Post Election Oasis
You must be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi Have you, like me, worked to avoid being upset about this election? Tuesday morning, I woke with the sobering thought that personal preparations must be made to thrive in a country that could wrap me in energy I don’t want. Therefore, I decided to: Become my own sovereign nation Create a constitution describing conditions in my territory Outlaw certain behaviors in my domain Deny border crossings to anyone who violates my country’s laws and constitution. Where did I get such notions? First, when a teenager, I discovered Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata which begins, “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste.” Near the end, the poem advises, “whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” Desiderata ends, “Strive to be happy.” Second, an Ancient Truth on how to change the world. Third, this prayer, which begins: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.” Fourth, The Four Agreements. Click here for a short and lovely, profound and enlightening video. Wanderings & Wonders Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my 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! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
New Schedule
One year ago, Succeed and Soar launched. Since then, illustrated inspirations have posted each week. Thank you for reading. For the next year, I’ll post eight times, at the equinoxes, solstices and their mid points. The next ELetter-blog will be in four weeks, at Samhain [pronounced sow-wain], an important point in the cycle of seasons, which can start a more contemplative-reflective period as nights lengthen. NOTE When this message was first presented, I planned to slow then end the posts. Three years later, As of January, 2024 Three years later, seems topics that align with Succeed and Soar‘s mission have kept me posting once a week. New themes have arisen like “Thrive! Nourishing News” a year ago. Seeking and sharing “Select Short Videos” has been a great adventure. The twelve “Paths to Joy” series has been so enriching, it’s been updated and presented twice. This year, two new themes debut: “Authors Speak” where writers share what inspires them and “Your Heroic Heart,” to encourage our best. Even the tags for the original post have changed! Here are wisdoms that kept me going, When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. — Confucius The question should be, is it worth trying to do; not can it be done? –Allard Lowenstein Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. — Source Unknown Expect problems and eat them for breakfast. –Alfred A. Montapert If at first you don’t succeed, get a bigger hammer. — Alan Lewis Please enjoy. Paths to Joy Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my 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! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
Life Well Lived #7: Change
To change is to be vulnerable. And to be vulnerable is to be alive. –Alexis De Veaux A phrase that makes me smile [sometimes grimace] are Seneca’s words about how those who go willingly are guided by The Fates while those who resist are dragged. I smile thinking of times I’ve resisted changes of habits, work and associations and had to be dragged in new directions. Change can be difficult. It means stepping away from the familiar and into the unknown. It can also be vital. In researching good reasons for change, I found a list of ten reasons, including new opportunities for happiness and the fresh starts that add excitement to life. Read more. Another list offers twelve benefits, such as the increased resilience, versatility and confidence that build strength. Read more. Change. Hmmm. Now I’m thinking: What must be modified before The Fates drag me again? What door must close so that new ones open? How can I feel more alive? The answers are challenging. How about you? When has a change helped? Why not share a few words? Comment on this post [Leave A Reply below]. * Fireballs & Star Showers Social distancing and quarantining has definitely limited entertainment options. Next week, the heavens offer two marvelous and free shows. With a waning, quarter moon, they will be easy to see. Here’s how to find the celestial star shows. [Fortunately, as Earth spins, Pittsburgh will turn toward those constellations at night, rather than during daytime,] For summer’s best and brightest, see the Perseids Also view The Delta –Aquariids and alpha Capricornids Comment. Leave A Reply [below] if and where you see the star shows. Enjoy. * This Week’s Special Offer Each week, my Featured Art is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries]. Shop here. Thank you for visiting my galleries and for your purchases. They support Succeed and Soar.