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].
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!
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
Path to Joy 9: Kindness
You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you. – John Bunyan On an end-of-summer evening beside the Allegheny River, as twilight settled over yachts docked at the Fox Chapel marina, I chatted with members of Rotary International, an organization I thought focused on business development. Turns out the profits Rotary members seek come from bridging cultures and connecting continents. They champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, help people get access to clean water and sanitation, and fight disease. Rotary’s newest cause is to protect our planet and its resources. Wow! How exhilarating to meet people who prioritize the 9th Path to Joy, Benevolence: good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. An old saying advises, “Everything that goes around, comes around.” The Bible’s Galatians 6:7 adds, “What a man sows, that he will also reap.” The Mayo Clinic finds that sowing benevolence does reap a joyful harvest. They report, “Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a hormone directly correlated with stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.” Read more. Everyday Health lists seven ways being kind improves health and well-being, by: Reducing anxiety and depression Improving heart health Managing diabetes Read more Succeed and Soar’s Original Path to Joy #9 post stated, “Benevolence is good will, good wishes and wanting good for others. Beneficence is the joy of putting those intentions into action.” How? In “Practicing the Art of Benevolence,” Purposeful Habits suggests, “Never hold back in a moment when you can show kindness.” And remember, When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. – Maya Angelou Succeed and Soar! Gifts from One Big-Hearted, Benevolent Gift of a Man Length: 2 Minutes 35 Seconds Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Hooded Sweatshirts As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more With autumn’s arrive, snuggle up artfully. These fine quality hoodies are: : 75% cotton, 25% polyester blend Five sizes [Small, Medium, Large, X Large, 2X Large, 3X Large] Two Art Locations [Full Chest or chest patch] Double-opening waist pouch Colors: White, Heather, Charcoal, Black, Navy Machine washable Price $48 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 Hooded Sweatshirt View All Hoodies Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 8: Hobbies
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer What’s the difference between vocation and avocation? Vocation is a job or career, work that is done to make a living. Avocation is a pastime or hobby, work that is done for pleasure. On this 8th path to joy, here are three similar suggestions: Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life. – Mark TwainChoose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. – ConfuciusIf you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. — Marc Anthony When what these three history-makers must be delayed a bit, Develop Good Habits lists twenty-two reasons why avocations [hobbies] are important, including how hobbies: Relieve stress by taking the mind off of life’s daily demands. Allow breaks from jobs while providing a sense of purpose. Make learning new things fun. Read more Also see this New York Times article on “How to Find a Hobby” [Includes more great reasons why avocations are valuable]. Here are more encouraging words about hobbies, To be happy in life, develop at least four hobbies: one to bring you money, one to keep you healthy, one to bring you joy, and one to bring you peace. ― Stan JacobsToday is life – the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto. ― Dale CarnegieNo hobby should either seek or need rational justification. To wish to do it is reason enough. To find reasons why it is useful or beneficial converts it at once from an avocation into an industry – Aldo Leopoldo In polite society, we call our obsessions hobbies. – Stephen King Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. This Month, Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Throw Pillows As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, shower curtains, greeting cards and more These pillows add a stylish statement to any room Details: Fabric: 100% spun polyester poplin Reversible, same image printed on both sides A concealed zipper Choice of over 70 background colors Removable insert can be requested Pillow sizes: 14×14, 16×16, 18×18, 20×20, 26×26 and 20×14 Prices from $20 to $50 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use 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 throw pillow View All Throw Pillows Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 7: Gratitude
