Ripples v1.50: Ripples of HOLIDAYS, part 2

RIPPLES: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 1.50 [Monday, December 27, 1999]
©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Unless you walk out into the unknown,
the odds of making a profound difference
in your life are pretty low.
original source: Tom Peters
submitted by: Lissa

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I cannot change the world.
I can only change myself,
and the world around me changes
because of me.
Then the world
is that much of a better place
for me to live in.
written and submitted by: Breanne Albrecht

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Whew. It was a year ago at this time that a few of us were developing a
quirky little idea. Not super creative, not really that difficult to
implement. The idea was to gather a group of people who enjoy
inspirational quotes via email. 50 weeks ago the first Ripple went out to
60 people who agreed to pilot this quirky idea. Who would have known 50
weeks ago that this final Ripple of 1999 would go out to over 2,500 people?

Well, Ripples are evolving with some exciting new twists that will be
uncovered in the coming weeks. I hope you can spend a few moments this
week appreciating our collective effort in developing these tiny ripples,
and anticipating what magnificent ripples YOU will create in 2000.

Keep those QUALITY submissions coming!

Peace to you,
Paul

Ripples v1.49: Ripples of HOLIDAYS, part 1

RIPPLES: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 1.49 [Monday, December 20, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

no pebble, no boulder, no ponder this week......just one big....

MOUNTAIN ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always
understand.

May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you
the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage
and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and
understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.

May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace.

May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of
your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember
the sunshine when the storm seems unending. Teach love to those who know
hate, and let that love embrace you as you go into the world.

May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may
call upon them. Remember, those lives you have touched and who have
touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less
than you would have wanted. It is the context of the encounter that is
more important than its form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place
immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time in the world
around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of
us is different in our own way. What you feel you may lack in one regard
may be more than compensated for in another! What you feel you lack in the
present may become one of your strengths in the future.

May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn
to view everything as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself,
and not be dependent on another of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved.
-original source unknown, submitted by Kristen Salemi

Ripples v1.48: Ripples of PEACE

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
version 1.48 [Monday, December 13, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

First keep the peace within yourself,
then you can also bring peace to others.
original source: Thomas A. Kempis, submitted by Aimee

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Deep peace of the running wave to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you,
Deep peace of the gentle night to you,
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you.
Deep peace to you.
original source: Bill Douglas, submitted by Kevin

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

On Friday, I officially ended my "Stone Soup" year with an address to the
Colorado Society of Association Executives. We ended our time together with
a commitment to create a more peaceful planet by creating more peace in our
own lives.

This message was reflected in a magnificent choral number my friend Kevin
and I enjoyed at a holiday concert in Boulder on Sunday evening (see the
Boulder above).

I challenge each of us to spend some energy this week making peace in our
lives. Right an old wrong, offer some assistance to someone in need, or
make an attempt to be more gentle with YOURSELF. Your efforts create a
more peaceful planet for us all!

Peace to you!

Paul

Ripples v1.47: Ripples of CONNECTING

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
version 1.47 [Monday, December 6, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

If you want to lift yourself up,
lift up someone else.
Original Source: Booker T. Washington, submitted by Barbara Slagle

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

If you feel something, let people know that you feel it.
Don't you get tired of those stoic faces that don't show anything?
If you feel like laughing, laugh.
If you like what somebody says, go up and give them a hug.
Spontaneity again, living again, knowing what it is like to tingle.
Original Source: Leo Buscaglia, submitted by Becca Rodamsky


PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Here we are, heading right into the holiday season when everything is
supposed to be fun and relaxing but it often ends up being stressful and
irritating.

As you move through your week, notice that you are not the only one on
"high speed" as we try to wrap up the year, get ready for the holidays, and
deciding what the heck we are going to on December 31.

If you can slow down and try to connect, even briefly, with the people
around you (those you know and those you don't!), you might find the
quality of your week vastly improving!

Ripples v1.46: Ripples of TRAVEL

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
-see bottom for subscription information-
version 1.46 [Monday, November 29, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey
that no one can take for us or spare us.
original source: Marcel Proust, submitted by: nonny1

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The world passes through me,
as I pass through the world.
And so,
as I complete my travels
around the world,
so the world completes its travels
through me.

written & submitted by: Leslie Stephany

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I hope that all of our Ripples subscribers (who now total over 2,300!) made
it safely to their Thanksgiving destinations and home again. My entire
month of November was filled with traveling adventures to Florida,
Louisiana, and several spots around Wisconsin. In all the airports and on
all the miles of roads I traversed, I was one of countless other travellers
busy concentrating on where we were going and how soon we could get there.
It reminded me that if we aren't careful, we can end up spending our whole
lives travelling without ever getting there. Let's spend this week
enjoying the ride!

ALSO: we have four more Ripples until the end of the year. Let's make
them the BEST Ripples yet! Can you take a few minutes this week to scour
your files for some top notch inspiration!

SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your address,
please visit my website at http://www.happyflying.com/

Paul Wesselmann is the creator of Stone Soup Seminars which designs
transformative opportunities for individuals and teams around the country.

Ripples v1.45: Ripples of THANKS

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
version 1.45 [November 22, 1999]
©1999 Stone Soup Seminars
to subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.happyflying.com/

Pebble ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Think about how happy you would be right now if you lost everything you
had......and then got it back again.
Original Source: R. Bryan Meeks.
Submitted by Kirsten Lupinski

Boulder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am thankful for:
...the mess to clean up after a party because it means I have been
surrounded by friends.
...the taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed.
...the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to
eat.
...my shadow who watches me work because it means I am out in the sunshine.
...the spot I find at the far end of the parking lot because it means I am
capable of walking.
...all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have
freedom of speech.
...that lady behind me in church who sings off key because it means that I
can hear.
...the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby.
...the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that
need fixing because it means I have a home.
...my huge heating bill because it means that I am warm.
...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day because it means that
I have been productive.
...the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours because it means that
I am alive.

Original source unknown, submitted by: Skywrytr2


Ponder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We spend a lot of time wishing for the things we DON'T have that we WANT,
and wanting to get rid of the things that we DO have that we DON'T want.
Let's spend this weeking being thankful for the things we DO have that we
DO want, and being thankful for all the things that we DON'T HAVE that we
DON'T WANT.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Paul

Ripples v1.44: Ripples of NOW

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
version 1.44 [November 15, 1999]
©1999 Stone Soup Seminars
to subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.happyflying.com/

Pebble ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember, amateurs built the ark,
Professionals built the Titanic.
original source unknown, submitted by Betsy Wagner

Boulder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by
yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish
selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world
will not devote itself to making you happy. I want to be thoroughly used
up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life
for it's own sake. Life is no "brief candle" to me. It is a sort of
splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make
it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
original source: George Benard Shaw; submitted by Karen Johnsen


Ponder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do it. Now. You know what you're avoiding, procrastinating, excusing,
whining, fearing, dreading. Do it, get it over with, and move on. I dare
you!

Ripples v1.43: Ripples of RESPONSIBILITY

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
version 1.43 [Monday, November 8, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To be able to shift from REACTING in life
to RESPONDING is very powerful.
To be able to know what happens to you does not make a difference, but
that what you do with what happens to you makes all the difference.
To know you have a conscious choice is of the essence.
original source: Tom Crum, submitted by Amelia B. Habicht

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

THE 9 ASPECTS OF LIFE
The adventure of life is to learn.
The purpose of life is to grow.
The nature of life is to change.
The challenge of life is to overcome.
The essence of life is to care.
The opportunity of life is to serve.
The secret of life is to dare.
The spice of life is to befriend.
The beauty of life is to give.
original source: William Arthur Ward, submitted by Kelli Thole

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I just wrapped up a truly exhilarating and utterly exhausting leadership
conference. Exhilarating because I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting
new people. Exhausting because I poured every fiber of my being into the
closing address. The conference was on ethics in leadership, and I spent a
fair amount of time exploring our relentless pursuit of RIGHTS and our
apparent abdication of RESPONSIBILITY.

