bad things that happen to you. But what happens inside you as a result a result of what happens to you. — In my opinion, people who develop cancer have a hard time expressing healthy anger. I just want people to see the truth. Solutions are right there if people, when they concern themselves with the truth, when they are not afraid of the truth. Succeed and Soar! Shop Succeed & Soar Galleries Buy art framed, on canvas, as posters as well as puzzles, shirts, infant onesies, phone cases, ornaments, journals, blankets, caps, coffee mugs and more. Each item is individually created. Shop All Collections HERE.
Reaching the Ocean & Buddha Wisdom
As is said, A picture is worth a thousand words. These two, short and special videos offer much more. Please enjoy. Succeed and soar! Shop Sandra’s Art on Onesies As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more The high quality and unique Onesies produced by Fine Art America: Come in four sizes [6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months] Are 100% pre-shrunk cotton Offer choice of 12 colors [including white, gold, pink, red, Kelly green and more] Are machine washable Price: $26 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose from twelve, onesie colors Purchase this onesie [choose from 4 sizes] Shop All Art and Collections HERE. Thanks for your support!
Inspirations, The Importance of You
A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure. ~ Henry Kissinger For decades, I’ve gathered precious insights. Each one I read is like a breath of life. They lift my spirit and remind of the good we can do and marvelous things we can be. I hope this web site’s words and images encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. I hope these words of wisdom gladden your heart. There is a life force, an energy, a quickness that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. You do not have to believe in yourself or your work. It is not your business to compare yourself with others. It is your business to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you, to keep the channel open. –Martha Graham Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act. Action will delineate and define you. — Thomas Jefferson Any life, no matter how long and complex it may be, is made up of a single moment–the moment in which a man finds out, once and for all, who he is. –Jorge Luis Borges Neither evil tongues, Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men, Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all The dreary intercourse of daily life, Shall e’er prevail against us. –William Wordsworth Every one of us has in him a continent of undiscovered character. Blessed is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul. ~ Unknown Succeed and Soar! Life Well Lived offers floral photographs, wise words and invitations to see life as a garden of possibilities. This 60-page book offers lots of space for personal notes, sketches and meditations. Here are opportunities to both enjoy life’s seasons and find enrichment. A great gift. * 5×8 $14.50 Preview and Purchase. * 8×10 $19.00 Preview and Purchase. Thanks for shopping! While a How-To Illustrated Wisdom video is developed for Life Well Lived, here’s a helpful companion, Self Care through Visual Journaling: 5 Easy Steps.
Perspectives
True self is the part of us that does not change when circumstances do. – Mason Cooley For decades, I’ve gathered precious insights. Each one I read is like a breath of life. They lift my spirit and remind of the good we can do and marvelous things we can be. I hope these words of wisdom encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. I hope the Succeed and Soar web site gladdens your heart. If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito. – Betty Rees It is easy to be independent when you’ve got money. But to be independent when you haven’t got a thing – that’s the Lord’s test. –Mahalia Jackson And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. – Abraham Lincoln Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that set us back into the slow circles of nature is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. — May Sarton Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing. -William James The Best Journey presents wisdom for a well-lived life. The book contains vibrant photographs taken at Latrobe, Pennsylvania’s Amtrak station. The book is also a journal with space for personal notes. This beautiful, 5×8″, 32-page book vividly illustrates precious wisdoms for life well lived. Also available for immediate, PDF download. A lovely gift. Preview Book & Purchase View All Radiant Tree Books Thanks for shopping!
Better Tomorrows
I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday. — Eleanor Roosevelt So, if today’s decisions create tomorrow’s circumstances, what adjustments could create more satisfying, comfortable lives? VeryWellMind suggests,: Let go of anger Support others Use the Stages of Change Practice Basic Self Care Read more Psychology Today’s “10 Ways to Make Your Life Better, Starting Today,” include, Start your day the night before Remember, feelings aren’t facts Enjoy a part of every day Read more LifeHack recommends delightfully surprising someone special, plus eight more ways to create happier tomorrows. The song “We Are The World” [see video below] is also a beautiful guide. This ends the “Eleanor’s Insights” series. Twenty-eight posts have been built from her words. She offered so much that motivated and inspired, including, “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” And, “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” Here are more. Succeed and Soar! Shop Sandra’s Gallery Buy Sandra’s Art framed, on canvas, as posters as well as puzzles, shirts, infant onesies, phone cases, ornaments, journals, blankets, caps, coffee mugs and more. Each item is individually made, just for you. Shop All Collections HERE.
