New Year Wisdoms and Inspirations
For years, I’ve collected inspiring quotes. As this new year begins, here are words of wisdom offered to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. Click here for a free, printable, PDF booklet of these inspirations. Take big steps. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps. –David Lloyd GeorgeGetting to know and like people and getting people to know and like you are the two top cards in the game of success. –UnknownCherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements. –Napoleon HillObstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. –Henry Ford What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love . . . Give it the best there is in you . . . Seize your opportunities. And be a member of the team. –Benjamin F. Fairless Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. –Abraham Lincoln Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT.
2024 Beyond the Sky’s Limits 1, Dreams
The best way to predict the future is to create it. — credited to Abraham Lincoln * For decades, I’ve collected uplifting, motivating quotes. In 2019, Succeed and Soar allowed me to share them, illustrated with evocative images. The theme for the first of this “Beyond the Sky’s Limits” series is Dreams. As a Disney commercial sings, “A dream is a wish your heart makes.” Many believe our hearts can be our best guides. Photographs from my “SkyScapes Gallery” accompany this series. Here are quotes about dreams I’ve cherished for years, * Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil. — James Allen All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible. — T. E. Lawrence Hope is a waking dream. — Aristotle If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember this whole thing was started by a mouse. — Walt Disney The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do. — Sarah Ban Breathnach Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. SkyScapes Journals Record your dreams, hopes, plans and achievements in these beautiful, inspiring notebooks. Details: 6” x 8, spiral notebook 120 pages, ruled on both sides Art printed on front Cover is thick paper stock. Back cover is medium gray Inside front and back covers have pockets for storing extra paper and pens View All Notebooks Thanks for shopping!
Voting
Don’t let the truth get in the way of making a deal. [Or, gathering votes.] — American Greed [here’s the program] Succeed and Soar exists to encourage lives lived well. These posts avoid politics. Because current campaign advertisements have spooked me worse than the movie Silence of The Lambs, I ask, Why: Aren’t people who would lead uniting us behind positive, uplifting goals? Must we learn about candidates through advertising, which can mis-lead? [Example: Ads in the 1950’s said cigarettes were healthy when tobacco companies new better.] Can’t people who would govern begin with strong backgrounds in community service? Is the press and news media handling elections like the Kentucky Derby, the Masters Tournament or the Superbowl? Shouldn’t the 4th Estate provide verified information and insights instead of point spreads? I believe, as Abraham Lincoln said, the United States is currently Earth’s best hope of creating a second Eden, when we address what Condoleezza Rice called our “birth defect,” slavery and disenfranchisement in their various forms. To become a country that’s a shining example of human potential: Ramsey Solutions says, “Vote Wisely: Demand Honesty and Integrity.” Here’s how. The point is: How can we expect people who will cheat and lie to win elections be good leaders? Some misleading, mean-spirited ads I’ve seen should disqualify those candidates. Scientific American offers these ways to be a better voter: Vote with an eye toward the common good Broaden news and information sources Read more Consider insisting that 2024 local, state and federal candidates demonstrate they can unite us in making our communities and country tops in advancing justice, freedom, living wages, quality housing, excellent education and outstanding health care for all Aren’t these goals that can bring us together? Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. More Thoughts on Voting Vote and encourage others because: One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. — Plato, Greek Philosopher It isn’t about who is the majority in Congress. It’s about, are people educated and enfranchised and resourced enough to participate in the government that purports to be of the people, by the people, for the people? We’re missing the people part—and not because people don’t care, but because we’re not doing our job as a country, as a culture, to make democracy work. — America Ferrera, Actress and Political Activist Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote. — George Jean Nathan, American Drama Critic and Magazine Editor Reviewed May 4, 2024
Earth’s Best Hope 2: US
The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. – Marcus Aurelius Because Aurelius is right, wouldn’t you agree, we now need leaders who can unite the United States? “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” was part of Abraham Lincoln’s address to the 1868 Illinois Republican State Convention. Those words are in the Bible dozens of times, in the books of Mark, Matthew, Luke, even Psalm 133:1 which says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Consider: This country’s founders wanted a Republic with strong Democratic values to avoid factions, special interests, oligarchs, despots, monarchy, weak central government, and mob rule, which happens when a “pure” Democracy devolves into anarchy. Read more. Here’s the difference between a republic and a democracy, which decides how people can and cannot live, as when baseball was illegal on Sunday and using condoms was against the law. See Booze, Bets & Sex That Built America. Until the 1960s, these were criminal acts: birth control, especially for single women. shopping on Sundays marriage [even sex] outside one’s race More. At the annual meeting of the International Society of Political Psychologists, Shawn Rosenberg stated that democracy is devouring itself and won’t last. Why? “When people are left to make political decisions on their own they drift toward the simple solutions right-wing populists worldwide offer: a deadly mix of xenophobia, racism and authoritarianism.” More. Bill Maher’s comments in the following video add insights. Succeed and Soar! Illustrated Wisdom Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in these Fine Art America collections 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 Thanks for your support! NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
Earth’s Best Hope 1: We The People
On December 1, 1862, Abraham Lincoln ended his Annual Message to Congress with, We — even we here — hold the power, and bear the responsibility. In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free — honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just — a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless. Source Two phases that stand out are: The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just. The last best hope of earth. Because many Americans have come to feel their that their votes don’t count and this democracy is failing, we need mayors, governors, legislators, judges and, certainly, presidents who’ve demonstrated they can lead everyone toward achievements that the world will want to emulate and generations in the next century will admire. Keeping in mind that the United States contains more nationalities, ethnicities, creeds, colors, languages, religions than any other country, what goals could unite us? Before closing this post, answer this question: What must our leaders lead all of US toward? Share a wish that could help US be the last best hope of Earth. A web site is being developed where, “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union,” conversations can be explored. Preamble to US Constitution, which begins, We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Succeed and Soar! Wisdoms Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in the Fine Art America collections 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 Thanks for your support! CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors
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!