We have been hearing much about the failures of the health care system and
our quest for a "patient's bill of rights." I read in a Newsweek article
that the average American family spends 5% of their income on health
care/medical needs, and 10% of their income on dining and entertainment
expenses.

I agree that we need patient rights, but what about patient responsibility?
I also understand our concern about losing our rights around gun control,
but what about our responsibilities?

If you have been concerned lately about your rights, make sure you are
spending some time pondering your RESPONSIBILITY. How are you involving
yourself as a citizen in your community?

We need you! -ptw

Ripples v1.42: Ripples of GIFTS

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration from Stone Soup Seminars
-see bottom for subscription information-
version 1.42 [Monday, November 1, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yesterday is history; Tomorrow is a mystery;
Today is a gift--that's why we call it the present!
original source unknown, submitted by Kathryn E. Johnson

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Eight Gifts that Do Not Cost A Cent

1) THE GIFT OF LISTENING...But you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no
daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.

2) THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats
on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love
you have for family and friends.

3) THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories.
Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4) THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...It can be a simple "Thanks for the help"
note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a
lifetime, and may even change a life.

5) THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...A simple and sincere, "You look great in
red," "You did a super job" or "That was a wonderful meal" can make some
one's day.

6) THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

7) THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...There are times when we want nothing better than
to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of
solitude to others.

8) THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...The easiest way to feel good is to
extend a kind word to someone. Really, it's not that hard to say "Hello"
or "Thank You."

original source unknown, submitted by Linda Hayden


PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week found me traveling to Kiawah Island, South Carolina to hang out
with the U.S. Tennis Association (the hardworking folks who bring you the
U.S. Open and hundreds of other tennis events in every corner of the
country). As we explored strategies to take better care of ourselves, some
of us admitted we start to feel GUILTY whenever we take personal time.

The solution: reframe your personal time as an opportunity to create a
better "helper" for others! When you get tired and burned out, your
ability to help others diminishes. However, the more relaxed and sane you
are, the more effective you are at helping others! AND you are role
modeling good self-care skills at the same time!

C'MON! Give yourself (and others) a gift by doing something really nice
just for YOU!

Happy November!

Ripples v1.41: Ripples of CHARACTER

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 1.41 [Monday, October 25, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Character is much easier kept than recovered.
original source: Thomas Paine
submitted by Cathie Marty

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Others determine your reputation.
YOU determine your character.
Character is made by what you stand for,
Reputation by what you fall for.
Character is one of those qualities that takes time to develop.
It is easier to change your behavior in advance
than to change your reputation afterward."
original source unknown
submitted by: Manny LapMan Woo

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Stone Soup kept me busy this week with some leadership training in Green
Bay, Wisconsin (where EVERYTHING is Packer Green!) and Cincinnati, Ohio.
During both trips, I enjoyed meaty conversations with workshop participants
about the importance of strong character in leadership.

It is fairly easy (and common) for a leader to make decisions based on
"majority rule." While democracies often use this decision making tool, we
often forget that while the majority may RULE, the majority is not always
RIGHT. It takes a combination of guts and confidence to hold firm to your
beliefs when they are not popular.

If you have checked the facts, checked your conscience, and checked your
values, then you have an obligation to yourself and the world to stand
strong until we see it YOUR way!

Stay strong! -ptw

Ripples v1.40: Ripples of ACTION

Ripples: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 1.40 [Monday, October 18, 1999] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You can't make footprints in the sands of time
if you are sitting on your butt.
And who wants to make buttprints in the sands of time?
original source: Bob Moawad, submitted by Jennifer Henning

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It is not the critic who counts,
nor the man who points out how the strong man tumbled,
or where the doer of deeds could have done better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,
who strives valiently,
who errs and comes up short again and again,
who knows the great enthusiasms,
the great devotions
and spends himself in a worthy cause;

who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,
and who at the worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat.

original source: Teddy Roosevelt, submitted by Warren Weasler

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I just finished a spectacular weekend in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with a
hundred of that state's best resident assistants. While many of the
sessions were designed to provide information and increase the
participants' skill base, the most valuable component of the event I saw
was FUN. Pure, clean, loud, rambunctious FUN.

These compassionate helpers, like so many other professionals, often give
their time and energy to help others with minimal compensation. The key to
maintaining their sanity is to find time for FUN.

What can you do for FUN today? Read the comics, laugh with a friend, see a
movie, tell a joke, watch kids at the playground.....and enjoy it!

Ripples v1.38: Ripples of Corn?

Ripples, version 1.38 [10/4/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You have not lived a perfect day
unless you have done something for someone
who will never be able to repay you.
original source unknown, submitted by Trina Heinz

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

James Bender, in his book, How to Talk Well (New York: McGraw-Hill
Book Company, Inc. 1994), relates the story of a farmer who grew
award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where
it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and
learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter
discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.

"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors
when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?", the
reporter asked.

"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up
pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my
neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the
quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors
grow good corn."

He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot
improve unless his neighbor's corn also improves.

So it is in other dimensions. Those who choose to be at peace must
help their neighbors be at peace. Those who choose to live well must help
others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it
touches.

And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness,
for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all. The lesson
for each of us is this: If we are to grow good corn, we must help our
neighbors grow good corn.

submitted by Deborah Schreiner

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We are sometimes so afraid to share our gifts because we are afraid that
someone will steal them or copy them or outdo them. I have news for you:
they are not really your gifts anyway! If you try to hide them away, they
will dry up and whither away. It is only when you give them freely that
they are allowed to mature into even greater gifts with even greater
rewards for you and the world.

Share your gifts this week. Give freely. It all comes back to you!

-ptw

Ripples v1.37: Ripples of PATIENCE!

Ripples, version 1.37 [9/27/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Everything is within walking distance, if you have enough time.
original source: Steven Wright, submitted by Michael Harring

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dear God,
So far today, I've done alright. I haven't gossiped. I haven't lost my
temper. I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or over indulgent.
I'm very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, God, I'm going to get
out of bed; and from then on, I'm probably going to need a lot more help.
Amen.
original source unknown, submitted by Tracy Zander

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I think I know why the fall colors are so amazing: to help us SLOW DOWN
and enjoy the ride! This week as I was bipping around to several remote
locations around central and northern Wisconsin, the same roads I had
driven countless times became entirely new adventures as I scanned the
horizon for signs of fiery reds, glowing oranges and soft yellows that are
seeping into the fabric of nature.

Time became much less important....it mattered more that I was soaking in
the experience. I was rewarded for my appreciation of these works of art
as the sun created a majestic finale only to be outdone by a full moon
pushing its way into view. The moon was so large and so bright and as it
peeked in and out of a thin sheet of clouds I became convinced that the
entire display was conceived just to remind me to SLOW DOWN!

I hope you can create some peace on the planet and in your life by slowing
down and enjoying Life this week. Remember, you only have one day to be
alive: TODAY!

-ptw

Ripples v1.36: Wedding Ripples

Ripples, version 1.36 [9/20/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars
This issue is dedicated to my dear friends Dave & Heather: may you find as
much joy in your marriage as we did at your wedding! -ptw

PEBBLES ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

If we let ourselves be truly seen, then we can be truly loved.
Original source: Sark, submitted by Jamie Treutel

A good marriage is the union of two forgivers.
Original source unknown, submitted by Terry Willson

BOULDERS ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Now we will feel no rain,
For each of us will be
Shelter for the other.
Now we will feel no cold,
For each of us will be
Warmth to the other.
Now we are two persons,
But there is only one life before us.
Let us go now to enter into
The days of our life together."
-Original source: Apache Wedding Blessing, submitted by Terry Willson

Love bears all things
Believes all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things
Love never fails
Original source unknown, submitted by Nicole


PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I took some time off this weekend to attend a grand wedding between my good
friends Heather & Dave. Everything about the event was magnificent: the
peaceful location a few yards from the swirling Wolf River in northern
Wisconsin under a blue sky and a hint of fall foliage; the charming
ceremony that was informal yet profound; and the unique mixture of guests
that provided as much entertainment at the reception as the food and music.

