Path to Joy 2023 #4: Friends
A true friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else. Len Wein 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, I found nautical and heart stencils [as well as waves] to suggest journeys aimed toward love, atop all kinds of waters. The art was inspired by this Irish Proverb: There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be! Art is available with and without text. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. What is a friend? The 2020 Paths to Joy post answered, “A true friend doesn’t care if you’re broke … about your past, or if your family is filled with crazies. … They have your back when things go very wrong. They keep their promises and make you want to keep yours. Here are new, special quotes: Friends are people who know you really well and like you anyway. – Greg Tamblyn Friends give you a shoulder to cry on. But best friends are ready with a shovel to hurt the person that made you cry. – Unknown Love is blind. Friendship tries not to notice. – Otto von Bismarck You can always tell a real friend: When you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job. – Laurence J. Peter The Live Bold & Bloom blog writes, ‘most people consider themselves lucky to have one good friend,” because, “not everyone possesses the qualities of a good friend,” which include: Empathy Protective Listens and hears you Knows when you’re about to snap Won’t let you lie to yourself Keep in mind, an acquaintance is someone we recognize, like a neighbor, a co-worker, an exercise buddy. To have several, true friendships in a lifetime is a blessing. The Mayo Clinic suggests it can be achieved by connecting with: People whose conversations we’ve enjoyed Family members Classmates Also by: Volunteering Attending community events and faith-based activities Extending and accepting invitations More Tips from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends & Influence People were mentioned in the 2020 post. Here are a few more: Avoid criticizing, condemning and complaining Smile Be a good listener Here’s the book [free] Because developing friendships in preschool and kindergarten helps children develop socially, emotionally and intellectually, here are two [among many] useful resources: 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Establish Meaningful Friendships Long-term Benefits of Childhood Friendships And remember Margaret Walker’s words of wisdom: Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. Click here to view TED Talk Legendary duo Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have been friends for decades. In a raw, tender and wide-ranging conversation hosted by Pat Mitchell, the three discuss longevity, feminism, the differences between male and female friendship, what it means to live well. Length: 15:35 Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Galaxy & IPhone Cases As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Beautifully protect your phone with an impact resistant, slim-profile, hard-shell case. The art is printed directly onto the case and wrapped around the edges for a beautiful presentation. Simply snap case onto phone for instant protection and direct access to phone’s features. Available for numerous phone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $23.50 TO $25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors PURCHASE GALAXY PHONE CASES: https://sandrasart.pixels.com/shop/galaxy+cases :IPHONE CASES: https://sandrasart.pixels.com/shop/iphone+cases Thanks for shopping!
Soul Words: Relational Wealth
Loyalty and friendship, which is to me the same, created all the wealth that I’ve ever thought I’d have. — Ernie Banks August 2 is Mid-Summer, halfway between Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox. Also called ‘Teltane’ in some cultures, Mid-Summer is a time of fruitfulness and abundance, when – far beyond our Sun – the constellation of stars called ‘Leo’ glitters. The days are shortening. Night lengthening. Harvest begins. Reaping what was sown. After exploring ‘Traumatic Wisdom,’ ‘Conditional Love,’ ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Created Family,’ this fifth of eight special ‘Soul Songs’ posts considers the term ‘Relational Wealth.’ It is the richness that ‘emanates from our interconnections with other human beings. It gives us inner strength and emotional security and defines our quality of life.’ ScienceDirect This poem adds: Tiny Giggles Silly giggles of laughter I store upon a shelf I give some to other I save some for myself I am rich beyond all measure Though not with worldly wealth I store up these treasures For my heart and soulful health. — Muse Richelle Goodrich advised, “To obtain wealth beyond measure, seek to make more friends than money.” What is a friend? Here are some thoughts: “Friendship is the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words.” – George Eliot “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell “Best friends are the people in your life who make you laugh louder, smile brighter, and live better.” – Unknown How to recognize a good friend? Marie Claire says they: Never gossip about you behind your back Always keep your secrets Never put an unflattering picture of you on Facebook without your approval 27 More Signs Someone is a True, Best Friend How to be a good friend? Motivation Grid recommends: Listen and Remember Be Honest Without Being Hurtful Grow with changes Seven more, genuine ways to be a good friend Consider, The real measure of our wealth is how much we’d be worth if we lost all our money. – John Henry Jowett Two resources on Relational Wealth: Are You Building Relational Wealth? Relational Wealth and the Quality of Life Succeed and Soar! The Wisdoms Collection Shop Enriching and Beautiful Posters Click Here to Visit