Happiness
Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product. — Eleanor Roosevelt Of what might happiness be a by-product? The Dalai Lama says, “compassion.” Another suggests, “… letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like.” Sam Sunquist advises, “Some days, you have to create your own sunshine.” Over 2,000 years ago, Aristotle said, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” If so and happiness is like success, a journey rather than a destination, here are items for the suitcase: Deep breathing, it reduces stress. Giving sincere compliments, regular exercise and plenty of sleep boost happiness along with these habits. Rev. Billy Graham described happiness as circumstances that are pleasant and free from troubles. He added, “The kind of happiness that’s lasting is an inner joy and peace, which endures in any circumstance no matter what comes our way. It may even grow stronger in adversity.” From April 4 to June 20, 2020, Succeed and Soar published “Twelve Paths to Joy.” The posts reminded to celebrate your magnificence, follow your bliss, remember that a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles and no one knows what palaces we may build with beautiful thoughts. Enjoy more. Because some friends, family, co-workers, etc. must have missed Aristotle’s memo, keep Abraham Lincoln’s insight in mind, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” So, nurture and protect your own path toward inner joy. Along it, plant birds of paradise, roses and lilies of happiness. Grow sunflowers, poppies and chrysanthemums of peace. Succeed and Soar! Here are books I’ve been reading this month. All offer fascinating topics for Succeed and Soar’s next Zoom chat.Nothing to See Here. Kevin Wilson’s novel shows how a lonely young woman learns what family means while caring for children who burst into flame when upset. Captivated Reading Review. Toms River. Dan Fagin’s research is an astonishing exploration-explanation of how beautiful dyes connected with unusually high cancer rates in Jersey Shore children. New York Times Review. Born A Crime. Trevor Noah is one of comedy’s brightest voices. Recalling the apartheid world where he was never supposed to exist, Noah presents his life story, of “a lovable delinquent making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time.” C.aprichos Books Review Eleanor’s Insights Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ 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
Life’s Great Wheel
This too shall pass. — Eleanor Roosevelt Earth spins at a thousand miles an hour. Our sun hauls its planets through space at 448,000 mph (720,000 km/h), taking 225 million years to circle its galaxy. Goodness knows what the Milky Way orbits and how long that takes. In time, the Atlantic will wear away the rocks in this post’s Featured Art. The setting sun will shine again. While Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with saying, “This too shall pass,” the phrase is three thousand years older. Legend says those words were offered to a Persian monarch who wanted wisdom that would be true in all situations. Abraham Lincoln told this story about joy and sadness, failure and achievement in 1859. So, how can life’s ups and downs be survived … more easily? Zig Ziglar suggested evenly distributing time given to jobs, spiritual and intellectual growth, friendships, family, financial planning and physical care using his Wheel of Life. Think of the circle below as a personal Wheel of Fortune rolling along life’s highways and byways. By staying centered, in the white hub, progress is possible without the ups and downs experienced on the rim. Eleanor’s Insights Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ These rocks featured in this post were photographed at Martha’s Vineyard. 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
Path to Joy: 11th of 12 – Follow Your Bliss
If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Wherever you are — if you are following your bliss, you are enjoying that refreshment, that life within you, all the time. – Joseph Campbell What is bliss? Answer: Perfect happiness. Gladness. Pleasure. Delight. Joy. I first heard “follow your bliss” on the eve before traveling to the Dow Creativity Center in Midland, Michigan. That charming town’s library had a whole section of Joseph Campbell interviews and lectures. After watching one every morning, I realized that life could be understood as an amazing and magical journey. In myths, heros encounter dragons and shape-shifters, unicorns and gryphons, basilisks and phoenix birds. I’ve found those traits in people. Against obstacles built by trolls and opportunities opened by fairy godparents, one goal is clear: Maintain personal truth, grace and internal harmony. As Abraham Lincoln said of the 11th Path to Joy: I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have. In that light, happiness is possible. How? Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. – Mahatma Gandhi A Path to Joy Arts Meditation: Grace & Harmony The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think, and what you do is who you become. – Heraclitus What I like best about the picture: The flowing, multi-colored lines. Why I like the image: The lines suggest the graceful, harmonious, effortless dance that life can be. What the picture teaches: To me, this picture suggests letting my life flow toward beauty, grace and harmony. The insights gained: Be true to your work, your word, and your friend. — Henry David Thoreau I gain the belief that living in my best and brightest truth [despite the price], in finding and following my unique way through life as best I can is a Path to Joy. Seek joy and stay safe! NOTE: These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. For information about and to purchase the art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.