Despite what we may be tempted to deduce recent headlines, I remain
convinced that Love is still more more plentiful than Evil. This Hope, by
the way, is a powerful antidote to Evil.

I hope you'l take a moment this week to strengthen a relationship in your
life with some kindness, communication, and caring!

Peace to you,

Paul

p.s. Thank you for the deluge of "relationship" ripples submissions! So
many people found valuable nuggets....I'll share more in future Ripples!

Ripples v1.35: Ripples of Choices

Ripples, version 1.35 [9/13/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

People can change at any age.
Where there is life, there is possibility.
Even ancient beliefs can be overturned or replaced in a matter of moments.
We are the River!

Original source: "Happiness is a Choice" by Barry Neif, submitted by Carol
Kennedy


BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Isn't life glorious! Isn't it grand!
Here-take it- hold it tight in your hand;
Squeeze every drop of it into your soul,
Drink of the joy of it, sun-sweet and whole!
Laugh with the love of it, burst into song!
Scatter its richness as you stride along!
Isn't life splendid and isn't it great?
We can always start living - it's never too late!

Original source: Helen Lowrie Marshall, submitted by Lucia Patritto

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I just spent a truly awesome day with a dynamic group of individuals at
Lawrence University and while I confess to being exceptionally exhausted, I
was so fired up that I had to come home and crank out this issue of Ripples
before I fell into bed.

One of the many topics we covered was "Attitude Adjusting" and how often we
forget the CHOICES we have. Most of our lives have been filled with
challenges (the technical terms for these challenges are "crap" "yucky
stuff" or "poop"), and sometimes these things get us down.

Remember: How you feel right now is not a result of what has happened in
your life. How you feel right now is a result of how you INTERPRET what
has happened in your life. And it may be time to stop letting something
from your past continue to be a barrier. Instead, look at it as a
challenge, see what lessons it has to offer. Then take those lessons and
dump the rest of it out the window!

Peace to you,
Paul

Ripples v1.34: Ripples of SUCCESS!

Ripples, version 1.34 [9/6/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

[Hope you had a grand Labor Day! This issue is a day late because I was enjoying the sunshine! -ptw]

Total Number of Current Subscribers: 1592
Welcome to new subscribers from:
University of Southern Indiana
University of Wisconsin - River Falls
University of Minnesota

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Reach high for stars that lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep, for every dream precedes a goal.
-original source unknown, submitted by Nicole

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To laugh often and much,
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others,
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition,
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
-original source: Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Todd Tratz

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week I gave a talk on "Food for the Soul" and we explored the role
that Passion plays in our "spiritual nutrition." While it does seem that
some people seem to display more passion than others, I am convinced that
we ALL have that fire burning in our soul. For some, that fire has been
doused by disappointment, disillusionment, and unsupportive people in our
lives. It may be just a flicker, but it has not gone out!

Can you stoke your fire this week? What could you do to get fired up
again? Listen to some great music, chat with a good friend, or simply sit
back and let yourself dream BIG! As passion uncovers itself, you will be
amazed at your ability to chase your dreams and live your adventure!

Happy September!

Paul

Ripples v1.33

Ripples, version 1.33 [8/30/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Should you find yourself the victim
of other people's bitterness,
ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
Remember, things could be worse:
You could be them!!!
Original source unknown, Submitted by: Carol Satchell

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

walking along a wooded path early one morning shadowed by the twisted and
towering timbers i feared that my way would be lost. as my brow began to
sweat and my countenance fail, i remembered that it was not in seeing the
path, but in taking the next step that ours journeys are made real.
i'm not sure if the path miraculously became clear or my spirit simply
changed focus, but the trees no longer appeared ominous and daybreak came.
Written and submitted by: Toby Causby

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

My journeys this week have included a few new student orientations where I
have the challenge of helping college freshmen tackle their extreme
nervousness and transform it into extreme connections (connections to
people, to their surroundings, to the new ideas they will encounter, etc.).
I spent lots of time convincing them how important it is to make new
friends. It wasn't until I sat down to create this week's Ripples that I
realize I also need to tell them to remember the value of their old
friends.

I have had quite an adventure making new friends at University of Southern
Indiana and Indiana University this week. But it was equally fabulous to
connect with many old friends at Cardinal Stritch University and University
of Wisconsin - River Falls. I am remembering a song my sister used to sing
in Girl Scouts: "Make new friends, but keep the old ones...One is Silver
and the other Gold."

Do us ALL a favor today and spend a moment connecting with an old friend,
and creating a new connection too!

Paul

SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your address,
please visit my website at http://www.happyflying.com/ (and click on the
'goodies' tab!)

Paul Wesselmann is the creator of Stone Soup Seminars which design
transformative opportunities for individuals and teams around the country.

Ripples v1.32

Ripples, version 1.32 [8/23/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Total Number of Current Subscribers: 1474
Welcome to new subscribers from:
Indiana University - Bloomington, Recreational Sports
Indiana University - Kokomo
Central Missouri State University


PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sucess has a price tag on it, and the tag reads:
'Courage, determination, discipline, risk taking, perserance, and
consistency - doing the right things for the right reasons and not just
when we feel like it.'
Original Source: James M. Meston
Submitted by: Jeanne Ludjack

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Value of a Smile
It costs nothing, but creates much.
It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give.
It happens in a flash, and the memory of it sometimes last forever.
None are so rich that they can get along without it,
and none are so poor but are richer for a smile.
It creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in a business,
and is the mark of friends.
It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, Sunshine to the sad
and natures antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen,
for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody until it is
given away.
And if it ever happens that some people should be too tired to give
you a smile, why not leave one of your own?
For nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give.

Original Source: unknown
Submitted by: John M McCulley

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I've had a several challenges this week with my travels.....plenty of
flight delays and messed up reservations and inconsiderate service folks.
ARG! My sanity has been maintained by remembering Chutes and Ladders. Do
you remember playing that? Sometimes you landed on a ladder and you'd
could climb ahead. Eventually, though, there would be a chute that would
send you down a few pegs. In the long run, you move forward more than you
move back.

Enjoy today, whether you've landed on a chute or a ladder!

Paul
P.S. Keep those Ripples submissions coming! Please remember to remove
headers and forwarding symbols before sending them in! It makes my job
MUCH easier!

Ripples v1.31

Ripples, version 1.31 [8/16/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Total Number of Current Subscribers: 1474
Welcome to new subscribers from:
WSFSA: Wisconsin School Food Service Association
TCC: Tulsa Community College

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it, because the rainbow is now.
The pot comes later and never turns out to be quite what you expect.
Original Source: Hugh Prather
Submitted by: Nick Papandria

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Oath:
I will keep an open mind.
I will not allow college to have been the best years of my life.
I will smell the roses.
I will not wait until tomorrow.
I will not graduate only to become what I despise.
I will not go quietly.
I will talk to him/her.
I will remember that "this too shall pass."
I will squeeze the most out of this life.
I will not be a victim.
I will keep things in perspective.
I will do what you think I can't do.
I will live today.
Original Source: unknown
Submitted by: Martha Schmitt

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

While many Ripples subscribers are on an "academic calendar" and thus
preparing to start another year, I thought the rest of us needed a reminder
that we are ALL students in some sense. Now is a great time to reflect on
your state of mind. If you have been focusing on yucky stuff lately,
perhaps it is time to change your major! Stop for just a moment and grab a
scrap piece of paper. Jot down three things that are AWESOME about your
life. Think about them for a bit before you proceed with your week.