3 High Spirits Ingredients
Someone once asked me what I regarded as the three most important requirements for happiness. My answer was: A feeling that you have been honest with yourself and those around you; a feeling that you have done the best you could both in your personal life and in your work; and the ability to love others. – Eleanor Roosevelt Blessings and best wishes during this season of holy-days that celebrate the return of the sun’s light. While enjoying heart-warming fellowship and spirit-lifting festivities, allow a few moments to consider: What will bring deep down-sky high happiness in 2022? According to Eleanor Roosevelt: Be Honest with Yourself During Kwanzaa [December 26 through January 1], participants can prepare for a more satisfying year by answering these questions, truthfully: Who am I? Am I really who I am? Am I all I ought to be? Because accuracy in answering is essential, Tony Robbin’s team offers these “Signs That You Need to be Honest with Yourself.” If something feels “off” in your life, if passion is fading in important relationships, if you’re not excited about your career or feel busy but not productive, you may need to be straighter and more straightforward with yourself. See five ways. If you find you work a job you dislike, hate, or tolerate, you lack control over your time and/or your mental, physical, and spiritual health and could use a tune-up here are guides for facing facts:: Mind Café’s “Liberate yourself by telling yourself the truth.” GoodTherapy‘s “Live Your Truth” And PsychCentral suggests: Step into other people’s shoes, Accent the positive, Forgive yourself. Do Your Best Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements For A Better Life explains: Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next. Everything is alive and changing all the time, so your best will sometimes be high quality, and other times it will not be as good … If you have done your best and your inner Judge tries to judge you, you’ve got the answer: “I did my best.” Read More Here, remember, If you try to do your best, there is no failure. – Mike Farrell Loving Life is the flower for which love is the honey. – Victor Hugo Last year, Succeed and Soar published a Love Is series which listed five types: The ability to love oneself and be concerned with ones happiness An empathetic love that exists in families The fondness found in friendships Romantic passion, and Open-hearted, unconditional and world-embracing spiritual love To be more loving, WikiHow says, Share Your Love by serving others, reflecting on personal mistakes, surrounding yourself with people who are loving, practicing forgiveness and writing down positive experiences [buy a few of Sandra’s Gifts journals]. Understand Love by letting go of fantasy love, evaluating your behavior and not expecting anything in return. Work on You by being more hopeful and growing. Read More. If I could choose one super power, I would want to be able to make everyone love everyone! Betsey Johnson With Eleanor Roosevelt’s three ingredients for happiness, our individual and collective worlds could become quite bright and delicious. These special days could also help: January 26: Day of Goodwill and National Thank You Note Day. Here are sample Thank You notes, including for the worst gifts ever. December 27 Fruitcake Day [Okay, so why are the ones I like missing at Costco again this year? Must I do a version of the song-dance “Fancy Like” that got Oreo shakes back at Applebee’s? ] December 30 National Resolution Planning Day. Here are guides from Psychology Today December 31 National Champagne Day Succeed and Soar! Join Succeed & Soar’s Monthly ZOOM Chat Thursday, January 6, 2022 7pm Along with thoughts on Eleanor Roosevelt’s statements and a range of topics as vast as the universe, here are books I’ve been reading this month. Nothing to See Here. See Review: Captivated Reading Review. Toms River. See Review: New York Times Review. Born A Crime. See Review: Caprichos Books Review Subscribe to receive Zoom link, and see you January 6th! Succeed & Soar Wisdoms Beautifully illustrated inspirations and encouragements available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here
Sky High Happiness
What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail? — Eleanor Roosevelt Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like” is now bookmarked in my search history. The happy music – become Applebee’s ad – keeps me laughing along with folks who exuberantly dance without worrying about failing. See examples That said, consider Mark Twain’s words, 20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. See Succeed and Soar’s The Rescue Airboat” post. Did you know that Halle Barry slept in a homeless shelter early in her acting career? Did you know that when Howard Schultz told his mother he wanted to work with a coffee company, she wept, crying, “Are you crazy? Who’s going to buy coffee?” Schultz’s response, “I just felt I had to follow my dreams.” With his help, Starbucks grew from 60 stores to 16,000 outlets. Did you know that Ed Sheeran slept in London Underground train stations and on top of heating vents on the way to becoming one of the biggest names in music? What if they’d been stopped by these obstacles that end too many dreams? The need for certainty, stability and predictable outcomes Limiting beliefs that make us feel not good or smart or deserving enough to have what the heart desires. Fortunately, thinking about what brings joy overcomes these barriers. Also, writing out your story, finding our communities and these “Finding Your Life Purpose tips from Tony Robbins’ Team. Addicted2Success offers “7 Habits of People Who Follow