The Princess of Wands

A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone to the optimist.
— Eleanor Roosevelt

A story about the Tarotโ€™s Princess of Wands suggests she had to learn to become so courageous, she could fly naked against all opposition. As the Princess crumbled all barriers to her goals, she dragged by the tail the giant tiger, the fears sheโ€™d slain. See Princess of Wands

Stepping Stones are large, flat rocks that allow crossings of streams or rivers. They can also be turning points, highlights and moments of truth.ย If โ€˜Stepping Stoneโ€™ were a crossword clue,ย Wordplayโ€™sย  Crossword Solverย suggests ย โ€˜isle,โ€™ a stepping stone for a giant.ย ย  [Imagine being big enough to need an island-sized footpath.]

If โ€˜Stumbling Blockโ€™ were a crossword clue,ย Wordplayโ€™sย ย Crossword Solverย provides 30 solutions, including:ย  roadblock, hurdle, snag, barrier and fly in the ointment.

I hunted for some wisdoms about obstacles and found:

  • Take a limitation and turn it into an opportunity. Take an opportunity and turn it into an adventure.ย  โ€“ Jo Franz
  • A new challenge keeps the brain kicking and the heart ticking. โ€“ E. A. Bucchianeri
  • You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice. โ€“ Bob Marley
  • Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. โ€“ Christian Larson
  • More quotes about obstacles.

So, how can obstacles be overcome?ย Psychology Todayย offers eleven ways, including:

  • STOP: Stop. Take a Step Back Observe. Proceed Mindfully.
  • Find Meaning. Ask: What lesson can be learned?
  • Set Small Goals that can add up to a big achievement.
  • Read more.

While in his mid 40s, knowing he had six months of health left, CMU Professor Randy Pausch presented his last lecture. He said many fun and uplifting things. One inspiring reminder was:

Brick walls are there for a reason.ย Theย brick wallsย aren’tย thereย to keep us out.ย The brick walls are thereย to show us how badly we want things.
View Highlights of โ€œThe Last Lectureโ€ย  [39:57]
Succeed and Soar!

Let’s ZOOM chat for 40 minutes, First THURSDAY, November 4th, 7pm

Lots to discuss, including thoughts about “Eleanor’s Insights” and this month’s book, Caroline Myss’ย Invisible Acts of Power, Channeling Grace in Everyday Life.

Zoom Link will be sent day before Chat. See you soon!

Image ยฉ Can Stock Photo / vectomart

Celebrate

Saturday, October 16:ย ย National Dictionary Dayย ย  Noah Webster was born on this date. Did you know that this teacher created the first dictionary in order to define the differences between American and British English?

Beyond that purpose, learning words empowers. Asย  the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein said, โ€œThe limits of my language mean the limits of my world.โ€ [More words, bigger world.]

Sunday, October 17:ย ย National Pay Back A Friend Dayย ย Bank of America created this day to remind that no matter how long itโ€™s been or how much or little is owed, friendships are greater than any debt, especially since research shows money can be a key stressor in friendships.

Monday, October 18:ย National Chocolate Cupcake Dayย ย  Now, this is an event worth celebrating!ย Fabulous recipes.


 

Sandraโ€™s Gifts, my online shop at RedBubble.com, shares my art as mouse pads, phone cases and shower curtains, as mugs, dresses, journals, greeting cards and more.ย  Everything is great quality and well priced. What beautiful and inspiring fun! Shop Here

Eleanor’s Insights

Succeed and Soarโ€™s โ€œEleanorโ€™s Insightsโ€ series is illustrated with photographs of โ€˜wild places.โ€™ Of this post’s featured image,
My daughters, grandson and I were exploring a remote part of the Lake Erie shore when I spotted this feather, left on the rocks after a bird took flight.

My 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 Hereย  Thanks!

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About Founder
Sandra Gould Ford

Sandra Gould Ford is an author, educator and former steelworker who presents arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. She belongs to the Authorโ€™s Guild and Science Fiction Writers of America and is a former member of the American Society of Media Photographers. For more information, visit her web site: SandraGouldFord.com.

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