Soul Words: Emotional Intelligence
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. – Henry Ford In my twenties, a theory about relationships became very real. Back then, I worked in a three-room office. ‘Clark,’ the department manager occupied a large room that claimed half our space. ‘Everett,’ the assistant manager had a little office. As clerk-stenographer, I shared the small reception area with ‘Logan,’ who handled the department’s legwork. Logan’s desk was behind the door we shared. One day, ‘Logan’ took over the big office. From then on, ‘Everett’ took orders from instead of giving them to ‘Logan.’ ‘Clark,’ the manager who hired me, vanished. While ‘Logan’ was very skilled at our department’s work, he was also buddies with the company’s new superintendent. That day I learned that, in real life, it may not be what you know, but who you know AND who likes you … that really counts. Emotional Intelligence is, “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.” Of this skill, The Center for Creative Leadership writes, “Seventy-five percent of careers are derailed for reasons related to emotional competencies, including inability to handle interpersonal problems; unsatisfactory team leadership during times of difficulty or conflict; or inability to adapt to change or elicit trust.” Dave Lennick, an American Express Senior Vice President said, “Emotional competence is the single most important personal quality that each of us must develop and access.” Wondering about your Emotional Intelligence? These materials are not intended for diagnosis. They are offered for personal reflection. Emotional Intelligence Skill-building and Self Awareness A test for school age children A self test for relationships Remember, Getting to know and like people and getting people to know and like you are the two top cards in the game of success. — Source Unknown Succeed and Soar! Inspirational Jigsaw Puzzles Click Here to Visit Puzzle Details Two sizes: 18×24 [500 pieces] or 20×28 [1,000 pieces] Premium 0.2” thick paper stock Vibrant, semi gloss coating Custom size the art and choose your own background color Handsome and sturdy puzzle box with picture on top Click on picture or here to purchase Sun Mint Tea puzzle Shop All Sandra’s Art Puzzles
Best Friend
Before we can make friends with anyone else, we must first make friends with ourselves. — Eleanor Roosevelt “Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joys, and dividing our grief,” said Cicero. Shakespeare wrote, “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” Jess C. Scott added, “Friends are the family you choose.” VeryWellMind says, “Friendships can enrich your life in many ways. Good friends teach you about yourself and challenge you to be better … Some research even says friendships are just as important to your well-being as eating right and exercising.” Psychology Today adds, “Friends are often soulmates. Recognizing each other on a soul level helps us spiritually … When you had an anam cara, your friendship cut across all convention and category. You were joined in an ancient and eternal way with the friend of your soul.” LonerWolf suggests twelve ways to create an anam cara, a ‘soul friend’ inside, including: A random act of kindness for yourself each day and seeking solitude. LifeHack suggests: Focus on your strengths Write your success stories Read more Here are more Best Friend resources: What really constitutes an online friendship: [includes link to “4 Types of People You Should Never Friend on Facebook” Be Your Own Best Friend Worksheet. How to be a better friend Making good friends How to make friends Remember, How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ’em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ’em. — Shel Silverstein Succeed and Soar! Four Days Left. Each November, Succeed and Soar’s readers are invited to keep these inspirations glowing and growing. Think of this once-a-year contribution as a subscription. [So far this month, $0 has been invested.] Pitch in Here. Thanks! Let’s enjoy 40 minutes sharing uplifting, enlightening Succeed and Soar conversation, Thursday, December 2nd, 7pm [US East Coast] Included can be this month’s special book. The New York Times calls Ivan Doig’s Last Bus to Wisdom, “an enchanting 1950s road-trip tale that swaps Kerouac’s Sal Paradise for a plucky 11-year-old named Donal.” See you soon! Image @ canstockphoto.com 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
A Response To, “No.”
Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes. – Eleanor Roosevelt Updated February 6, 2025 Based on my time spent selling baby furniture and cosmetics, I’m guessing salespeople hear, “No,” more than folks in any other profession. To handle. No, SalesWingsApp reminds, “Everybody gets rejected in love, in friendship, at school and when applying for jobs.” Inc.com has great tips for handling business rebuffs, including, If you never get rejected, you may be living too far inside your comfort zone. Use rejection as a chance to move forward with more wisdom Mute harsh inner critics with helpful affirmations Read more. SalesWingsApp offers remedies for the embarrassment, sadness, disappointment and discouragement that can come with being turned down, like not taking, ‘No’ personally. Also, relax and accept that rejection is part of the process. See more [especially the quick, energizing video]. In addition to reasons why rejection can be good [we can become more creative], Bridgette Hyacinth offers impressive ways to overcome rejection, including, Have a vision for something that feels special and right Stay motivated Put full steam into the next opportunity. Read more. Kris Jenner, momanager of the Kardashian clan said, “There’s so many times in life that I have taken no for an answer, and have regretted it later.” Her wisdom gained, “My general motto in my life for years has been, ‘if somebody says no, you’re talking to the wrong person.’” Read more. Sounds like Ms. Jenner also took Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice. Inspired by former first lady, I’ve come up with acronyms for NO: Never Over, New Options, Next Opportunity. What are yours? Succeed and Soar! Eleanor’s Insights Collection 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 clothing, totes, coffee mugs, journals, greeting cards, shower curtains, puzzles and more. Shop Here Thanks for your support!
Einstein #5: Embracing Widening Circles
Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. – Albert Einstein Imagine freeing ourselves as Einstein recommends. I was searching for information about embracing all of creation when these words from Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov presented, “Love all God’s creation, both the whole and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of light. Love the animals, love the plants, love each separate thing. If thou love each thing thou wilt perceive the mystery of God in all.” The novel’s 41st Chapter contains thought-provoking conversations about Prayer, Love, Contact with Other Worlds and Hell Fire. True, the world contains enmity, ill will, animosity, indifference, apathy and hatred, the shadows that ensnarl and shrivel human potential. On the bright side, imagine lives liberated and blossoming in widening circles of affection, friendship, tenderness and love … one person and a step at a time. Choices. Here are more for the coming week. Tomorrow, Sunday is National Sticky Bun Day Wednesday is Tortilla Chip Day and Thursday celebrates Pistachio Nuts. Best of all, Friday, Feb 26 is “Tell A Fairy Tale” day. Here are Fairy Tales from Around The World, including “The Golem of Prague” read by Leonard Nimoy [Star Trek’s Mister Spock.] Enjoy! ***** The largest, edible pancake weighed over three tons and measured 49 feet across. The highest toss of a pancake is 31 feet above the ground. The Opus Restaurant in Manchester, England sells single pancakes for $200. They’re served with a jelly named Dom Perignon and are made with Madagascan vanilla pods and 23-carat, edible gold leaf. Read more Pancake Surprises.