Their Dreams,” which include: Give yourself permission See fears and move past them Take small steps daily Read all seven For added encouragement, see CBS News story of Walker Hayes’ tough, tragic journey to “Fancy Like.” Hayes has caused so much happiness that I wonder how much more joy the world would contain if — each day — everyone asked Eleanor Roosevelt’s question: What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail? As Seth Godin said, “The only thing worse than starting something and failing … is not starting something.” Christopher Reeve said, “So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” Otherwise, When you stop chasing your dreams, your dreams start chasing you. – Dez Del Rio Succeed and Soar! Join Succeed & Soar’s ZOOM Chat Thursday, January 6, 2022 7pm Along with thoughts on Eleanor Roosevelt’s statements and topics as vast as the universe, here are books I’ve been reading this month.Nothing to See Here. See Review: Captivated Reading Review. Toms River. See Review: New York Times Review. Born A Crime. See Review: C.aprichos Books Review Eleanor’s Insights Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ This post’s featured image of cumulus clouds is also presented in the the SkyScapes collection without text. Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here
Enjoy Every Minute
Enjoy every minute – Eleanor Roosevelt Sometimes, we must be sad or solemn, worried or wary, angry or aggravated. Inc reminds that fears can also keep us inside the comfort zones that lock out opportunities. Those limits could be dread of change, of loneliness, of failure. Or, worry about being judged, hurt feelings and rejection.Here are ways to fly free: Inspiring Tips offers eight tips, including socializing with trustworthy people, helping others and loving more. Life Hack lists twenty-five ways to enjoy life, like avoiding the news, keeping a wish list, speaking your mind and recording happy moments. All Worthington suggests “52 Ways to be Happier, Healthier and Enjoy Life More,” such as: 6. Give Your Dream A Chance and Go For it. 33. Allow Yourself Not To Be Cool 43. Focus on How You’re Making the World A Better Place 46. Set Yourself Up for Happy Surprises. [here’s how] Succeed and Soars “Paths to Joy” series suggests twelve avenues, including hobbies, living simply and kindness. By the way, Roosevelt’s full quote reads, Enjoy every minute you have with those you love, my dear, for no one can take joy that is past away from you. It will be there in your heart to live on when the dark days come. Remember: Love is a verb. Without action, it is merely a word. Succeed and Soar! In addition to New Year resolutions, here are books I’ve been reading that offer fascinating topics for Succeed and Soar’s next Zoom. Born A Crime. Trevor Noah recalls his life as “a lovable delinquent making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time.” Caprichos Books Review Nothing to See Here. Kevin Wilson’s novel shows a young woman learning what family means while caring for children who sometimes burst into flames. Captivated Reading Review. Toms River. Dan Fagin shows how beautiful dyes caused high cancer rates in a Jersey Shore community. New York Times Review. Subscribe to Succeed and Soar to receive Zoom link See you January 6th! Eleanor’s Insights Collection Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ This post’s featured image was taken during a camping trip with my daughters. The nest sat on a weathered picnic table. My art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here
Word Witty Puzzle
ad, read, read. Read good books. You will strengthen your understanding of story. Your vocabulary will be the richer for it. — Carmen Agra Deedy * 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. Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Word Witty Puzzle Alphagrams are letters that, when re-assembled, spell words. What three words can be made by re-arranging these letters? AEELST Following are visual clues. Answers below. A Tool for Wool Carding Image Source A Healing Plant That Eats Bugs 8-minute Video Symbolic Pillar 6-Minute Video of Ancient Ethiopian Structures Puzzles Art also on totes, weekenders, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more. This puzzle illustrates words spoken by a marvelous character in my first novel, Faraday’s Popcorn Factory, As with trees, every storm survived strengthens the roots. Each item is custom made, just for you. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” thick paper stock Include a semi-gloss coating that makes the top vibrant Arrives in a puzzle box with artwork printed on top for safe storage Puzzle pieces are unique shapes 18×24-inch 500-piece puzzle is $40— 20×28-inch 1,000-piece puzzle is $44.50 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Purchase this puzzle. Shop All Collections HERE. Visit often. Collections change. Word Witty Answers ELATES makes proud or joyful; fills with high spirits, exhilaration, or optimism; “to raise, elevate,” probably from the Latin elatus, “uplifted, exalted” STELAE an upright stone or slab with an inscribed or sculptured surface, used as a monument or as a commemorative tablet Greek for “standing rock, slab” from Proto-Indo-European stel– “to put, stand” the central core of tissue in the stem or root of a vascular plant, TEASEL any of several plants of the genus Dipsacus, native to the Old World, having flower heads surrounded by spiny bracts; a wire device that produces a napped surface on fabric; from Old English tæsel, a “large thistle used in teasing cloth,” from the Proto-Germanic taisilo and Old High German zeisala, built from the root of the Old English tæsan, “to pluck”