January-February 2022: A Note from Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher, Inkandescent Women magazine — While I usually quote women in this passion project of mine, as we embark on the new year I was drawn to the words of the American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
An advocate of social reform, who was nevertheless suspicious of reform and reformers, Emerson achieved a tremendous reputation with his verse, corresponded with many of the leading intellectual and artistic figures of his day — and during an off and on again career as a Unitarian minister delivered and later published several controversial sermons. He believed, “To trust oneself and follow our inner promptings corresponds to the highest degree of consciousness.”
A friend asked me recently if I promote men. My answer was: Cool men. And so I share the words of a man who I consider to be controversial, courageous, and conscious. See Emerson’s poem below.
Our Inkandescent gift to you in 2022: Monday Morning Magic! The Inkandescent team is excited to be sharing an inspirational quote and tidbit of insight to consider each Monday morning from one of our clients, colleagues, and contemporaries. If you haven’t already signed up for our newsletter or are following us on social media, send me an email and I’ll add you to our list. — Here’s to your incredible, indelible Inkandescent success!
Image (above) courtesy of Zenit: Meet astrologer and life coach Tracey Rogers, pictured here with her personalized Zenit Journal. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Tracy has partnered with to create its Racial Healing Journals and the new line of Astrology Journals. Tracy is also an avid Zenit journaler who shares: “I love my personalized journal from Zenit! I’ve been using it daily, and the question prompts have been extremely helpful (especially during the covid-19 crisis). It was quick to arrive and creating it was simple and fun!” Learn more at traceylrogers.com.
Collected Poems and Translations
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. He is rich who owns the day and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can tomorrow is a new day begin it well and serenely with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on the yesterdays.