A Plethora of P’s / #53: Path

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

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Some of us, especially when we’re young adults, think we need to follow a set path. Line it up, stay on course. If you falter, get up, brush yourself off and carry on. And there is much truth in that ~  because if we try to follow too many paths at one time, we can become a.) overwhelmed and b.) lost. One path allows us to define a direction, set goals, see progress, maybe even see down the road a bit.

But life teaches us that a clear path isn’t necessarily what it seems. We learn that “things happen”, causing us to change course. There are detours, and there’s debris along the way. Not all the stones are smooth and flat, or angled just so. They might suddenly veer off, dip, crack or overlap. You might have to go through some muddy parts.

And besides all that, how do you know if you’re on the right path? And what happens when you stumble upon a different path? One that looks more inviting?  Ah… that can really mess you up, if you’re humming along, thinking you’ve got this all nailed down pat. Are we really on track, or just kidding ourselves?

Maybe though, we could see many of those dips and swerves as opportunities. Adventure. Choices. After all, who’s to say what path is right for any one individual? Who decides? Who really knows?

Except that when it’s right, it feels right. Right there in your gut. You feel stronger, with more clarity, more determination, more light. Your dreams kick in. Obstacles? Surpassable. Detours? Hey, maybe they’re enhancements.

So go ahead and follow your path, your calling, your dream, even if it you don’t know for sure that it’s “the one”. With a plan in your pocket and an open mind, follow what lights you up, because in taking action, taking steps, you might even stumble upon something better.

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“where in the world is peace?” … community art park

These terrific pictures were shot in downtown Dayton, Ohio at Garden Station ~ an old rundown railroad turned dumping ground turned into a community garden/art park by a local artist collective. Positive hearts and minds in action ~ love it!

detail of "Peace Wall" ~ Garden Station, Dayton, Ohio

"Peace Trees" ~ Garden Station, Dayton, Ohio

full view of "Peace Wall", Garden Station, Dayton, Ohio

Where to next?

(ps:  you can see all “where in the world is peace?” images compiled on our special “where in the world is peace?” page. Our book is on Amazon, our totes, mugs and things are available here. Send your own pictures to 52weeksofpeace@gmail.com and we’ll also post them on our FaceBook page. Let’s see where peace goes!)

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“The Happiness Advantage”

OUTSTANDING.

“Train your brain, and create ripples of positivity… ”

Unlike the stereotype of a brooding artist/musician/writer, whose greatest work comes on the back of depressing events, I’m with Shawn Anchor that happiness inspires productivity.

Anchor’s TED talk is entertaining, articulate and wise ~ and makes you feel good at the same time. A must listen!

“If we change our formula for happiness and success, what we can do, is we can change the way we can then affect reality….”

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52 Weeks of Peace [squared] / #64

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.  ~ Irish Blessing

…………  ♣ ………….

52 Weeks of Peace / Week #64 / © Patricia Saxton

Two peace signs this week, I know! There are two reasons for this. One, clearly this design couldn’t wait, since it is, after all, St. Patrick’s Day. Two, I needed an extra dose of peace myself this week. So there you have it.

Top o’the mornin’ to you; may your day be full of blessings! And remember ~ “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.” :  )

52 Weeks of Peace / Week #64B / © Patricia Saxton

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52 Weeks of Peace (squared) / #63

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” ~ Albert Einstein

Yesterday was not only Albert Einstein’s birthday, but also National Pi Day.

Yes ~ ∏.  I’ve since learned that National Pie Day is on January 23. Still, one can take artistic license now and again. And besides, it seems a great theory to celebrate both mathematical tributes (Pi and Einstein) with some yummy dessert.

You could even make a mathematical equation in this somewhere, I betcha. The ratio of blueberries to sugar sprinkles? The probability of not a single sugar sprinkle hitting one of the raspberries? The average number of vertical lines in a kiwi slice?

Or maybe not ~ but I think Dr. Einstein would have enjoyed a piece of fruit pie, with a dollop of whipped cream and a nicely sharpened pencil on the side.

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Time Out: Signs of Spring!

Dear Clients, I’m planning to take the rest of the afternoon off. I hope you don’t mind ~ in fact, I think you should too, and here’s why:

My God, what a gorgeous day! The windows are flung open wide, the sun shines, the air is warm and breezy. Birds chatter, daffodils open, kids walk home from school, sweatshirts abandoned.

Spring is everything delicious. Everything new and reborn. Really it is  ~ because it’s not as though we’ve never seen a daffodil before, but when they bloom each spring there’s a thrill of delight as if it were the first. And when we spot a robin, as if it were a strange and unusual creature, we shout like children, “look – a robin!”.

Our heart feels lighter, our hope expands. A beautiful day like this reminds us that life always chooses to look up, to grow towards the light and surprise us with a million ways to shine, no matter what.

And all that warrants some time out ~ enjoying this early gift from the fickle month of March, for the winds could change tomorrow!

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“where in the world is peace?” … by the Caribbean Sea

Ah, yes.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

(ps:  you can see all “where in the world is peace?” images compiled on our special “where in the world is peace?” page. Our book is on Amazon, our totes, mugs and things are available here. Send your own pictures to 52weeksofpeace@gmail.com and we’ll also post them on our FaceBook page. Let’s see where peace goes!)

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Getting Set for St. Patty

For those of you who like to honor St. Patrick, or have a love for all things Celtic, “52 Weeks of Peace” / Week 29 is for you!

Yep, it’s just about a week away ~ the day of dance and drink, and the traditional feasting of Irish bacon and cabbage, all to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint and apostle of Ireland.

Saint Pat was actually born in Roman Britain (way back in the fifth century), but apparently was kidnapped at 16 and brought to Ireland to work as a slave. (I did not know this!)  He escaped (phew!), but returned to Ireland in later years, bringing Christianity with him, appealing to both the Roman Catholics and the Irish Protestants of the land. (No small feat in Ireland… so I’m guessing he must have been charming, as well as devout.) In the process, he also elevated the status of the shamrock, by using its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

After nearly thirty years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461. Patrick has endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity.

And a little trivia (courtesy of Wikipedia):

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Dublin on March 17, 1783.

The biggest celebrations outside Dublin are in Downpatrick, County Down, where Saint Patrick is rumoured to be buried. In 2004, the week-long St. Patrick’s Festival had more than 2,000 participants among 82 floats, bands, and performers and was watched by more than 30,000 people.

The shortest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs. :  )

So there you have it. And as they say, “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough.”

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