And Peace to you!

Paul

Ripples v1.30: Ripples of YOU!

Ripples, version 1.30 [8/9/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To be yourself, in a world that tries, night and day, to make you just
like everybody else - is to fight the greatest battle there ever is to
fight, and never stop fighting.
Original Source: e.e. cummings
Submitted by: James L. Cissell

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves: Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking
so that others won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And, as we let our light shine,
we unconsciously give others permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
Original Source: Marianne Williamson, Return to Love
Submitted by: John H. Ainslie & Haley Helgeson

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was last year at about this time that I really started kicking around an
idea to create a weekly email newsletter. The original intent was a
marketing piece that would remind people to bring me to their organization!
It wasn't until January that Ripples was finally ready to begin circulation
and by then it had changed its focus. 60 people received Ripples v1.01
despite some technical difficulties that had not been worked out. And
thirty weeks later this issue will land upon the computers of 1436 readers
who are FABULOUS at submitting poems, quotes and warm fuzzies every week.

Initially, several colleagues warned me that this might be a time
commitment that would be difficult to maintain during the peaks and valleys
of my schedule. Instead, it has become a ritual that I enjoy almost as
much as giving a workshop or delivering a keynote address. Every Sunday
night and Monday morning, I am reading through your many wonderful
submissions to choose a pebble and a boulder. I also get to reflect upon
my week as I develop a piece for this section.

As I prepare to launch into an exciting round of speeches, and workshops,
will you please take a moment to accept my THANKS for being a part of
Ripples that just keep on flowing!

Enjoy today!

Paul

Ripples v1.29: Ripples of Magic

Ripples, version 1.29 [8/2/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly;
what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Original Source: The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Submitted by: Kristi Sherrard

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We all start out knowing magic.
We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires, and comets inside us.
We are born able to sing to birds and
read the clouds and see our destiny in grains of sand.

But then we get the magic educated right out of our souls.
We get it churched out, spanked out, washed out, and combed out.
We get put on the straight and narrow and told to be responsible.
Told to grow up, for God's sake.

And you know why we were told that?
Because the people doing the telling
were afraid of our wildness and youth,
and because the magic we knew
made them ashamed
of what they'd allowed
to whither
in themselves.

Original Source: Robert R. McCammon
Submitted by: Robin Gunning

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

You are different than everyone else. YOU ARE DIFFERENT, and you are
living in a society that does not handle difference very well.

But deep down, every individual on this earth knows that in order to be
truly unique, truly special, every other individual on this planet has to
be different also.

That excites us, and it terrifies us.

So take off your mask this week. Show everyone in your path how AMAZINGLY
different and special you are. Anticipate that many people will celebrate
you, and be prepared that some people will ridicule you. And remember that
when they do, they are simply showing you how afraid they are of their own
uniqueness.

Peace to you,

Paul
P.S. Keep those ripples submissions coming!

Ripples v1.28: Ripples of TIME!

Ripples, version 1.28 [7/26/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them
and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the
brightest gems in a useful life.
Original Source: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Submitted by Jody Yerges

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Life, like art, is a work in progress.
The fun is in the process.
Don't always be in a hurry to do things.
Sometimes, it's better to just sit and enjoy a beautiful scene than to
paint it.
Your body is just your Earth suit.
It's not who you are.
That's inside.
Don't worry about what other people thing of you.
Do something because you like it, not because you think you should do it.
Don't try to run other people or things.
They'll end up running you.
Original Source: Chuck Haberichter (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 6/24/99),
Submitted by: Rebecca Wisdom

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Time Management. Popular Topic! This week I spend some time with credit
union managers from around the country to explore effective ways to manage
time.

Participants usually expect to learn some secret that will unlock a hidden
storage vault of efficiency along with extra hours to do it ALL! Here is
the secret: THERE IS NO VAULT! The key to effective time management is
facing that you have 1,440 minutes every day and you have some CHOICES to
make about how you are going to spend them.

I dare you to spend a few minutes today thinking about your priorities and
if you are spending enough time on the IMPORTANT stuff.

Enjoy today!

-Paul

Ripples v1.27

Ripples, version 1.27 [7/19/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

If nature has made you a giver, your hands are born open, and so is your
heart. And though there may be times when your hands are empty, your heart
is always full, and you can give things out of that.
Original Source: Frances Hodgson Burnett, Submitted by Kyle Erickson

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ <a bit long, but READ THIS!>

Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on
Spreading - spreading from the centre, flowing on out to the sea
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.

Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on
They keep spreading, spreading, spreading, from the centre as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.

Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Original source unknown (Taken from a Camp Tawingo Publication entitled Spread
a Little Sunshine from Huntsville, Ontario, 1987), submitted by Laura Dicke

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week I returned from my mountain adventures via Duluth, Minnesota so I
could attend a conference of the National Coalition for Sex Equity in
Education. This annual meeting is filled with passionate people from
around the country who are committed to creating a positive learning
environment for ALL students. I was discouraged to learn that federal and
state laws are being passed every day that reduce funding and make it
harder to do this important work. At the same time, I was inspired to hear
details about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on peer harrassment
that will support efforts to build safe spaces for students.

I heard many people attempting to assess the current climate: is it
helpful or harmful? The conclusion some of us reached: it just IS the
current climate. There are some good things which serve to empower us, and
there are some bad things which can serve to challenge us to dig in our
heels and work even harder!

Is this a good time in YOUR life? Is this a bad time in YOUR life? Well,
perhaps it just IS a time in your life and YOU need to decide whether it is
empowering you or challenging you.

Whichever it is, I wish you success and happiness this week as I return to
Madison so I can sleep in my OWN bed with my OWN pillows!

-Paul

Ripples v1.26: Rockies Ripples II

Ripples, version 1.26 [7/12/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When we tug at a single thing in nature,
we find it attached to the rest of the world.
Original Source: John Muir (slightly adapted by ptw), submitted by Bev
Petska

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Colorado

These are a few thoughts I had after spending another week on my retreat
into the Rockies:

THINGS CHANGE. One minute I was basking in the sunshine with a bright blue
sky and it was 90 degrees; 30 minutes later a dark mass of clouds moved
quietly in and soon it was hailing pea-sized ice chunks and the temperature
dropped to 50 degrees. This helped me to enjoy every minute of sunshine
because I never knew how long it would last. I also didn't get so bummed
out about the yucky weather because it would only be around for a little
while.

THERE ARE UPS AND DOWNS. Of course when you go into the mountains there
are ups, and the other side is just as steep going down. What I always
forget is that even on the way up there are times when you can coast, and
sometimes the way down is more uphill than expected. In the long run, you
can can't on some ups, some downs, and a few stretches of flat.

GO WITH THE FLOW. During a two-hour float on an innertube down the Yampa
River in Steamboat Springs, this control freak spent much of his time
trying to be in just the right place. After tiring out, I began to let the
river decide where I should be. Imagine my surprise: it was much more fun
and much less exhausting!

TRUST IS IMPORTANT. My new friends Kenny & Billy took me on a hike to see
an amazing waterfall. We wanted to get up close and that meant a bit of
rock climbing. More than once I found myself stuck and Kenny would say
something like "put your left foot in that crevice and your right hand up
on that root and you'll be fine." Each time it didn't look possible but
when I did what he said, it worked!