Love is 3: Miracles & Heroes
Where there is great love there are always miracles. — Willa Cather Isn’t the possibility of being miracle-making heroes wonderful? This week, along with Willa Cather’s inspiring quote, listen to Luther Vandross’ gorgeous gem “Heart of A Hero.” Click here to enjoy. Bet you can’t listen just once! Imagine a world of such people. Please share your thoughts. Comment below on this week’s post, and enjoy the video. *** Which LOVE quote is matched to the right movie or television show? There comes a time, thief, when the jewels cease to sparkle, when the gold loses its luster, when the throne room becomes a prison, and all that is left is a father’s love for his child. – Prince of Tides ?? All we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. –Lost ?? It’s easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It’s easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, love costs: it takes effort and work. –Seven ?? Answers Below. *** Yes, there is bigger news these days, but have to make a splashy announcement about Sandra’s Cards Shop Thanks to a request from a Succeed & Soar reader, my art will be offered on greeting cards and journals. There’s a bit of a learning process to figuring out my on-line shop. As I go, more items will be added. These CafePress products are high quality. Stop by Sandra’s Cards today. Check back to see how I’m doing and more offerings. Also visit my galleries and ask for items with my art. Quiz Answers There comes a time, thief, when the jewels cease to sparkle, when the gold loses its luster, when the throne room becomes a prison, and all that is left is a father’s lovefor his child. –Conan the Barbarian (1982) All we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. –Lost(2006) “Live Together, Die Alone” It’s easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It’s easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, lovecosts: it takes effort and work. –Seven (1995)
Path to Joy: 7th of 12 – Magnet for Miracles
A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. — Anonymous Every year, the third week of May is International New Friends Old Friends Week. So, why not write old and new friends letters letting them know why and how much you appreciate them because, as this proverb says, There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be! Positive Psychology defines gratitude as, “a positive emotion that serves a biological purpose.” What purpose? Happify Daily reports, “People who regularly practice gratitude by taking time to notice and reflect upon the things they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, feel more alive, sleep better, express more compassion and kindness, and even have stronger immune systems.” Read more. Here are more tools and resources for traveling this 7th Path to Joy: The magic of the gratitude letter Download a FREE Gratitude Journal 31 Benefits of Gratitude Why You Need a Gratitude List How to Make Your Own Gratitude Journal Did you know that each year has several friendship celebrations? February is International Friendship Month. The first Sunday in August is National Friendship Day. Women’s Friendship Day is two weeks later. More opportunities for joy! Be sure to view this 3-minute video. This Post’s Featured Art, “Gratitude,” a Visual Meditation To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. – Thomas S. Monson What I like best: The hands. The open palms. Why I like the image: I experience joy from the open palms. As the picture formed in my mind, I thought the gathering of hands would suggest wings outspread, taking flight. Now that the picture is done, I like the joy the open hands convey. I smile. My heart gladdens. What the picture teaches: I’m reminded that letting people know how they are appreciated and that what they do is valued [the hearts] can bring joy to both the giver and receiver. The insights gained: Seeing the many hearts being offered so generously, so freely reminds me of these words: We have to fill our hearts with gratitude. Gratitude makes everything that we have more than enough. -Susan L. Taylor There’s always something to be thankful for. If you can’t pay your bills, you can be thankful you’re not one of your creditors. – Unknown Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for. -Zig Ziglar I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. -Gilbert K. Chesterton Celebrate International New Friends Old Friends Week May 17 to 23rd! 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 and to purchase the Paths to Joy art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Path to Joy: 4th of 12 – Friendship
Getting to know and like people and getting people to know and like you are the two top cards in the game of success. – Source Unknown A true friend doesn’t care if you’re broke, when your house is a mess, what you look like, about your past, or if your family is filled with crazies. A friend can go long periods without speaking and conversations pick up where they left off. They have your back when things go very wrong. They keep their promises and make you want to keep yours. A friend neither leads nor follows but walks with you. What does ‘friend’ mean to you? Is having a friend better than being a friend? In October, 1936, Dale Carnegie published How to Win Friends & Influence People, one of the best-selling books of all time. Here are 30 principles which include: Give sincere appreciation. Try honestly to see things from the other persons point of view. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. For a free copy of How to Win Friends & Influence People, download the whole book. Also check out: How to Get to Know Someone, 13 Powerful Steps How to Be A Good Friend True friendship is rare [and work]. Don’t you agree: Finding one or two in a lifetime is a Path to Joy. ***** This Post’s Featured Art, “Friendship,” a Visual Meditation What do I like best about the picture? The golden path from bottom to top across the picture and the circles. Why do I like these things? The golden path makes me think of the Milky Way, the river across the sky made of millions of stars. The circles represent people, the 360-degree universes of possibilities each person contains. What does this picture teach? Life can be a journey, a yellow brick road, a golden river that touches [and also bypasses] many opportunities. How can these insights lead to joy? I am glad to be reminded that each person contains vast possibilities. Knowing that I could move beyond ‘acquaintance,’ be a friend and receive another’s friendship once in a while brings joy. 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. THE ART: For more information and to purchase, visit Sandra’s Galleries.