The more you are grateful for what you have, the more you will have to be grateful for. ― Zig Ziglar What if, for the next twenty-four hours, you whispered to your heart, “Thank you,” for every beneficial thing that happens? Like, Poof!, remembering a forgotten name Finding keys exactly where you meant to leave them The perfect word popping into place A new recipe that tastes great [and you had just enough sugar] A feel-good conversation A parking space opening on a crowded street A flower blooming beside the sidewalk Very Well Mind, writes, “Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits.” The post goes on to list the good that can come from an attitude of gratitude, including: Higher self-esteem Lower blood pressure Higher levels of optimism Read more Mindful reminds, “Practicing gratitude can be a game-changer: it has far reaching effects, from improving our mental health to boosting our relationships.” Here are recommendations for practicing gratitude: Watch Your Language: Grateful people use the language of gifts, givers, blessings, blessed, fortune, fortunate, and abundance. Rather than noting how good you are, focus on the good things others have done on your behalf. Remember the Bad: When you remember how difficult life used to be and how far you have come, you set up an explicit contrast in your mind, and this contrast is fertile ground for gratefulness. Share Your Gratitude with Others: The next time your partner, friend or family member does something you appreciate, be sure to let them know. It can strengthen relationships. Read more We Stress Free describes the Gratitude Journal as a way to, “focus on the positive things in your life, which is the opposite of our innate tendencies that only focus on negative things and things that are not going well and properly.” The benefits of keeping a Gratitude Journal can include, Increased self creativity Improved leadership skills Better Sleep Read more, including how to keep a Gratitude Journal Note: All of Sandra’s Succeed and Soar art is available as journals here. In traveling the 7th Path to Joy, remember, To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven. – Thomas S Monson Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Round Beach Towels As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more This versatile, summer essential is perfect for day at the beach, a picnic, festivals, or home décor. Fine Art America’s round beach towels are: 60” in diameter + fringe Ultra-soft, plush microfiber 100% cotton back Machine wash cold and tumble dry with low heat Price $70 to $76 Purchase Pictured Item View All Round Beach Towels Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 6: Peace and Good Will
Embrace the healing power of these three things: Music, the Ocean, Stars — Source Unknown As a Path to Joy, “Goodwill” is an inclination toward kindness, and friendliness. It is a cheerfulness in helping and giving. Goodwill is an interest in good relationships and building of positive reputations. They are enhanced by “Peace of Mind” or calm. Of this quality, Josiah Gilbert Holland said, “Calmness is the cradle of power.” Two years ago, the CD player in my car stopped working. For the first time, I listened to the radio. In searching stations, I encountered a man with such a divisive and mean-spirited message and growly voice, he sounded rabid. He created such dis-ease, I thought – by listening any longer – I’d need rabies shots. Seems we’ve reached a time when strategies for peace of mind and good will are vital and can be life saving, given the rise of grudge shootings and other acts caused by mental unrest. Here’s vaccines from the article, “How to Build Peace in Your Life and the World Around You,” Use music art and culture for peace because they can, “can inspire us. They can unite people. They can heal. They can change hearts and minds.” One way is by using, “music, performance, poetry, comedy, or storytelling to raise awareness of issues or imagine peaceful futures.” Stop telling stories that justify war, rationalize inequality and dignify violence. Read more The Psychology Today article, “How to Practice Powerful Peace” reminds, Peace is a practice that … improves quality of life, individually and collectively. Holding peace as a way of life [can be] both contemplative and active. The warrior in oneself is most effective through the intention of peace, even when called into battle. Which of these words of wisdoms do you like? How important are these qualities in those who govern? In a time of domestic crisis, men of goodwill and generosity should be able to unite regardless of party or politics. – John F. KennedyCalmness is a human superpower. The ability to not overreact or take things personally keeps your mind clear and your heart at peace. — Marcand AngelAn eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. ― Mahatma Gandhi.Make your heart like a lake, with a calm, still surface, and great depths of kindness. Lao Tzu Goodwill is the mightiest practical force in the universe. –Charles Fletcher Dole COMMENT. Succeed and Soar! Click here to view. Thank goodness some people are on the planet. In this full Super Soul Sunday presentation, Dr. Brené Brown talks about rising strong. Every moment of this conversation opens the Path to Joy by the peace and good will that starts within and so richly deserved by everyone. Length: Full Broadcast, 43:27 minutes Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Shower Curtains As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more The high quality and unique Shower Curtains by Fine Art America: Are made of 100% polyester fabric Include 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $76 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use 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 shower curtain View All Shower Curtains Thanks for shopping!