YOU CAN'T SWITCH FEAR OFF. Before I headed into the mountains, my good
friend Robin and I had a long talk about how fear often seems to rule our
thinking. We acknwoledged that fear is not the most productive thing
because most of the time our fears are never realized. Even when they do
come true, the events are rarely as catastrophic as we imagined them to be.
The rest of the trip found me discovering how often fear creeps up on me.
I tried so hard to just TURN IT OFF and that proved fruitless. Then, I
tried a DIMMER SWITCH. Instead of turning it off completely, I just turned
down the volume and moved it into the background. Frequently that was
enough to calm me down and something usually then distracted me so I wasn't
focusing on the fear.

CHALLENGE MAKES THE GAME MORE FUN. This was my first summer trip into the
Rockies in my SUV and I was ready to get off the beaten path. With the
goal to visit some of the same destinations that I have enjoyed during
previous trips, this time around I traveled different routes that included
dirt roads and rocky trails filled with steep climbs, major ruts, and
narrow passes. These adventures uncovered new heights of fear in me
(sometimes the dimmer switch doesn't work!). And every terrifying minute
was unbelievably satisfying. I admit that on some of these excursions I
did not even appreciate the panaromic views or dense pine and aspen
forests. My heart was often racing too fast and I was busy praying to help
me understand why I had decided to get off the main road. The answer was
obvious: the easy route just isn't as satisfying. This revelation, by the
way, explains some of those darn bumpy spots I've had in my life!
Sometimes the easy route looks better when we are in the middle of a
crisis, but after things have settled down we often realize that these
challenges develop a more satisfying and productive life.

I hope you are creating some adventures in your life!

-Paul

Ripples v1.25: Rockies Ripples

Ripples, version 1.25 [7/5/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We will all encounter mountains in our lives. We can either climb over
them, turn away from them, or, with the help of others...MOVE THEM.
Written and submitted by Shawn McGuirk,

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This Ripples comes to you from the Colorado Rockies, so thank you Shawn for
submitting a pebble that is so appropriate! I am out here on my
semi-annual retreat into the mountains where I find my soul becomes a
little quieter, my mind slows down, and my body gets to enjoy some magical
hiking, biking, and swimming. I guess I'm enjoying some independence on
this July 4th holiday. I hope you are too!

Monday morning will find me leaving Denver and heading up to Steamboat
Springs where a Ripples subscriber is going to show me some of the beauty
in that corner of the Rockies. I'll have stories for you next week!

If you have any good ripples about the mountains or about nature, this
would be a good week to send them as I'll be out here for a few more weeks!

-Paul

Ripples v1.24: Ripples of Leadership

Ripples, version 1.24 [6/28/99] ©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Leadership is action, not position.
Original source unknown, submitted by: Luke Brady

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To know why to do something is WISDOM.
To know how to do it is SKILL.
To know when to do it is JUDGEMENT.
To strive to do it best is DEDICATION.
To do it for the benefit of others is SERVICE.
To want to help others is COMPASSION.
To do this quietly is HUMILITY.
To get the job done is ACHIEVEMENT.
To inspire and motivate others to do all these things is LEADERSHIP.
Original Source Unknown, found on the University of New Hampshire website
and submitted by Sara Matthews

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week found me returning to hang out with the leaders of the Wisconsin
Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. They volunteered to give
up a gorgeous sunny Friday in June to explore the potential of their
leadership and I was honored to be a part of it. During our conversation,
we examined the role that self esteem plays in leadership. We all agreed
that the lower our self esteem is, the more difficult it is to delegate
tasks and say "no" to things that we don't have interest or time for. This
leads to feeling overwhelmed, burned out, and even LOWER self esteem!

Do yourself a favor right NOW: jot down a list of accomplishments you've
achieved this year that you are proud of. They might be small things or
huge things or a bit of both. Take a moment to appreciate that you are
AWESOME and that your presence makes a difference on this planet. And by
the way, thanks for reading Ripples every week. I hope they are as good
for you as they are for me!
Peace to you!
-Paul

Ripples v1.23: Summer Ripples!

Ripples, version 1.23 [6/21/99]
©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It is good to have an end to journey toward;
but it is the journey that matters, in the end.
Original Source: Ursula K. Le Guin, Submitted by: Gail Howard

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

How you live today
affects all your tomorrows.

Remember that turning down
the wrong road is part of the journey,
and finding the way back
is your challenge.

Remember that if you keep love
close to your heart,
home will never be far away.

There will be expectations not met,
promises lost, tears,
and moments of despair.

Remember, however,
to be grateful for the sunshine
and to find hope in the rainbow.

Remember to laugh from your soul
and always hold on to your dreams.

Original source unknown, submitted by Katie Sparrow

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Last Monday I was honored to help kick off the 1999 Wisconsin 4H Youth
Leadership Conference. I was excited to be around 600 youth from around
the state who were enthusiastic and curious about leadership, not to
mention the 100 adults who give a part of their lives to help these young
people grow into their leadership potential. Did you ever wonder what the
Hs in 4H are? These leaders pledge their:

Heads to clearer thinking,
Hearts to greater loyalty,
Hands for greater service, and
Health for better living.

Sounds like a pretty good pledge for us all, eh? Which one are you going
to work on this week (FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER!)? Enjoy the sunshine and enjoy
today!

-Paul

Ripples v1.22: Dancing Ripples

Ripples, version 1.22 [6/14/99]
©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

[No Pebble, No Ponder this week, just one big Boulder that is worth
reading, I promise! -ptw]

S L O W D A N C E

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry go-round
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day on the fly?
Whey you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done,
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
'Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi?"
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift...
Thrown away...
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Original Source Unknown, Submitted by several people, but first from
Jennifer Ann Konz <konzja@u...>

SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES: to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your address,
please visit my website at http://www.happyflying.com/ ! Thanks! -ptw

Ripples v1.21: SERVENT RIPPLES

Ripples, version 1.21 [6/7/99]
©1999 Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really
happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.
Original Source: Albert Schweitzer, Submitted by Patty LesStrang

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
At all the times you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.
Original Source: John Wesley, Submitted by Amy Sellers

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I am convinced that happiness does not work as a goal or destination.
Happiness happens on the way to something else. When we try to find
happiness it eludes us. But if we are pursuing a passionate goal,
happiness will join us for the ride.

Serving others is a responsibility we have to give back to our community
and to the universe. And it comes with LOTS of benefits too! It seems as
though you cannot help another human without benefitting at the same time!
Try it!

-Paul

Ripples v1.20: RIPPLES OF SOUL

Ripples, version 1.20 [5/31/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There is a soul force in the universe which, if we permit it, will flow
through us and produce miraculous results.
Original Source: Mahatma Gandhi, Submitted by Dr. Mia Wesselmann

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

If there is light in the soul,
There will be beauty in the person.
If there is beauty in the person,
There will be harmony in the house.
If there is harmony in the house,
There will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
There will be peace in the world.
Original Source: Chinese Proverb, Submitted by: Bridget Mc Carte

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I finished my spring speaking tour with a three-day adventure in LaCrosse,
Wisconsin to be a part of the annual conference for the National
Association of College and University Residence Halls. I had the honor of
hearing a fellow speaker, Kathy Humphrey, give a transformational address
that is STILL bouncing around my head and my heart. As she spoke about the
SOUL of leadership, Kathy had us at one point chanting "It's in the
KNOWING, It's in the BEING, It's in the DOING" and then she artfully
expanded those points into the heart (and soul!) of her speech. I hope
you'll take a moment to think about YOUR leadership style. Which of these
can you work on this week?

I have so many more stories to tell you about this last two weeks of
speaking, but I have all summer to share little tidbits so I'll say Happy
Memorial Day!
-Paul


Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars
========================================

To UNSUBSCRIBE or SUBSCRIBE (or change your address):
>From the Stone Soup Seminars Website ( http://www.happyflying.com ) click
on Goodies and then Ripples. If you received this message directly from
Paul on Monday morning, then you are already subscribed and there is no
need to subscribe.

