Inspirations, The Importance of You

A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure. ~ Henry Kissinger 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 these words of wisdom gladden your heart. There is a life force, an energy, a quickness that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. You do not have to believe in yourself or your work. It is not your business to compare yourself with others. It is your business to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you, to keep the channel open. –Martha Graham Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act. Action will delineate and define you. — Thomas Jefferson Any life, no matter how long and complex it may be, is made up of a single moment–the moment in which a man finds out, once and for all, who he is. –Jorge Luis Borges Neither evil tongues, Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men, Nor greetings where no kindness is, nor all The dreary intercourse of daily life, Shall e’er prevail against us. –William Wordsworth Every one of us has in him a continent of undiscovered character. Blessed is he who acts the Columbus to his own soul. ~ Unknown Succeed and Soar! Life Well Lived offers floral photographs, wise words and invitations to see life as a garden of possibilities. This 60-page book offers lots of space for personal notes, sketches and meditations. Here are opportunities to both enjoy life’s seasons and find enrichment. A great gift. * 5×8 $14.50 Preview and Purchase. * 8×10 $19.00 Preview and Purchase. Thanks for shopping! While a How-To Illustrated Wisdom video is developed for Life Well Lived, here’s a helpful companion, Self Care through Visual Journaling: 5 Easy Steps.
False Evidence Appearing Real & Cosmic Destinies

I think it not improbable that man, like the grub that prepares a chamber for the winged thing it has never seen but is to be — that man may have cosmic destinies that he does not understand. And so, beyond the vision of battling races and an impoverished earth, I catch a dreaming glimpse of peace. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. An acronym is word spelled from the first letters of other words. FEAR is an acronym that can be built from over 40 phrases, like: Frighten Everyone About Race False Evidence Appearing Real Forgetting Everything About Reality Future Experiences Appearing Ruined Felines Enraged About Rodents FEAR can also be an acronym for: Face Everything And Rise. Read more. Here’s an Acronym for FEARLESS: Faith Exquisite Appealing Radiant Leap Ecstatic Sense Success Let’s be fearless! 7 Things That Are Perfect for Your Soul Fear is a big cause of stress, as well as resentments and worries about loss. This beautiful video offers seven ways to transcend life’s trials, to succeed and soar. [05:16] Click on picture to view. Here’s the YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/pWM-2mLiDMM ***** “The healthiest of all human emotions is gratitude.” — Hans Selye & The Birth of Stress Dr. Hans Selye, who studied stress, its causes and effects, found that gratitude both improves and produces more positive emotional energy than any other attitude.Scientific studies have shown that people who practice sincere gratitude feel better, enjoy happier relationships and need fewer doctor visits than those who focused on their aggravations. Thomas Jefferson said, “One man with courage makes a majority.” Imagine a world where the same is true of gratitude. “Gratitude conserves the vital energies of a person more than any other attitude tested.” — Hans Selye Wisdoms 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! NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
Path to Joy: 12th of 12 – Your Magnificence

Let us remember that within us there is a palace of immense magnificence. Teresa of Avila The last of these Twelve Paths to Joy is: Allowing Our Magnificence. This concept aligns with the United States’ founding belief, written by Thomas Jefferson:We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Now, add these uplifting thoughts: Limitless is your potential. Magnificent is your future. Gordon B. Hinckley Be magnificent. Life’s short. Get out there. You can do it. Everyone can do it. Everyone. -Andy Serkis When we focus on special gifts that allow happiness, what wonderful lives become possible. What joys can bloom in the world. Read the entire Declaration of Independence that begins: When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for a people to dissolve political bands which have connected them with another … I hope you enjoy this “Paths to Joy” series. I’m working on a beautiful little book. When it’s finished, Join My Mail List and you’ll be the first to know. Each “Path to Joy” and its art is in this special section here at Succeed and Soar. Stop by for refreshments, and be sure to view The Right Cut [Kut Kings] video. This true story about a barber shop on wheels will warm your heart, make you smile and shed a tear of joy. A Path to Joy Arts Meditation: Your Magnificence What I like best about the picture The glowing flowers. Why They’re like a meadow of Independence Day fireworks, seeds grown into fields of bright possibilities. What does this picture teach? I understand each Illustrated Wisdom is a symbol-rich reminder from my heart and soul to my mind. This one teaches that I exist in a field of many who glow with magnificent talents. How can these insights lead to joy? Marianne Williamson gives a great answer, We are all meant to shine, As children do. We were born to make manifest The glory of God that is within us. Read entire poem Seek 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. For information about and to purchase the art, visit Sandra’s Galleries.
Success: Six Ingredients

Decades ago, I wrote the six ingredients of a successful life on a manila folder and tacked it on my sewing room wall. When I find that advice from time to time, I recall that success is an interior, self-defined experience and am gladdened. For all of these years, I thought this wisdom’s source was unknown. Ahhh. The internet finds many things. The success advice is from William C. Menninger. Next, I sought a quote to accompany the six success keys and found Thomas Jefferson’s words, “One man with courage is a majority.” Imagine a world of majorities who create success with these six ingredients: SINCERITY: honest, genuine, trustworthy PERSONAL INTEGRITY: upright, whole, moral HUMILITY: modest, free from pride COURTESY: polite, respectful, kind WISDOM: good sense, sane, smart CHARITY: caring, offering assistance, good will Onward and Upward Sandra Gould Ford Shop the Inspiring, Beautiful Succeed and Soar Collections Click Here