Path to Joy 2023 #5: Generosity
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, stair steps were added to suggest climbing to the stars, a feeling Henry Ward Beecher must have understood when he said, Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven. And Frank A. Clark added, “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” . Art is available with and without text. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. Two years ago, Succeed and Soar’s “Heroic Heart” post was inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, “We do not have to become heroes over night. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up.” A random act of kindness qualifies. Three years ago, the 2020 “Paths to Joy” post on Generosity offered Luther Vandross song, “Inside Every Heart is a Hero,” and Scientific American‘s report on the gifts that come from giving as well as the detrimental effects of stinginess. This post presents The Ascent’s findings that high-generosity people: Report greater satisfaction with friendships, family, romance and finances Are happier with what they have Experience higher self esteem And more That said, keep Suze Orman’s words in mind, True generosity is an offering; given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. And remember Scott Adams advice. ‘Generous people take care of their own needs first. In fact, doing so is a moral necessity. The world needs you at your best.” So, of the four steps Psych Alive suggests for practicing generosity, one is: Accept the generosity of others because, “it is important to let others do things for you.” This is called the generosity of acceptance. Read more. The Cleveland Clinic reports that generosity can encourage the brain to secrete chemicals like serotonin [regulates moods], dopamine [pleasure] and oxytocin [a sense of connection to others]. “Giving can stimulate your brain’s mesolimbic pathway, or reward center, while releasing endorphins. That can lead to a ‘helper’s high’ that boosts self-esteem, elevates happiness and combat feelings of depression.” Beyond these ‘feel good’ effects, researchers have found that “giving to others can lower your blood pressure and protect your ticker.” Read more. Imagine a home then neighborhood, next a city, country and world where people infect each other with energy that seeks one little way, each day to help another with grace and receive kindness with gratitude. Isn’t it worth a try? And why not start with support for Succeed and Soar. I’ll definitely be grateful! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. What happens when one who has so little is asked to help another? Brings to mind Margaret Cho’s words, “Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else’s life forever.” View here. Length: 2 Minutes & 38 Seconds. * Watch Dave Ramsey, an Evangelical Christian discuss how generosity builds wealth and influence. He also tells why God doesn’t need his 10% off-the-top-of-his-earnings tithing and donations. Length: 9 Minutes & 33 Seconds. View Here COMMENT Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Weekender Totes As well as beach towels, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more These chic weekender bags are 24” x 16” Soft spun polyester fabric Have double-stitched seams One-inch thick, white cotton handles Can spot clean or dry cleanhone styles. Either slim or tough case styles available. Price: $43.25 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Choose background colors Shop Weekender Totes Visit Gallery Thanks for supporting!
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!
3rd Path to Joy 2023, Words
Our words have creative power. With our words, we can speak blessings over our future. – Joel Osteen While all twelve Paths to Joy provide great insights, a favorite of mine is the third. As Don Miguel Ruiz said in Paths to Joy 2020, “each of us live in worlds built by our words.” Of words, Pearl Strachan Hurd said, “Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.” Sigmund Freud said, “Words have magical power. They can either bring the greatest happiness or the deepest despair. “ Joyce Meyer added, “Words are containers for power, you choose what kind of power they carry.” Affirmations are words spoken or thought over and over. Louise Hay believed every word we think or speak is an affirmation and that affirmations create life experiences. She recommended using affirmations to: change unpleasant things and create delight. Her web site posts daily affirmations. Today’s is: Abundance flows freely through me. The We Spot reminds words can shape the future because they: Attack [create hostile environments] Attach [stick for a long time, even affecting future generations], and Acquire [attract conditions and circumstances] “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Of this text, Law of Attraction wrote, We could all learn something from this well-known Bible verse. Looking beyond the religious overtones, there is a message to be found in this for everyone. Everything begins with a word. Words consist of vibration and sound. It is these vibrations that create the very reality that surrounds us. Words are the creator; the creator of our universe, our lives, our reality. Law of Attraction also suggests words can bring joy by choosing them wisely, picking words that praise you and selecting words that can deliver happiness. Read more. According to Courageous and Mindful, ‘Cognitive Distortion’ is that voice inside that ‘likes to whisper mean and nasty things at you when you’re having a bad day.’ Even though there are twelve common types,’ Courageous and Mindful reminds that, “Just because you think something does not mean it’s true. We lie to ourselves all the time.” Best of all, the brain can be retrained. On the Path to Joy, keep in mind that – whether thought or spoken – to ourselves or others, Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world. – Source Unknown Abria Joseph’s TEDxYouth@NIST Comments from the 2.4 million who’ve watched this video about words include: Many people discuss this topic. But I truly appreciate the fact that you utilized the hand pan to illustrate the way our minds can be guided to focus on something that is neither bad nor good but possibly exciting and interesting and captivating. Him playing that instrument actually brought joy to me and happiness. Just something about the noise that’s beautiful and improves my mood … This video moved me to tears. Why am I so down on myself? Why are we our worst critics? Why do we care what others think or say? Especially when it comes to our passion and dreams. Thank you for sharing this video with the world. I send my love, respect, and joy to you all! Click here to view. About the Featured Art 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, the circles were created, meant to suggest worlds with golden haloes sailing through universes of possibility. Art is available with and without the quote. Shop Sandra’s Galleries. Shop Sandra’s Art on Stickers 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 Stickers produced by Fine Art America are: Vinyl in 3 sizes: 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 6×6 Kiss-cut w 1/8” border Available with transparent or white background Adhesive back clings to smooth surfaces, easy to remove Adhesive backing with plenty of stickiness Clings to any smooth surface yet easy to remove Priced from $3.50 to $9.20 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Buy Stickers Here Shop All Art and Collections HERE.