Remember to submit a reflection at least once during your subscription:
Please send to ripples@h... along with the original source (if
known) and your name and email address. Submission of a reflection affirms
that you are able to and have given Stone Soup Seminars non-exclusive
permission to reprint the content of your message.

Ripples v1.19: (a bit late!)

Ripples, v 1.19 [5/24/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Into the calm lake of my life, the first stone had been tossed.
Original Source Unknown, Submitted by Tara Edberg

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I'm sending out a quick Ripples from Cable, Wisconsin as I take a break
from a three day retreat with the RAs from UW-River Falls (Sorry for the
delay--Carole and Vicki had to drive 40 miles to get the necessary
equipment to send this out from the middle of the north woods!).

Last night after watching a video about the Seattle Fish Company (a wild
place to work--they throw fish and yell and have lots of fun!), we were
having an awesome discussion about how to put fun into our lives. One of
the principles they use at the Seattle Fish Company is "Choose Your
Attitude" and we all agreed that we too often let CIRCUMSTANCES or OTHER
PEOPLE decide what mood we should be in. Remember that YOU get to decide
what attitude to have and whether or not today is going to be a good one.
It is, of course, perfectly okay to have some poopy days. Just remember
that YOU choose!

Have a good week!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v1.18: RIPPLES OF JOY

Ripples, version 1.18 [5/17/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars


PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Walk slowly, speak sweetly, and hug tightly.
These three things are what makes life amazing.
Written and Submitted by: Meg Dilworth

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

JOY is what we are,
not what we must get.
JOY is the realization that all we want
or need in life has been etched into our souls.
JOY helps us see not what we are "going through,"
but what we are "growing to" --
a greater sense of understanding, accomplishment,
and enlightenment.
JOY reveals to us the calm
at the end of the storm,
the peace that surpasses
the momentary happiness of pleasure.
If we keep our mind centered on joy,
JOY becomes a state of mind.
Original Source: Iyanla VanSant, Submitted by: Kimberly Rovansek

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When my sister, Mia, graduated from college in 1990, we took a trip from
Washington D.C. to Daytona Beach. Our plan was to drive all night, sleep
all day in the sun at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and then drive all night
again to arrive in Daytona on the second day. Well, we never made it past
South Carolina because when we arrived in Myrtle Beach the sun was rising
out of a dark green sea into a perfect blue sky. The salty smell sealed
our fate... we ended up spending several nights in a cheap hotel (sand in
the bed and everything) and camping in the state park right on the ocean.

Mia then went on a search for her ideal career path that over several years
took her from Massachusetts to the Dominican Republic to Alaska doing whale
research. Somewhere on that journey, she made the same realization that we
had on our 1990 adventure: The journey WAS her career path.

Well, I'm headed to Florida to be with my sister again. I think we are
going to make it this time, because she is graduating to become Dr. Mia
Wesselmann, Veterinarian! As I spend some time celebrating this milestone
in her path, I hope you will spend a moment congratulating yourself for
being on your Path.

And congrats to all those Ripples readers who are graduating! [May I
suggest a trip to Myrtle Beach?]-ptw


Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.17

Ripples, version 1.17 [5/10/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There are many things in life
that will catch your eye,
But only a few will catch our heart...
Pursue these.
Original Source Unknown, Submitted by Stephen Todd Bowman

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Reflections Of A Mother"
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you about alcohol & drugs, but I can't say "No" for you.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life... and I will.
Original Source Unknown, Submitted by Bruce Bradley


PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Do you ever notice that is the "in between" times that sometimes make all
the difference? It was another big travel week for me, and I spent some
time doing several presentations at two of my favorite places: Cardinal
Stritch University and University of Wisconsin - River Falls. While I
enjoyed the many presentations and felt good about the work, the magic for
me came when I was having lunch with a group of students at Chaz' favorite
cafe and hanging out with the staff at Carole's house for a day. The chit
chat reminded me of the joy to work within an organization where I see the
same folks everyday. I love my job with all the adventures and travel, but
sometimes it is nice to just sit and chat and see where it takes you.
Won't you take some time today to hang out with someone at work or school
and enjoy the conversation? ENJOY!

Peace to you,
Paul

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.16: Ripples of LIFE

Ripples, version 1.16 [5/2/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is a beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it!
Original Source: Mother Teresa, Submitted by Deb Best

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Whew! Another vocally-challenging week has passed. In addition to another
workshop for 911 dispatchers and a college student senate banquet keynote,
I spent an AMAZING day with 350 students from 10 Sheboygan County
(Wisconsin) high schools at a very special conference on diversity. The
title of the event was "Opening our Minds, Opening our Hearts" and it was
my job to help open THEIR minds and hearts with three speeches and three
workshops.

By the end of the day it was MY head and heart that were filled with new
thoughts and emotions about today's youth. These bright young minds were
incredibly respectful and had lots of questions about why our society
doesn't seem to celebrate differences. They were able to translate the
awful experiences of Littleton, Colorado and Matthew Sheppard's violent
death in Laramie, Wyoming into urgent cries for diversity education.

I had walked into the auditorium wondering if they could accept someone who
was really "different" and I walked out wondering why I had been nervous at
all! GOOD NEWS for the future of our country: I have seen our new leaders
and they are filled with Life!

Peace to you, and thank you for your many positive words about last week's
Ripples!

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.15: RIPPLES OF PEACE..…

Ripples, version 1.15 [4/26/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars


PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Peace is not
something you WISH for.

Peace is
something you MAKE,
something you DO,
something you ARE
something you GIVE AWAY.

Original Source: Robert Fulghum (submitted by me--not due to a lack of
wonderful submissions--I just thought we needed to think about PEACE this
week!)

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week gave me the opportunity to spend time with folks from the
Illinois Dept on Aging in Chicago, Bloomington, and Mt. Vernon before
dashing off to Milwaukee to spend a day at Pius XI High School and then an
evening at a leadership retreat for high school students interested in
learning about diversity. In the middle of my travels, I was stunned by
the news from Littleton, Colorado. I think many of us feel completely
helpless as we hear about yet another act of unthinkable violence. Add to
that the daily horror stories from Kosovo, and it just seems unbearable.

While these problems may seem overwhelming, I am convinced we can bring
about peace in the world by creating peace in our own lives. A simple yet
powerful response to the acts in Kosovo and Littleton: make peace with
someone in your life. Whether it is a family member, coworker, neighbor,
classmate, or former friend, your efforts will create ripples of peace that
will reach Littleton, Kosovo, Ireland, the Middle East, and everywhere that
peace needs to be.

Ripples v1.14

Ripples, version 1.14 [4/19/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars


PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There is no end.
There is no beginning.
There is only the infinite passion of life.
Original Source: Federico Fellini; Submitted by Aimee

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become your character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Original Source Unknown. Submitted by Tony Goble

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week I spent a few days with some energizing folks from NIRSA
(National Intramural-Recreational Sports Assn) while they had their annual
conference in Milwaukee. As I interacted with thousands of professionals
who make their living helping people to play, I was reminded of the paradox
many of us "professional helpers" face: we work so hard (too hard?) to
improve the lives of others that we often drain all the lifeforce out of
ourselves. Remember the best way to teach self-care skills is to PRACTICE
self care skills! ASSIGNMENT: Instead of telling someone how to get more
out of life, just SHOW them by doing something really fun this week (today?
right now?).

Peace, and keep sending me those awesome Ripples!

-Paul

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.13

Ripples, version 1.13 [4/12/99] An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Attitude is contagious.
Is yours worth catching?
Original Source: Chris Clarke-Epstein's workshop "Perspectives: You Can't
Teach an Old Dog New Tricks." Submitted by Kathleen Callaway

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

No one will ever
love you
for your work
or accomplishments.

