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!
Wisdoms, Understanding Happiness
Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. — Robert A. Heinlein 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 they gladden your heart. True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future. — Lucius Annaeus Seneca A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery while on a detour. — Unknown The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. — Victor Hugo Live as though life is rigged in your favor. — Rumi The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. – – Mark Twain Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Beautiful, inspiring Succeed and Soar posters. Sizes from 8”x6.5” to the popular 30” x 23.5” Four Shape Options: Natural, Vertical, Horizontal and Square Printed on acid-free paper with archival inks Includes 1” white border to allow for future framing and mounting View All Posters Thanks for shopping!
A View from Forbes and Braddock
A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen. – Winston Churchill Updated January 30, 2025 This post was prompted because we are in the primary election season and, yesterday, I saw where the Fern Hollow Bridge near my home fell a hundred feet. I remain amazed and thankful that at 7am on January 28, so few were on this heavily-trafficked structure and all survived. Read more. Reports I’ve heard about why the bridge’s faults weren’t fixed include gas taxes intended for this purpose paid for state police patrols in towns that can’t afford their own law enforcement. Keep in mind, taxes allow governments to provide health and human services, schools, public transportation, our military, courts, community and regional development, parks and recreational spaces, arts events, higher education and research, waste management, etc. Recently, citizens of my county voted to pay higher taxes to improve our public libraries. I suspect most people don’t like paying taxes that buy ‘Pork Barrels,’ Here are Examples. So, when political candidates promise to cut taxes, consider asking: What government services will end? How will schools and community resources improve? Also, will these politicians lower taxes by reducing pork barrel spending? How will Federal perks be affected? As candidates seek our votes, know how our support be repaid? When elected, how will those politicians spend tax dollars to improve the world and grow prosperity. Because of the fear-mongering that saturates some campaigns, consider how candidates feel about Waverly Presbyterian’s green sign [footsteps from the collapsed bridge]. Tax Humor What’s the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist only takes the skin. – Mark Twain I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half of the money. – Arthur Godfrey Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today. – — Herman Wouk Congress can raise taxes because it can persuade a sizable fraction of the populace that somebody else will pay. – Milton Friedman Wisdoms 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.
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
Uniquely You, The One and Only
Remember that you have not only the right to be an individual; you have an obligation. Eleanor Roosevelt Updated February 6, 2025 Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Oprah Winfrey believes, “Each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint.” Edwin Elliot added, “By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before” and, like your fingerprints, can never exist again. As each year ends and a new one begins, Dr. Maulena Karenga suggests answering these questions: Who am I? Am I really who I am? Am I all I ought to be? The Chopra Center listed ways to identify unique gifts, which includes noting, Childhood activities that were most exciting Adult passions that are enjoyed Important interests like health, spirituality, relationships, family, health, career, fun, etc. Ask five close acquaintances to identify gifts they see as special. Read more The Chopra Center article ends, At the end of the day, who you are, what you do, and how you show up in the world is special and unique. … Whoever you are and whatever you do, the world needs you. When you think big, show up bold and share your uniqueness, you become a role model for all of us. And remember Oscar Wilde’s advice: Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. Succeed and Soar! Eleanor’s Insights Collection Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as clothing, totes, coffee mugs, bedding, pillows, journals, greeting cards, shower curtains, puzzles and more. Shop Here Thanks for your support!
Life Well Lived #1: Baby Grapes
Attend to and nourish the garden of your becoming. -Jean Houston This post begins the new Succeed and Soar theme: Life Well Lived. Each week, you’ll receive a wisdom to consider. Because the first quote mentions garden, my floral photographs will illustrate this theme. I was going to take a summer break to focus on my own gardens and my novel. Last night, I decided to stay in touch and hope you’ll take a moment to meditate on the featured picture and quote. What fruits do you want to grow in your garden? Share your thought here. In the meantime, live well. Stay safe. The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and lightning bug. — Mark Twain One of my EMail joys is the The New York Times “Word A Day “. It’s called, “The most welcomed, most enduring piece of daily mass e-mail in cyberspace.” In this one-minute read, I gain a word’s: definition origin and usage Author Hart Crane said, “One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones form themselves into the proper patterns at the right moment.” Word A Day is a quick and delightful, daily shower. Learn more. This Week’s Special Offer Each week, a featured item is offered at 25% off [plus any discounts offered by my Galleries]. This week, my ethereal photograph “Baby Grapes” is selected. Shop here. Thank you for your purchases. They help support Succeed and Soar. NOTE The original image was shot with a Nikon Coolpix camera. The jpg was “developed” in Adobe Photoshop Elements 14. Along with enriching color and enhancing the lighting, a primary adjustment was use of the Accented Edges filter.
Path to Joy: 2nd of 12 – Money
What are the two quickest ways to double your money? Answer: Fold it in half. You can also watch your money in a mirror. Question 2: Where can you always find money? Answer: In the dictionary. Here’s more money humor: Joe says, “I hate paying income tax.” Mary says, “You should be a good citizen and pay with a smile. Joe answers, “I’d like to, but they insist on money.” Read more Funny Money Jokes. Welcome to Succeed and Soar’s Path to Joy: Money, adapted from The Treasure Chest’s “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of the 2nd Path, much has been said, including: The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Bible, I Timothy 6:10 The lack of money is the root of all evil. – Mark Twain [This quote is also attributed to George Bernard Shaw] A man in debt is so far a slave. – Ralph Waldo Emerson A penny saved is a penny earned. – Benjamin Franklin Check out these 18 Money Management Tips to Improve Finances This Post’s Featured Art, “Money,” A Visual Meditation. A man who both spends and saves money is the happiest. Samuel Johnson What I like best about the picture. The moon. Why? While I like the sun, the flowers and their roots, the moon is special because it’s new and growing toward full. I like the silver rays radiating from the moon as it lights the dark times. What does this picture teach? THE SEEDS: Some are flying away from the flowers. Some land nearby and are developing their own roots. This teaches me that letting go can be as beneficial – even necessary – as holding things close. THE FLOWER AND SEEDLING ROOTS: They teach that anchors are important and that sources of nourishment and enrichment are sometimes hidden. NIGHT AND DAY: Both times can be meaningful and productive, literally and symbolically. They are parts of the whole. How can these insights lead to joy? With money, how it’s obtained and dispersed can be paths to joy. Money can be spent-sent out into the world to buy things that improve life. In saving and keeping money close, it can grow within easy reach. The picture reminds that those who both spend and save can be happiest. 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. Shop Sandra’s OnLine Art Gallery
The Rescue Airboat
And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were. –Rainer Maria Rilke In German, the ancient knot is called, palstek. In Kiswahili, the word is mstari wa matumbo. Polish call the loop that holds a sail, bulina. The English, Spanish, Finnish and French call that rope a bowline. In February, 2007, frigid winds blasted over the ice fields that buried the Allegheny River. As I hiked across Pittsburgh’s Seventh Street Bridge, a loud and fierce roar from below frightened me. Then a tiny boat zipped from the shadows and zoomed toward the Ohio that feeds the Mississippi, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico then the Atlantic Ocean and around the world. Robert Krebs of City of Pittsburgh River Rescue told me what I saw was the River Rescue airboat. He said that it comes out in winter to rescue people by riding on top of the ice. Sailing above the ice. No bowlines. Marvelous! As a new year begins and ‘things that never were’ await, the photograph I snapped of the flying boat reminds me of Mark Twain’s words, Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. SkyScapes CollectionThrow Pillows Decorate in beautiful style. Relax in lovely comfort. 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 See All Throw Pillows Thanks for shopping!