People will
love you
for the way
you make them feel.
--something my mom taught me
Submitted by Jamie Treutel <treutel@s...>

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week I had the honor of delivering a keynote address to the National
Conference on Student Services in Orlando, Florida. It was an honor to be
asked to keynote, and it was fabulous to be in Orlando! As we struggled to
identify the ideal outcomes of our leadership experiences, a common word
surfaced: RESPECT. We hope in our leading and managing and moving through
life to gain the RESPECT of those around us. And just how do you earn
respect? I suspect the best way to start acquiring respect is to GIVE
respect in ample amounts. Is there someone in your life from whom you want
more respect? What can you do this week to GIVE them some respect they
deserve (or perhaps will someday deserve?).

Enjoy today, and send me Ripples!

-Paul

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.12

Ripples, version 1.12 [4/5/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.
original source unknown; submitted by Linda Otto

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To change your way of THINKING is to move great, huge trunks around in the attic.
To change your way of ACTING is to push toothpaste back into the tube.
To change your way of FEELING is to take a great, irretrievable leap of hope into the dark void.
To change means to develop and grow.
And to develop and grow you have to:
move the trunk,
push the paste,
and leap.
If you don't change, develop, grow
You lie in the muck down in the dark hole."
original source: J.J. McWhirter, submitted by Patty LesStrang

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I didn't have any workshops this week, as this was my last week before a
delightfully CRAZY 6 weeks. With this beautiful Easter Sun shining down,
my plan was to go for a walk and see what bubbles up inside to share with
you. But you know what? That will be a message for ME and not for YOU!
So do yourself a favor and get outside today and see what message
God/Universe/Nature/You (isn't it all the same?) is trying to send you. If
anything really neat pops up, let me know and I'll share a few in next
week's ripples.

Peace to you! -ptw

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars
========================================

Ripples v1.11

Ripples, version 1.11 [3/29/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Never live your life day to day, rather live it moment to moment.
original source unknown; submitted by Brian Joyce

BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Everybody Knows:
You can't be all things to all people.
You can't do all things at once.
You can't do all things equally well.
You can't do all things better than everyone else.
Your humanity is showing just like everyone else's.

So:
You have to find out who you are, and be that.
You have to decide what comes first, and do that.
You have to discover your strengths, and use them.
You have to learn not to compete with others,
Because no one else is in the contest of *being you*.

Then:
You will have learned to accept your own uniqueness.
You will have learned to set priorities and make decisions.
You will have learned to live with your limitations.
You will have learned to give yourself the respect that is due.
And you'll be a most vital mortal.


Dare To Believe:
That you are a wonderful, unique person.
That you are a once-in-all-history event.
That it's more than a right, it's your duty, to be who you are.
That life is not a problem to solve, but a gift to cherish.
And you'll be able to stay one up on what used to get you down.

original source unknown, submitted by Amber Wood


PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week I presented a workshop on entrepreneurial thinking to a chapter
of the Association of Information Technology Professionals. As we explored
some of the qualities of successful entrepreneurs, we addressed the
importance of courage. Our discussion reinforced my belief that there can
be no courage without fear. Part of being courageous is feeling the fear
and speaking to it, "I am aware of you, Mr. Fear. I recognize you, and I
acknowledge you. But I do not bow to you, nor will I be limited by you.
State your business and be on your way because I have magnificent things to
accomplish!" Take this challenge: Speak to your fear: ask it why it
visits you; after you listen to its response, thank Fear and tell it to GO
AWAY!

Peace to you! -ptw

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.10

Ripples, version 1.10 [3/22/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars


PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Develop your imagination.
You can use it to create in your mind
what you hope to create in your life.
Original Source: First Thinks First Every Day, by Stephen R. Covey, A.
Roger Merrill and Rebecca R. Merrill
Submitted by: Lori Reed


REFLECTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

To tack a boat,
To sail a zigzag course
is not to deny our destination or our destiny,
despite how it may appear to those who never dare
to take the tiller in their hand.

Just the opposite:
it is to recognize the obstacles that stand between ourselves
and where we want to go,
and then to maneuver with patience and fortitude,
making the most of each leg of our journey
until we reach our landfall.

Original Source: A Panel on the AIDS Memorial Quilt
Submitted by: Eric Tammes


PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Last Thursday was a double delight day in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin where I
spent an afternoon with (another) fine group of Public Safety
Telecommunicators and then bipped over to huddle with the crew from
Lutheran Social Services. Both of the workshops were on compassion fatigue
and combatting burnout, and we included a module on setting healthy
boundaries. The dictionary has this to say about boundaries: limit; an
extent beyond which an activity or function cannot or should not take
place. We helpers are not very good at saying NO because we want to please
EVERYONE. But if we extend ourselves too far, we are no good for ANYONE.
Do you need to set some limits this week? GO FOR IT!

Peace to you! -ptw

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars
========================================

Ripples v1.09

Ripples, version 1.09 [3/15/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Know your limits and don't limit your Nos.
Original Source: unknown
Submitted by Chris Hageman

REFLECTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Some days are better than others,
and some days are best forgotten,
but as the fading light marks the days end,
think on the good things in life,
things innocent and true,
and fall asleep dreaming of the promise tomorrow brings.
Original Source: Expect Good Things by Lynne Gerard
Submitted by: Laura M. Bethke

PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I spent Friday of this week helping a passionate group develop a staff
retreat that will take place in May. Of course we are planning plenty of
team building activities, and we have some goals about exploring customer
service and getting the whole team involved. We were also trying to figure
out how to classify the "fun" parts of the retreat. Should it go under the
"team building part," because effective teams have fun together? Or should
it go in the "customer service" part because employees give better service
when they are having fun. Someone who had been fairly quiet for most of
the day asked, "What about fun just for the sake of having fun?" And we
knew she hit on something awesome! Fun is important because, well, because
Fun is important! YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Have some fun this week, not because
it will make you a better person or more effective in your work. Have some
fun just to have some fun!

Peace to you! -ptw

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.08

Ripples, version 1.08 [3/8/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars

A PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Worry is the misuse of imagination.
original source unknown; submitted by Katie Scarlett

REFLECTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I am only one,
but I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But I can do something.
Because I cannot do everything,
Does not mean I should not try
To do all that I can
Being what I am.
original source unknown; submitted by Matthew Crespin

PONDERING ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

This week has been exciting: emceeing a black tie AIDS fund raiser,
keynoting a diversity conference for Wisconsin Education Association
Conference, and an exhilarating and SUNNY day with students and staff at
the University of Central Florida. I also gave a talk for the University
of Wisconsin's Student Personnel Association entitled: "Too Much & Not
Enough: Communication Tools to Preserve Humanity and Your Sanity." We
pulled out our business cards and brainstormed all the modes of
communication we could find on the card. We came up with all kinds of ways
to connect with other, yet we missed the most important one of all: they
physical act of handing your business card to someone. I dare you to spend
a few minutes this week connecting with someone LIVE instead of through
email, snail mail, fax, phone, voice mail, cell phone, etc.

Peace to you! -ptw

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.07

Ripples, version 1.07 [3/1/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup
Seminars


A PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Friends are angels who lift our feet
when our wings are having trouble
remembering how to fly.
Original Source: unknown, Submitted by: Andrea Baird

REFLECTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Life is like a 30,000 piece puzzle - one for each day. If you try to judge
the puzzle by each individual piece you will never figure it out. That's
why we need to picture the complete puzzle in our minds and just add each
piece as it fits. The special thing about this puzzle, is it can be any
picture we want, but the sooner we decide what that picture is going to be,
the easier it will be to put it together. There is no picture on the box
cover to guide us.  At this time in our lives, all the edge pieces have been put together...
now comes the hard part...
Original Source: Wayde Rivinius, Submitted by: Chris Ahlers

PONDERING ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

ARE YOU CONGRUENT? I spent some time this week with a group of Public
Safety Telecommunicators....the amazing professionals who are on the other
end when you dial 911. The workshop was on preventing burnout and I spent
countless hours preparing for the presentation by reading books and
articles; I developed top notch activities and materials. It occurred to
me, though, that the most effective way to teach self care skills is to
make sure I am PRACTICING self care skills. No one is interested in
untested advice, and we can all smell FAKES a million miles away. So, my
question for you this week: what advice have YOU given recently that you
should be following?


Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars
========================================

Ripples v1.06

Ripples, version 1.06 [2/22/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars
Current Number of Subscribers: 542

A PEBBLE ###########################

What you love is a sign from your higher self of what you are to do.
Original Source: "Living with Joy" by Sanaya Roman
Submitted by: Amy Uecke, Lawrence University

REFLECTIONS ##########################

(This is a little longer than usual....BUT WORTH IT! -ptw)

KEEP YOUR FORK. There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal
illness and had been given three months to live. As she was getting her
things in order, she contacted her pastor to discuss certain aspects of her
final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what
scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
The woman also requested to be buried with a fork in my right hand. The
pastor did not know quite how to respond.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I
am puzzled by your request," said the pastor.

"In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always
remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared,
someone would inevitably lean over and say, "Keep your fork." It was my
favorite part because I knew that something better was coming, like velvety
chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with
substance!

"So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my
hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' and I want you to
tell them, 'Keep your fork...the best is yet to come.'"

At the funeral, people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the
fork placed in her right hand. Over and over the pastor heard the question
"What's with the fork?" During his message, the pastor told the people of
the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. The pastor
admitted that he could not stop thinking about the fork and suggested that
they should try to remember it as well.

So, the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you that the
best is yet to come....

Original Source: unknown (this version adapted by Paul Wesselmann)
Submitted by: Diana Rahn, U.S. Bankruptcy Court

SNIPPET ##################################

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? In two workshops different workshops this week on
networking and small talk, we spent some time reflecting on the power of
EYE CONTACT when initiating contact with people. It is a simple idea. And
a powerful one. Here's looking at YOU (and hopefully you looking at some
new faces this week!)


Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.05

Ripples, version 1.05 [2/15/99]
An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars
Current Number of Subscribers: 298

This issue celebrates Valentine's Day with LOVE.

A PEBBLE ###########################

We all become more beautiful when we are loved,
and if you have self-love
then you are always beautiful.
Original Source: Alice Walker

REFLECTIONS ##########################

Love Quiz

1. Is anyone a little happier because we came along today?
2. Did we leave someone with any concrete evidence of our kindness, any
sign of our love?
3. Did we try to think of someone in a more positive light?
4. Did we help someone to feel joy?
5. Did we make someone laugh, or at least smile?
6. Have we attempted to remove a little of the rust that is corroding our
relationships?
7. Have we gone through the day without fretting over what we don't have
and celebrating the things we do have?
8. Have we forgiven others for being less than perfect?
9. Have we forgiven ourselves?
10. Have we learned something new about life, living or love?
Submitted by: secret admirer of all Ripples subscribers
Original Source: Leo Buscaglia

SNIPPET ##################################

It is hard for me to believe that 13 years have passed since my friend
Steve took his life during our senior year in high school. Last fall I
visited a quiet spot in my hometown where Steve often slipped away to
contemplate life. His mother had placed a plaque there and I offer its
inscription to you this week with my love:

Come to this special place
In the crisp morn, in the full midday, in the deepening eve;
Rest here to contemplate your world and the universe around you.
Look inward with love and know your own goodness and wisdom.
Look outward with love, and share it with the world.
We need you.
[This plaque celebrates Steven C. Wikel, 10/23/66 - 2/12/85, who touched
more hearts in life than he believed.]

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.04

Ripples, version 1.04 [February 8, 1999]
An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars
Current Number of Subscribers: 220

A PEBBLE ###########################

Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit.
Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.
Original Source: Norman Vincent Peale
Submitted by Cindy Bartz, Oil Equipment Company

REFLECTIONS ##########################
[shared from subscribers]

NOBODY'S PERFECT
When you catch the little things
But overlook the big mistakes,
When everything takes longer
Than what it usually takes,
When nothing goes according to
The best-laid plans you make,
Just remember no one's perfect-
So give yourself a break.

When the stress of your success
Makes your head and stomach ache,
When everything you touch falls though,
Fouls up, goes bad, or breaks,
Please remember that you're human
For your sanity's sake,
And relax---nobody's perfect,
So give yourself a break.
Submitted by Louis Maccarone II, University of Rhode Island,
Original Source: Jill Wolf

[note from Louis: Paul, my mother gave me this little poem on a bookmark
when I was very young after my father passed away. I was an over achieving
little boy; when I did not perform well on whatever task I was given I
would become vary angry with myself to the point of temper tantrums. This
poem has been a calming influence in my life for over half of my life, and
I hope that you share it with all of the Ripples subscribers. Thank you]

RECOMMENDATION #########################
[explore these resources]

Jason Punzel, who works at Action Mortgage in Lake Mills, Wisconsin treated
me to a fabulous lunch in Cambridge last week. He also treated me to a
great book suggestion: "Your Sacred Self: Making the Decision to be Free"
by Wayne Dyer. I am just getting into the meat of the book and already it
is simultaneously stirring up my mind and calming my soul.

SNIPPET ##################################
[from a recent Stone Soup Seminar]

YOU DECIDE. On Saturday, I presented two similar workshops: one to a
group of Girl Scout volunteers and another at a leadership conference for
Pharmacy students. I was reminded that no matter how different our lives
may be, we often face the same challenges. The perspectives and life
experiences of the two groups were divergent, but their reaction to the
concept of TAKING CARE OF YOU was identical: "I KNOW it, I just don't DO
it!" It is easy to slip into the mode of giving to others and putting
ourselves last. When you take care of YOU first, you prevent BURNOUT
which translates into no help for anyone!

ACTION: Stop right now, and do something nice for you. Massage your face,
buy a pop, call a friend, or just think about some happy memory for 60
seconds.............Okay, back to life!

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars

Ripples v1.03

Ripples, version 1.03 [February 1, 1999]
An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars

A PEBBLE ###########################

Work like you don't need money,
love like you've never been hurt, and
dance like no one's watching.
Submitted by Debra Paulson, American Family Insurance,
Original Source: Unknown

REFLECTIONS ##########################

Your world is as big as you make it.
I know, for I used to abide
In the narrowest nest in a corner,
My wings pressing close to my side.
I battered the cordons around me
And cradled my wings on the breeze,
Then soared to the uttermost reaches
With rapture, with power, with ease!
Submitted by Shannon S. Vairo, Michigan Technological University,
Original Source: Georgia Douglass Johnson

RECOMMENDATION #########################

I recently had the opportunity to observe a colleague presenting a workshop
on leadership. Her primary reference: the fine writing of Dr. Seuss. It
reminded me of my favorite: Oh, the Places You'll Go (1990, Random House).
It makes a great gift for anyone who is anticipating or struggling with
change: "And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just
go right along. YOU'LL start happening too." It also makes a great treat
for yourself!


SNIPPET ##################################

This week, I presented a new workshop called "Unit of One: Entrepreneurial
Actions for Creating Your Own Profit Centers" to a group of trainers in
Madison and we spent some time exploring the qualities of successful
entrepreneurs. Two of the qualities were creating vision and being
disciplined. While creating vision is the process of widening your view
and seeing the big picture, discipline is about narrowing your focus and
concentrating on specific objectives. On the way home I found myself
pondering the challenge of finding the right balance between the two.
Which are you better at right now? Which could use some of your energy and
time? Good luck finding that balance!

Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars