eRipples v3.51: Ripples of LESS FEAR!

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eRipples v3.51: Ripples of LESS FEAR!
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=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.
-John F. Kennedy, submitted by Jennifer Yale

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Our doubts are traitors
and make us lose the good
we oft might win
by fearing to attempt
-William Shakespeare, submitted by Ami

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

[This is a "guest ponder" from my friend Sissy who is a long-time
ripples subscriber....I liked her addition to the formula for passion
we've been exploring the past few weeks.]

I am enjoying your formula for passion: ( p + a ) * e2
[purpose and action combined in an enriching environment]

Can I suggest that we include a conscious effort to "extract" fear of
failure? Let me explain: We had a curious 11-year-old house guest
for Thanksgiving. Nicole asked my husband Tom, "If you both have
doctorates, who is smarter?"

I was surprised when Tom jumped in and said, "I am book smart and
have a scientific analytical approach, but Sissy can step into a new
situation with no experience and make it work. Sissy is confident
enough to figure things out." I was pleased with the compliment but
it didn't seem exactly right. Later that weekend I decided that it
isn't "confidence" but rather that I am not afraid of failure.
I've learned something new every time that I've "failed." And it
doesn't hurt!
-written and submitted by Sissy

eRipples v3.50: Ripples of ENRICHING ENVIRONMENTS!

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=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.
-Pearl Bailey, submitted by Nancy

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

i love my angels full of grace
they bring peace to my small space.
i glance at them
from time to time,
and thank the lord for all that's mine.

my angels come in all shapes and sizes
sometimes wearing clever disguises.
their hearts are full
they move with haste,
i love my angels full of grace.

they hug me and
accept me for who i am
they love to dance
in any ol' space,
i love my angels full of grace.

my heart is full
my life is blessed.
i am amazed by all that has come to pass.
and when i look around at my small space,
i see my angels full of grace.
-written and submitted by Bridget Kesner

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

We are on to the third component of the "formula" for passion that I am
experimenting with:

( p + a ) * e2 [purpose and action combined in an enriching environment]

We have explored cultivating PURPOSE and initiating ACTION. The third
component is developing an ENRICHING ENVIRONMENT that allows our
passion to grow. Sometimes we find ourselves in environments that are
draining us rather than filling us up. Whether it is the people or the
physical space, I encourage you to make some changes this week!
Perhaps you need to spend less time with a friend who is a "whiner," or
maybe read an article on fung shui to generate some ideas about how to
arrange your office/home to circulate more positive energy. Whatever you
do, DO SOMETHING so you can ignite your passion!

Peace,
Paul <Paul@TheRipplesProject.org>

eRipples v3.49: Ripples of ACTION!

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eRipples v3.49: Ripples of ACTION!
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=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing
because you can only do a little.
Do what you can.
-Sydney Smith, submitted by Jodie

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

How can you come to know yourself?
Never by thinking;
always by doing.
Try to do your duty,
and you'll know right away
what you amount to.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, submitted by Claudia

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Last week I mentioned my new presentation on the Archeology of
Passion, and the "formula" for passion that I am experimenting with:

( p + a ) * e2 [purpose and action combined in an enriching environment]

Last week we talked about cultivating PURPOSE....and this week we need
to tackle the second component which is initiating ACTION. While it is
important recognize our purpose (or mission, or quest), that is not enough
In order to truly feel passion, we must propel ourselves forward so that we
can achieve our purpose, tackle our mission, and relentlessly pursue our
quest!

I absolutely, double-dog dare you to take some ACTION this week that will
rekindle the passion that rests deep within your soul!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.48: Ripples of PURPOSE

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eRipples v3.48: Ripples of PURPOSE
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=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

We are all lumps of clay and the final work produced
depends on how we choose to sculpt ourselves.
-Matthew Valez, submitted by Michael Green

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

When you are inspired by some great purpose,
some extraordinary project,
all your thoughts break their bonds;
your mind transcends limitations,
your consciousness expands in every direction,
and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive,
and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far
than you ever dreamed yourself to be.
-Patanjali, submitted by Dr. Mia Wesselmann

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

This fall as I developed a new presentation on the Archeology of
Passion, I began experimenting with a "formula" for passion:

( p + a ) * e2 [purpose and action combined in an enriching environment]

The first component is cultivating PURPOSE. I believe that in order
ignite our passion we must first have a sense of direction in our
lives. Do you have a mission in life? How would you be living your
life differently if you had been given a quest to pursue? Do
something this week to ensure you are living your life on purpose!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.47: Ripples of THANKSGIVING!

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=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it
is like wrapping a present and not giving it.
-William Arthur Ward, submitted by Joan

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a effort.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
-original source unknown, submitted by Bev

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

After another visit with my buddies at the U.S. Tennis Association
Headquarters in New York, I am wrapping up my fall craziness in
Boston at the 43rd National Conference on Student Services. I am
thankful for the amazing adventures I have had this year, and I am
thankful for the upcoming holiday rest period.

I am also thankful that so many eRipples readers continue to create
so many kinds of ripples toward their co-workers, friends, family,
community, and strangers. I hope we can all take some time this week
to thank the folks who have sent ripples our way AND remember to take
a breath from our busy schedules with some self-care ripples this
weekend (secret scoop: there is a little arthouse film you may want
to see this weekend; it is about a wizard named Harry...it may not be
playing in your town due to its limited release........)

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.46: Ripples of PASSION!

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eRipples v3.46: Ripples of PASSION!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

There is only one of you in the world, just one.
And if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost.
-Martha Graham, submitted by Ezra

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
-Dawna Markova, submitted by Jay

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I have just arrived home from an adventurous trip to Kiawah Island,
South Carolina where a few hundred long time eRipples subscribers and
I attended the 2001 U.S. Tennis Association Staff Development
Meeting. Chris Murphy and her crew created another amazing event and
I was especially excited to offer a presentation two years in the
making:
"Life Outside the Lines: Igniting Passion In Yourself and Others"

We'll be exploring a few of the components of PASSION over the next
several weeks here in eRipples, but I dare you to spend a few minutes
this week pondering what makes you passionate and how you can make
room for more PASSION in your life! What really fires you up? Dream
about it this week, and we'll explore it more next week!


Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.45: Ripples of HOPE!

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=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

There's no place like hope. -Kobi Yamada

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Those whose hope is weak
settle down for comfort or for violence;
those whose hope is strong
see and cherish all signs of new life
and are ready every moment
to help the birth of that
which is ready to be born.
-Eric Fromm, submitted by Reggie

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

This week I was honored to be a part of a special event honoring the
support staff for Lutheran Social Services from around Wisconsin (and
Michigan's U.P.!). As our time together drew to a close, we spent a
few minutes thinking about hope for our future.

One of the casualties of the recent terrorism is Hope. People around
the country and around the world are beginning to settle for a world
in which terrorism is expected and tolerated. Collectively we unite
to "fight evil," while individually some quietly wonder about
alternatives to violence.

Hope allows us to dream about a world beyond political boundaries,
beyond religious differences, a world where we truly value diversity
over the comfort of "sameness." I dare you to seek the place in your
heart that holds Hope, and to let it grow!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.44: Ripples of YOUR LIGHT!

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eRipples v3.44: Ripples of YOUR LIGHT!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
-James Keller, submitted by Jodie

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

The accumulation of small optimistic acts
produces quality in our culture
and in your life.
Our culture resonates
in tense times
to individual acts of grace.
-Jennifer James

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I spent this week in Ohio; a few days with a team of 12 veterinarians
who wanted to refine their coaching and presenting skills, and then a
couple of days at Miami University of Ohio to attend the annual
gathering of the Ohio Recreational Sports Association. In a module
on motivating others explored in both groups, we discussed the notion
that many of our management systems are based on catching people who
are do something wrong despite our thorough understanding that
punishment avoidance is not as powerful a motivator as positive
reinforcement.

Let's all commit to spending this week seeking out people who are
doing something RIGHT and rewarding them with a smile, a kind word,
or perhaps even a handwritten note (a rare and valued gift in these
days of emails, voicemail, faxes, etc.).

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.43: Ripples of PATIENCE!

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eRipples v3.43: Ripples of PATIENCE!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

We would never learn to be brave or patient
if there were only joy in the world.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Amy in Lincoln, NE


=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

...I want to beg you, as much as I can,
to be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms
and like books that are written in a foreign tongue.

Do not now seek the answers,
which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to love everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it,
live along some distant day into the answer.
Resolve to be always beginning - to be a beginner.
- Rainer Maria Rilke, submitted by Claudia in North Carolina


=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

This week included a trip to Oklahoma and a chance to spend a few
days with the Oklahoma School Food Service Association. While the
trip was one more chance to see gorgeous fall colors and spend some
time with another awesome group of "lunch ladies," it was also a
chance to notice that my life is speeding up so quickly that I'm
often thinking about the trip home before I have even arrived at the
destination.

I am going to spend this week enjoying the remainder of fall colors
and being patient enough to enjoy today! I hope you can do the same!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.42: RIPPLES OF CURIOSITY!

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eRipples v3.42: RIPPLES OF CURIOSITY!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

We keep moving forward, opening up new doors, and doing new things,
because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.
-Walt Disney, submitted by Bev Petska

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Do not try to satisfy your vanity
by teaching a great many things.
Awaken people's curiosity.
It is enough to open minds;
do not overload them.
Put there just a spark.
If there is some good inflammable stuff,
it will catch fire.
- Anatole France, submitted by Brian Hughes

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Last week I wrote in from San Diego. This week I found the OTHER
coast when I visited Valencia Community College in Florida. During a
professional development workshop on dealing with change, we talked
about the importance of viewing changes as opportunities for growth
even when acknowledging that change can be challenging.

Here is your homework for this week: ponder a change you are
anticipating or experiencing. Let yourself stop worrying or
resisting and spend one day simply being CURIOUS about how the change
might be an incredible opportunity wrapped up in the disguise of
change.

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.41: Ripples of PLANTING!

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eRipples v3.41: Ripples of PLANTING!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

You will not be known for the fruit you pick
but by the trees you plant.
-Proverb, submitted by Mary

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

The way you see people
is the way you treat them,
and the way you treat them
is what they become.
-Goethe, submitted by Jim

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I am enjoying a little sunshine and a big ocean here in San Diego at
the 42nd National Conference on Student Services. In a workshop on
the art of interpersonal interactions, we explored the notion of
building relationships by creating deposits with people. Sometimes
there are people in the group (at work, at school, in the
neighborhood, wherever) that we don't particularly like so we spend
as little time with them as possible. Then, when we have a conflict
with them, we don't know them very well and thus are likely to think
even LESS of them afterwards! Perhaps we need to create some
deposits in the relationship before our next conflict so we can get
to know them and perhaps <gasp> even LIKE them!

Do us all a favor this week by choosing someone in your life that you
occasionally spend time with but don't know very well and make an
effort to get to know them.

And let me know how it goes!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.40: Ripples of WIND & RAIN!

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eRipples v3.40: Ripples of WIND & RAIN!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

A certain amount of opposition is a help, not a hindrance.
Kites rise against the wind, not with it.
-original source unknown, submitted by Mary

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much
bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye."
-original source unknown, submitted by Colleen


=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I attended three conferences this week: one for financial educators who
work at banks around Wisconsin, one in Indianapolis on diversity issues,
and one on bovine leadership (okay, it was actually a conference for
Milwaukee-area college student leaders, but in Wisconsin we LOVE cows
so there was a fair amount of "moo-ing" going on!) While of course
conversations eventually included mention of the events of earlier in the
month, we agreed that it is important to recognize the opportunities for
growth that evolve from trying times. Several individuals shared
strategies which they and/or their organizations have utilized to move
beyond the pain and into new directions. It reminded me that many of my
successes in work and life began as responses to difficult times I
encountered along the way.

I hope you can spend some time this week deciding how you can grow
stronger from the challenges we are facing.

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.39: Ripples of WE!

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eRipples v3.39: Ripples of WE!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

We are being hurt by the myth that leadership is something reserved for a
few charismatic men and women.
 In fact, leadership is everyone's business.
-Tom Peters, submitted by Ron in Madison, WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Our lives, at times, seem a study in contrasts...
love and hate, birth and death, right and wrong...
everything seen in the absolutes of black and white.
Too often we are not aware that it is
the shades of grey
that add depth and meaning
to the starkness of those extremes.
-Ansel Adams, submitted by Ashlee

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

I spent time this week at both Centralia College (near Seattle,
Washington) and Western Illinois University (near, er, not really near
anything!) at leadership conferences. During lunch at WIU, I was eating
with a group of participants who were posed this question: "How do you
define a leader?" As I listened to their diverse and thoughtful responses I
found myself struggling to compose a definition myself. I decided in the
moment that a leader's role is to bring together a group of people to
achieve a common goal.

It seems the U.S. has come together in a strong way over the past few
weeks to form a team. A growing concern is that our country has become
a "We" only because we are united against a "They." While I have certainly
been impressed with our ability to unite in the face of crisis, it concerns
me that we have demonized a "They" which is escalating the same kind of
dangerous hatred that culminated in the events of September 11. Here is
a challenge for our leaders: please help us find a way to come together
as a "We" without creating a "They!"

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.38: Ripples of PEACE!

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eRipples v3.38: Ripples of PEACE!

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

If we make our goal to live a life of
compassion and unconditional love,
then the world will indeed become a garden
where all kinds of flowers can bloom and grow.
-Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, submitted by Jennifer

Peace is not something you wish for.
It is something you make, something you do,
something you are, and something you give away.
- Robert Fulghum (originally rippled in Ripples v1.15)

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

We who lived in concentration camps can remember those who walked
through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread.
They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that
everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the
human freedoms . . . to choose one's attitude in any given set of
circumstance, to choose one's own way.
-Viktor Frankl, submitted by Phyllis

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.
-Bill Douglas, submitted by Kevin (originally rippled
in Ripples v1.48)


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

I ventured into airspace this week to spend Saturday in Pennsylvania with
an amazing group of resident assistants (students who help their peers
survive and thrive in college). I ended the day with these words:

"Many of us are feeling totally helpless in this aftermath of horror: We ask
ourselves, "What can we do if we live far away from New York &
Washington?" It turns out there IS something very significant that we all
need to do: CREATE RIPPLES OF PEACE! Every kind act you commit
creates ripples that will reach beyond the intended target. Ripples will
reach everyone in your community. Ripples will reach New York. Ripples
will reach Washington. Ripples will reach the Middle East. Ripples will
reach Ireland. Ripples will reach everywhere in the world that needs
peace. And please remember that everywhere in the world needs peace!"

I urge you to spend extra time this week creating ripples of peace. Say
"thank you," forgive someone, wave at your neighbors, buy lunch for a
stranger, high-five your boss, look in the mirror and say "Hello!" If you're
feeling really brave, try sending a ripple of peace to someone who
"doesn't deserve it" and see how powerful that experience can be!

To expand upon a phrase I've heard frequently this week: "God Bless The
World!"

Peace,

eRipples v3.37: Ripples of SAYING IT!

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eRipples v3.37: Ripples of SAYING IT!

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

Never be bullied into silence.
 Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
-Harvey Firestein, submitted by Lucia Patritto

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

What are the silences that you swallow day by day?
If we wait to speak until we are not afraid,
we will be sending messages back from the grave...
While we wait in silence for that final luxury of fearlessness,
the weight of that silence will choke us.
-Audre Lorde, submitted by Lin Hinds

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

There is a good chance you have been putting it off, and that is just not
good for your soul. Reach in and find your voice! This week is the perfect
opportunity for you to reach deep inside and uncover the Message you've
been wanting to deliver. It may be something you've wanted to say to a
family member, supervisor, co-worker, friend or maybe it is something
you've wanted to tell the world.

Take a deep breath, and SAY IT!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.36: Ripples of SUCCEEDING!

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eRipples v3.36: Ripples of SUCCEEDING!

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

Eventually you learn that the competition
is against the little voice inside you that wants to quit.
-George Sheehan, submitted by Brian Hughes

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

Success is the feeling you get when you know
You did something so special, you were the star of your show.
Its a fire that crackles and feels like it glows.
You get all excited right down through your toes.
It makes you so peppy, you can hardly sit still.
Your mind dances around you from ridges to rill.
You speak with conviction you believe in yourself.
You say what you're thinking, you jump off your shelf.
The people you meet stay on just to listen.
They stay all around you to learn how to glisten.
And later that day when you are alone
you find that you're smiling right through to the bone.
For success is the service, turned into esteem.
You did something for others, your lamp's on high beam.
You look on ahead not frightened or shy.
You can see more good coming, you know by and by.
That you've got what it takes to build on the past,
remembering highlights and memories that last.
Putting others out front, you turn inside out.
You feel what they're feeling. Their praises you shout.
You wrap it in presents, and still you get more.
You draw it in pictures, it comes in the door.
You keep on giving it and giving it away.
But success keeps on coming, and it stays
and it stays and it stays.
-Janie Jasin, submitted by Barbara Dorzweiler

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

I wrapped up another round of travels this week with a quick trip to
Parkersburg, West Virginia to help the Wood County Schools' Food
Service crew kick off their year, and a brief stop at the University of
Wisconsin - Superior for their new student orientation. My task at both
places was to help the participants create a year of success, and I
reminded them that it is important to remember that even though we face
many EXTERNAL obstacles along the path, it is our INTERNAL resources
that can help us find that success!

As our summers wrap up and we head into another autumn, I hope you
can reach INSIDE and discover some awesome resources that will help
YOU succeed!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.35: Ripples of NO LABOR!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.35: Ripples of NO LABOR!

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

Burnout is not biting off more than you can chew...
...it is biting off more than you can savor.
-source unknown, submitted by Venus Campbell

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

Every now and then go away,
have a little relaxation,
for when you come back to your work
your judgment will be surer.

Go some distance away because then
the work appears smaller and
more of it can be taken in at a glance and
a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.
-Leonardo Da Vinci, submitted by Ezra A Adams

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

I spent a bit of time this week at Ursinus College in Pennsylvannia before
zooming to Central Michigan University and then over to University of
Nebraska. At each stop I hung out with people who are preparing to kick
off another year of helping college students.

It seems that the teams at all three schools are SUPER FIRED UP about
helping the students, but have not spent much time preparing for the
inevitable exhaustion that comes from "spending yourself up" in the
service of others.

I want THEM to provide good help by becoming self-care experts. I want
YOU to provide good help by becoming a self-care experts. I want ME to
provide good help to others by becoming a self-care expert! Let's all be
sure to spend some quality time this week (perhaps during the upcoming
Labor Day holiday weekend?) becoming self-care experts!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.34: Ripples of DOING IT!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.34: Ripples of DOING IT!

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

Courage is being scared to death,
but saddling up anyway.
-John Wayne, submitted by Matt Mulder
(submitter's note: It has greater meaning when you consider John Wayne
hated horses. He actually preferred poodles.)


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

I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career.
I've lost almost 300 games.
Twenty-six times I've been trusted
to take the game-winning shot and missed.
I've failed over and over again in my life.
And that is why I succeed.
-Michael Jordan, submitted by Ezra A Adams

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

We are not alone!

It turns out there are OTHER people out there making cool ripples too! I
received an email this week from Randy Sandknop whose website proves
that there are many people out there making waves! Visit Randy's ripples:
http://www.RipplesOfKindness.com/

Congrats to Randy and the many other people who make ripples every
day.... I hope YOU can think about a ripple to make this week. AND THEN
DO IT!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.33: Ripples of FOLLOWING YOUR HEART!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.33: Ripples of FOLLOWING YOUR HEART!

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

If my head can dream it, and my heart believes it, then I can achieve it.
- Muhammed Ali, submitted by Michael Cain

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

It is only
with the heart
that one can
see rightly.

What is
essential
is invisible
to the eye.
-Antoine de St. Exupery, submitted by Dan Rippl & Nevada Smith

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

I was in the southeast this week, first making some new friends with
almost 2,000 attendees of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
Conference and then I returned to University of North Carolina at Asheville
for another opportunity to help them kick off the academic year.

Different challenges face both groups: visual language interpreters are
constantly learning the latest communication techniques while they try to
manage the inevitable burnout that faces professional helpers. New
students are taking some big steps toward independence and identity
development as they embark on their college experience.

While the challenges the two groups face are very different, the key to
success can be found in the same place: THE HEART! Interpreters seek
passion to continue their good works, and the students need courage to
embrace the many new opportunities they face. I know both groups are
up for the challenge, and I hope YOU can find in your heart whatever you
need to help make this week an AWESOME one!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.32: Ripples of OPTIMISM!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.32: Ripples of OPTIMISM!

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

Spare me the grim litany of the "realist,"
give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.
-Colin Powell, submitted by Vicki Verhasselt


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

A pessimist
is one who makes
difficulties of opportunities
and an optimist
is one who makes
opportunities of difficulties.
-Harry Truman, submitted by Bev Petska


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

Here is my take on why pessimism is more popular and more prevalent
than optimism: in the short term it is EASIER to be pessimistic. There
are dozen of ways how something might NOT work out while there are
only a few ways that it WILL work. When pondering what could go wrong,
your mind swarms with possibilities...but then dries up when considering
what could go right. Ask a group why a certain option is a bad idea and
they can brainstorm for an hour, but ask them why it is a good idea and
often the ideas trickle only for a few minutes before complete silence sets
in.

In the long term, however, optimism triumphs over pessimism. Over time,
people who develop the skill of seeing the extraordinary possibilities, who
believe in the wild notions of success, who dare to imagine overcoming
tremendous obstacles, eventually train their bodies, minds, and spirits to
accept the challenges. And they very often WIN! And even when they don't
make it all the way, their journey is so much more adventurous and worth
experiencing!

I dare you to spend the extra effort this week seeing the positive side,
exploring the possibilities, and seeking the way it CAN work.

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.31: Ripples of IMPROVEMENT

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.31: Ripples of IMPROVEMENT

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

What you want to be eventually, you must be every day.
With practice, the quality of your deeds gets down to your soul.
-Frank Crane, submitted by Dave Wollschlager

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

Plan for gradual improvement, not spectacular leaps.

Practically everything worthwhile in life is achieved in small steps.
Education is accumulated gradually, babies grow up a day at a time,
beautiful gardens are designed and grown slowly; talents are honed,
relationships are forged, deep affection is created, all very gradually.
Each of our lives is a series of gradual campaigns in all areas - job,
family, friends - to make a better life, and few campaigns move quickly.

Nature provides many guidelines here. A slow and steady stream of water
will, in time, erode the hardest rock; a small, insignificant sprout will, in
time, slowly and imperceptibly turn into a mighty oak; almost unnoticed, a
child will, in time, grow up to be an independent adult. Recognize the
gradualness of life and the power of 'in time'.
-David Campbell, submitted by Betsy Stone


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

As my summer begins to wind down towards another set of fall
conferences, academic year kickoffs and related events, I am inviting
myself to practice "baby steps" of improvement. They are not daunting,
they are not scary. They also do not seem as significant in the short term
and my impatience sometimes rears its nasty head. In the long run,
though, 100 days of baby steps gets me further along my path than a few
days of big leaps!

There is something you are wanting to improve in your life....take a baby
step today and enjoy the increment!

Peace,

Paul

eRipples v3.30: Ripples of AMAZING TODAY!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.30: Ripples of AMAZING TODAY!

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

Each today, well-lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and each
tomorrow a vision of hope. Look, therefore, to this one day, for it and it
alone is life.
-Sanskrit poem, submitted by Jeanne L. Engle

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

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the day ends.
I have responsibilities to fulfill today.
I am important.
My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or
I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can grumble about my health or
I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or
I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or
I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or
I can feel honored because Life has provided shelter
for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
-source unknown, submitted by Linda Nesheim

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

This week I ventured to the amazing Opryland Hotel in Nashville,
Tennessee to visit with the American School Food Service Association
(Lunch Ladies!) before rushing back to Wisconsin to speak at the
commencement ceremonies of CUNA's three year credit union
management training program. Some crazy travel challenges I faced in
the span of just a few days (lost luggage, blown tire, etc.) began to
overwhelm me until I read the above quotes and was reminded that no
matter what happens to me today, I get to DECIDE how I am going to feel.

It made the rest of the week a little nicer by reminding me to ENJOY
TODAY! I hope you can do the same this week.

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.29: Ripples of EXPERIMENTATION!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.29: Ripples of EXPERIMENTATION!

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

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.
-source unknown, submitted by Lissa Melton

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

And I learned what is obvious to a child.
That life is simply a collection of little lives,
each lived one day at a time.

That each day should be spent
finding beauty in flowers and poetry
and talking to animals.

That a day spent with dreaming
and sunsets and refreshing breezes
cannot be bettered.
-Nicholas Sparks, submitted by Elizabeth Russell

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

This week found me in Michigan for an early beginning to the fall series of
new student orientations. The first year students at Kettering University
were exploring the many ways to get involved on campus during the day I
visited, and we spent some time encouraging them to experiment with
lots of different activities before settling on a few to concentrate more
heavily on.

On my way back to the airport in Detroit, I stopped by for dinner with some
friends and found that they were doing some experimenting of their own.
In the process of baking apple, blueberry, and pumpkin pies for dessert,
they discovered they had enough extra dough for a fourth pie.....so they
decided to experiment with the left over ingredients....and created a truly
unique blueberry/apple pie. We were all curious to try it, but each of us
had our eye on the other pies because we KNEW how delicious they were
going to be.

It turns out that many of us actually enjoyed the experimental pie the most!
Perhaps it was the unique taste, or maybe it was because we didn't know
what to expect, but I have decided to spend this week experimenting
more. I dare you to join me, and tell me what worked and what didn't!

Peace,

Paul

eRipples v3.28: Ripples of FREEDOM!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.28: Ripples of FREEDOM!

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

Freedom is knowing who you really are.
-Linda Thomson, submitted by Judy Ashby

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

We can have
excuses,
or
we can have
health,
love,
longevity,
understanding,
adventure,
money,
happiness.

We design our lives
through the power
of our choices.
- Richard Bach, submitted by Tara Francis

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

I celebrated Independence Day with a few days of rest and relaxation. I
spent time thinking about the choices I make which bring me more
freedom, and some of my choices which create less freedom. It seems
there are times when I choose to let little frustrations really bother me
(when IS that dog going to stop barking, when IS that person going to get
out of my way) and I can let a moment or even an entire afternoon slip
away without remembering that I could free myself from a bad mood just
by choosing a different mindset or simply focusing on something else.

If you are feeling trapped right now, perhaps you can spend this week
expanding your freedom by expanding your choices about how you think
or feel about something!

Oh, and enjoy today! Even though some of the hottest days of summer
have yet to arrive, the daylight hours are already shrinking a few minutes
each day so be sure you see a few awesome sunsets while they are
happening after 8pm instead of at 6pm!

Peace,

Paul

eRipples v3.27: Ripples of SHAKING IT OFF!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.27: Ripples of SHAKING IT OFF!
July 2, 2001

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

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
- Plato, submitted by Anna Lennon <annalennon@hotmail.com>

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

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried
piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally the farmer decided the animal was old and the well needed to be
covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. So he
invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a
shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then,
to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the
farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw.
With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something
amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's
neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it
off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out
of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a
stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping,
never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!
-original source unknown, submitted by Nicolle Dearborn

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

I finished off June with a glorious excursion to the Pacific Ocean to
participate in the 25th annual Seaside Wellness Conference which
gathers wellness professionals from around Oregon (and around the
northwest) for four days of education and inspiration. One of the
workshops I presented was on dealing with difficult people and we had a
blast generating a long list of personality types that make our lives more
challenging.

One useful insight came as we explained that sometimes we make
situations worse by taking the personality traits of a co-worker (or family
member) personally. Sometimes those people are the way they are
because of something that happened a long time ago and it isn't useful
(or accurate) for us to think that we caused them to be that way. It doesn't
mean we always have to put up with negative behaviors, but it can help us
maintain our sanity by not taking it personally. Shake it off and take a step
up this week!

Peace,

Paul

eRipples v3.26: Ripples of YOUR JOURNEY!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.26: Ripples of YOUR JOURNEY!

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

How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.
-Annie Dillard, submitted by McCall Erickson

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

There was a time I seemed to sail upon a vast, blue sea,
Scanning the horizon for some distant, golden shore,
Imagining that happiness lay just ahead of me,
In some wondrous perfect place I'd never seen before...
But as the days and years passed by,
I came to comprehend
That the joy is in the journeying,
Not at the journey's end.
-Dorothy Colgan, submitted by Kathy

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

This week several eRipples subscribers and I ventured north to Toronto
for CUNA Mutual Group's annual Discovery Conference. During a
workshop on time management we discussed the difference between
having EVERYTHING we want (virtually impossible to obtain), and
ANYTHING we want (which we CAN obtain). Most of us will not get
everything we want during our lifetimes, but persistent individuals can
strive to obtain and achieve anything they want!

If you could have ANYTTHING, what would it be? I hope your journey this
week moves you closer to it!

Peace,

Paul
Paul@TheRipplesProject.org

eRipples v3.25: Ripples of BABY STEPS!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.25: Ripples of BABY STEPS!

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

Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.
- Oprah Winfrey, submitted by Bee Sena


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

Plan for gradual improvement, not spectacular leaps.
Practically everything worthwhile in life is achieved in small steps.
Education is accumulated gradually,
babies grow up a day at a time,
beautiful gardens are designed and grown slowly;
talents are honed, relationships are forged,
deep affection is created, all very gradually.

Each of our lives is a series of gradual campaigns in all areas - job,
family, friends -
to make a better life, and few campaigns move quickly.

Nature provides many guidelines here.
A slow and steady stream of water will, in time, erode the hardest rock;
a small, insignificant sprout will, in time, slowly and imperceptibly turn into
a mighty oak;
almost unnoticed, a child will, in time, grow up to be an independent adult.
Recognize the gradualness of life and the power of 'in time'."

-David Campbell, Submitted by: Betsy Stone


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

This week I spent a bit of time with some awesome high school leaders at an inspiring conference called Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership in Wisconsin. One of the things we touched on was the fact
that every single thing you do builds leadership, so you need to think about every step you take. I think this is true for all of us as we develop our personal leadership skills too!

I dare you to take some baby steps this week to improve your life in a spectacular way!

p.s. Thank you for all of your amazing support this month as we "baby stepped" our way to the new home for eRipples.

Peace,

Paul
Paul@TheRipplesProject.org

eRipples v3.24: Ripples of DREAMS COME TRUE!

eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.24: Ripples of DREAMS COME TRUE!

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

If my head can dream it,
and my heart believes it,
then I can achieve it.
-Muhammed Ali, submitted by Michael Cain

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

When I was studying at UCLA in the early 1960s, I also worked at Disneyland. I
often heard from other employees that during the Anaheim Park construction, all
the construction managers, accountants, consultants, and architects agreed that
there was a specific system and timetable necessary to keep costs under control
and ensure the park was completed on time. To adhere to their system meant that
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Fantasyland, which was to be visible from virtually
any- and everywhere in the park, was to be built last.

When Walt Disney learned of their cost-efficiency scheme, he insisted that the
Castle be built first. He believed the Castle provided a vision for the rest of
the construction, and its image would remind all the workers on a daily basis
what was meant to happen within the park.

Despite his busy schedule, Walt regularly toured the park, offering his hand
and encouragement to individual employees. One day I asked him about the story
(which had become a legend among employees). He asked me to look up toward the
Castle and to tell him what I saw. I said, "Imagination."

He put his hand on my shoulder and said,
"Now you tell me if that story is true."
-Rey Carr, submitted by Kim Voisin


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

Well, we made it into our new home here at The Ripples Project's website! A
few bumps along the way, but not bad! In addition to the amazing talent of our
web designer, Steve Tesmer ( http://www.TheTallGuy.com ), it took some extra
help from the cool people at Global Dialog, my internet service provider, as
well as the many kind words and gobs of patience from about 4,000 eRipples
readers who are now officially members of The Ripples Project!

So, the next step after we open The Ripples Store (in the next few
weeks...watch for it!) is to create more features to help you inspire and
reward small waves of kindness. What would help you do that? Any ideas, let
us know!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.23: Ripples of the UNKNOWN!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.23: Ripples of the UNKNOWN!
Monday, June 4, 2001

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

We tend not to choose the unknown...
and yet it is the unknown with all its disappointments and
surprises that is the most enriching.
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift From the Sea, submitted by Sarah Schacht

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

When you come to the end of everything you know
And are faced with the darkness of the unknown,
Faith is knowing one of two things will happen.
Either there will be something solid for you to stand on,
Or you will be taught how to fly.
-Barbara J. Winter, submitted by Bridget Kesner

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

A few days ago I ventured to New Hampshire to help Plymouth State
College kick off their summer orientation program that helps new
students and their parents prepare for the next chapter in their
lives. The central point of the address was to embrace this
adventure and enjoy every minute of it. After I wrapped up my
presentation, I hopped onto a tiny highway for a short visit to the
Maine coastline. Only a few minutes into my trip I became aware of a
dark uneasiness that had crept over my soul. I was uncomfortable and
I couldn't figure out why. During my 4th or 5th glance at the map to
be sure I was on the right road I realized the problem: I didn't
know exactly where I was going! I had never been on this road and
there were all these possible "wrong turns!"

When I realized that I was blatantly ignoring some pretty good advice
I had just dispensed about embracing the unknown, I took drastic
steps: I pulled over at the next roadside store (which turned about
to be sitting on the lake where "On Golden Pond" was filmed!),
changed into comfy clothes, and jumped back in the car with some
awesome homemade ice cream and a whole new perspective.

The rest of the drive was slow, easy, (a little rainy), and quite
intriguing. In fact, I am going to hit the "send" button now and by
the time you read this I will be on another tiny road heading to,
well, the Unknown!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.22: Ripples of REACHING!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.22: Ripples of REACHING!
Monday, May 28, 2001

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

Those people are a success who have lived well, laughed often and loved much;…
who have filled their niche and accomplished their task;
who leave the world better than they found it;…
who looked for the best in others and gave the best they had.
-Robert Louis Stevenson, submitted by Mary Kurtz

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

We never know how high we are
'Till we're asked to rise
And if we are true to plan
Our statures touch the skies

The heroism we recite
Would be a normal thing
Did not ourselves the cupits warp
For fear to be a king
-Emily Dickenson (1871), submitted by HSN13

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

I feel like I am about to embark on the longest roller coaster ride
ever and I am thrilled and terrified at the same time! The Ripples
Project has been steadily evolving from a few friends and colleagues
getting this email to thousands of people around the country (and
world, actually!) who are excited to participate in an organization
whose mission is to encourage small waves of kindness.

It thrills me to think about the opportunities we will have to make
it easy for people to inspire and reward kind acts amidst the busy
schedules we all have. Some of our subscribers have been inquiring
for months about how they can take a more active part in the
organization and this fall we will have several new ways to spend a
few minutes a week making a significant contribution to The Ripples
Project!

At the same time, it terrifies me to wonder what will go wrong! As
we move this newsletter over to the new home on The Ripples Project's
website, are we going to accidentally send a bunch of blank emails
which will cause a flurry of quick departures? Can our service
providers answer the many questions I have about creating and
maintaining an ecommerce site. Will we build it and no one will
come? Will anyone dance with me? (whoops, that is left over from my
8th grade graduation dance).

And that is what REACHING is all about: Thrills and Terror at the
same time! Fears and risks are not just the yucky parts of this
equation: they are the delicious spices that make new adventures
(and roller coasters) so exhilarating!

I am going to spend this week taking my hands off the safety bars,
reaching into the sky, and enjoying the ride. I hope you can join me!

Peace,
Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.21: Ripples of CRAYONS

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.21: Ripples of CRAYONS
Monday, May 14, 2001

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

There is no one I cannot teach something to,
and no one I cannot learn something from.
-original source unknown, submitted by

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

We could learn a lot from crayons:
some are sharp,
some are pretty,
some are dull,
some have weird names,
and all are different colors...
but they all have to learn how to live in the same box...
-original source unknown, submitted by Bridget Kesner


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

It is always a treat to color in a new state on my "places I've been"
map, so I was excited to accept an invitation to address the Utah
Leadership Academy which was held last week in Ogden, Utah. The
mountains were magnificent, the Great Salt Lake was serene, and the
leaders I spent time with were among the most engaging I have ever
met!

I was also intrigued with the cultural climate and found myself
surprisingly nervous about the potential "values conflicts" I might
encounter. After all, I live in progressive Madison, Wisconsin and
imagined the more conservative flavor of Utah with its rich Mormon
history might be intimidating.

Fear tends to be rooted in a basic fear of the unknown; it took me
only a few minutes to discover that the conference participants had
much in common with my own value system. We had differences, of
course, and those differences fueled discussions that challenged us
to re-think some of our perceptions! In the end, it was our common
passion for helping others that allowed us to teach together, learn
together, and laugh together!

I'll have to find a special color for Utah so I can remember the
amazing scenery and my awesome new friends!

On another note, we are gearing up for a series of BIG CHANGES for
eRipples! My trusted website designer and technology wizard is
creating an expanded home for The Ripples Project which will include
the archives of eRipples as well as a new store where you can
purchase notecards, posters, and Ripples Cards! We are anticipating
a smooth transition, but we're also counting on your patience as we
iron out the inevitable bumps in the road!

Peace,

Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.20: Ripples of WORRY FREE DAY!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.20: Ripples of WORRY FREE DAY!
Monday, May 14, 2001

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

Worry gives small things a big shadow.
-Swedish Proverb, submitted by Lucia Patritto

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

Worry is the misuse of the imagination.
When you have done your best,
await the results in peace.
-Audrey Woodball, submitted by Misty Lee Smith

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

I woke up this morning, full of WORRY! In addition to a bunch of
deadlines for various projects, I had not worked on this week's issue
of eRipples and I wanted it to be a good one! I don't even have an
good excuse of a busy week! It was a no-travel, "hang out and spend
time with an amazing assortment of really cool people and not have
too big of an agenda" type of week. So I sat down to my computer and
started sifting through recent submissions and my worries grew as
nothing was jumping out and saying PICK ME, PICK ME!

And then I came across the above quotes and I knew what I had to do:
stop worrying! Look at the time right now, and make a commitment to
not worry for the next 24 hours. My clock says 9:30am right now so
until 9:31am tomorrow, every time I catch myself worrying I am going
to think of these quotes and put off worrying until later! Join me,
I DARE YOU!

Peace,
Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.19: Ripples of BEGINNING

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.19: Ripples of BEGINNING
Monday, May 7, 2001

PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.
That will be the beginning.
-Louis L'Amour, submitted by Meghann McCall &
Monica C. Nohr

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

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,
the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of initiative and creation,
there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which
kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
that the moment one definitely commits oneself,
then providence moves too.

All sorts of things occur to help one that
would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents,
meetings and material assistance which no man
could have dreamed would have come his way.

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

Begin it now.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, submitted by Keith A. King


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

Many eRipples readers are preparing for commencement ceremonies
around this time of year, either for their own graduation or for
someone they care about. We have come to regard these festivities as
the final step in a significant educational achievement whether it is
a year of kindergarten or a decade of doctoral studies. Remember,
however, that COMMENCEMENT does not mean THE END! The first
definition in my dictionary reads "A beginning!"

Whether you are preparing to leave school, leave a job, or leave
another part of your life behind, focus a bit of your energy on the
end of that life chapter and focus MOST of your energy on the new
chapter you are about to begin!

Peace,

Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.18: Ripples of HUMBLE PURSUITS!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.18: Ripples of HUMBLE PURSUITS!
Monday, April 30, 2001

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

Count no day lost in which you waited your turn,
took only your share and sought advantage over no one.
-Robert Brault, submitted by Loren Knutson

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

It's the action,
not the fruit of the action that's important...
It may not be in your power,
may not be in your time,
that there'll be any fruit.

But that doesn't man you stop doing the right thing.
You may never know what results come from your action.
But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
-Mohandas Gandhi, submitted by Jennifer Kalberg

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

Some days I put so much energy into the BIG PICTURE things I do that
I forget our lives are really created from the small decisions made
each day and each moment. The ripples created from letting someone
with fewer items jump ahead of me in line at the grocery store may be
more powerful than the ripples I make when I deliver an inspirational
speech to a thousand people. And while I have a relatively small
number of opportunities to give presentations, there are countless
moments in my life where a life can be altered with the smallest
gesture. Use this week to savor those tiny opportunities to make big
changes in our world!

Peace,

Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.17: Ripples of BUTTERFLIES!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.17: Ripples of BUTTERFLIES!
Monday, April 23, 2001

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

Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp,
but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
-Hawthorne (Nathaniel?), Submitted by: Mary K Lourigan

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

There are two ways to study butterflies:
chase them with nets then inspect their dead bodies,
or sit quietly in a garden and watch them dance among the flowers.
-Nongnuch Bassham, Submitter: Jodi Yeager

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

Spring is certainly a time of transformation, and these butterfly
quotes sent my mind spinning around the notion of change and how
often we want to "hurry up and be different" instead of enjoying the
gradual shifts in our lives. Remember: Butterflies that emerge too
quickly never fly, and caterpillars that are not purposeful in their
construction never reach their full potential. If you are in a
period of change right now, I hope you can take each step as it
appears and focus on the present moment so you will be fully prepared
to fly when your time comes!

Peace & Happy Flying!
Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.16: Ripples in the Sandbox!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.16: Ripples in the Sandbox!

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

People often find themselves achieving victories that have come at
the expense of things they suddenly realize were valuable to them.
People from every walk of life often struggle to achieve a higher
income, more recognition, or professional competence, only to find
that their drive blinded them to the things that really mattered.
-Stephen Covey, submitted by Colleen Matthews

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

Think about it: memories of the sandbox for most of us evoke
positive memories of warm sunny days, shoveling, sifting and watering
our land of sand. We tasted the stuff, threw the stuff, had it in
our hair, eyes, and every other conceivable place on our bodies.
Many of us learned to share in the sandbox. By sharing our tools and
toys we were able to build bigger and better towns and castles.
Sharing expanded our fun and experience.

Somewhere the idea of sharing lost its appeal and the motto "the
person with the most toys wins" took over. Those who were in the
sandbox just to win hurt the feelings of others that were committed
to the bigger goal. Our fun was diminished by these selfish souls
who refused to share.
-written and submitted by Bridget Kesner

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

The last stop on my "exhilarating yet exhausting" round of travels
was a day with the Wisconsin Chapter of Meeting Professionals
International. We spent some time discussing our ever expanding pile
of what we WANT. The supreme irony: if you want to get MORE out of
life, the best thing you can do is realize what you already HAVE and
then GIVE SOME AWAY! Focusing on the good stuff you already possess
shrinks the urgency to acquire more, and giving some of it away makes
room for more to enter your life. And life in the sandbox is much
more fun when everyone is sharing their toys!

Take some time this week to realize what you ALREADY HAVE, and then
give some away!

Peace,
Paul Wesselmann

eRipples v3.15: Ripples of MAGNIFICENT YOU!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.15: Ripples of MAGNIFICENT YOU!
Monday, April 9, 2001

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

The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The meaning of life is giving your gift away.
- David Viscott, submitted by jwindberg

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

I don't think
you can make a contribution
until you've moved beyond
wondering if you're good enough.
-Nancy Badore, submitted by Stephanie Bastianelli

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

This week was my own Tale of Two Cities: I began in peaceful
Greensboro NC where I spent some time enhancing the mentoring skills
of an awesome group of sales representatives from Novartis; I
finished the week off in bustling Washington, D.C. for the 41st
National Conference on Student Services. During presentations with
both groups, we explored the tremendous power in helping others reach
their potential. The irony is that many of us who are good at
helping others are NOT good at recognizing our own gifts!

Remember that your ability to effectively help others depends a great
deal on your ability to accept your Magnificent You! Do something
this week to celebrate your gifts!

Peace,

Paul

eRipples v3.14: Ripples of CHOICES!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.14: Ripples of CHOICES!
Monday, April 2, 2001

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

You don't get to control any outcome,
 only every choice along the way.
-Stephen C. Paul
Submitter: Judy Ashby

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

Everything can be taken
from a person but one thing,
the last of the human freedoms:
to choose one's attitude
in any given set of circumstances,
to choose one's way.
-Victor Frankl

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

I have lived a HAPPY FLYING week as I dashed to Reno to hang out with
my good friends from NIRSA (an amazing crew of recreational sports
professionals), and then back across the country to Wheeling, West
Virginia to spend a day with my NEW friends from the West Virginia
School Food Service Association (you remember the lunch ladies from
your grade school days, right?). At both conferences, we talked
about the power of choices. There are so many things that happen to
us that we do not choose.

For each of those "happenings," however, we DO get to choose how we
respond. And every choice we make affects our destiny. When
something yucky happens, we have choices to make about how we will
respond: we can give up, lash out, pass on our frustration to the
next person unlucky enough to cross our path, OR we can try to find a
meaning or positive purpose, let go of the yuck, and move on.

Give yourself an awesome gift this week: make a choice that serves
your highest purpose!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.13: Ripples of WINNING!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.13: Ripples of WINNING!
Monday, March 26, 2001

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

If it is true that nice people finish last, I would like to think it
is because they stop to look at the scenery.
Author: adapted from unknown source
Submitter: "Ruben Guy"

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

The world is a fast and furious race.
There are people who stop and slip off to the park
and gaze at the stars and dance in the meadows.
They never win the race-they don't even try.
The rest of the world thinks they are crazy or childish.
The rest of the world doesn't know what they're missing.
Author: Noah Snyder
Submitter: Renate

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

I am watching the 73rd Academy Awards as I pack for a trip that
begins early tomorrow. I enjoy watching the Oscars for the glamour,
and fun, and of course to see who wins! Dame Julie Andrews and a few
other past Oscar recipients who were not nominated for any awards
this year commented on how much more fun the event is without the
pressure of being nominated. It has me wondering if we spend too
much of our lives racing around trying to win or at least make it to
the finish line ahead of the pack. Maybe we need more time in the
park!

I nominate you to do something FUN this week while you take a break
from the race!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.12: Ripples of LIFE!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.12: Ripples of LIFE!
Monday, March 19, 2001

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

May you live as long as you want to and want to as long as long you live.
-Author: unknown, Heard on 'Hotel Milwaukee' radio
-Submitter: Mary Ross

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

For if we wait too long,
we risk learning that life
is not a game that is won or lost;
it is a game that, too often, simply isn't played.
-Author: unknown
-Submitter: Benjamin Mongioi (mongioi@m...)

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

I hope you intend to do everything you can to enjoy your life today.
Take whatever action you need to take, adjust your attitude in
whatever way it needs to be adjusted, and really make today count. I
promise to do the same, and together we will affect a whole bunch of
people, including ourselves!

My peace to you,
Paul

eRipples v3.11: Ripples of YOUR TRUTH

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.11: Ripples of YOUR TRUTH
Monday, March 19, 2001

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

...We try...to discover our own personal truth.
This truth always causes much pain before giving us a new sphere of freedom.
-Alice Miller, The Drama of Being a Child, translated by Ruth Ward,
submitted by Sarah Schacht

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

I was born to catch dragons in their dens.
And pick flowers.
To tell tales and laugh away the morning.
To drift and dream like a lazy stream.
And walk barefoot across sunshine days.
-James Kavanough, submitted by Ben Wiedenfeld

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

This week found me hanging out in southeast Pennsylvania where I
spent a day with the staff and students at Millersville University.
In one presentation we discussed the value of being DELUSIONAL.
Those of us who use this treat frequently often use another word:
OPTIMISTIC. The two words are closer than you think! Studies have
shown that people who have a consistently optimistic view about how
events will turn out are frequently incorrect about their
assumptions. They are WRONG, but they are HAPPY!

Of course there are times when we need to be realistic and cautious.
But many times, creating our own delusional truth puts us in a better
mood to handle the challenges of the day!

I wish you peaceful delusions!

Paul

eRipples v3.10: Ripples of RESULTS!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.10: Ripples of RESULTS!
Monday, March 5, 2001

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

Sometimes you just have to take the leap,
and build your wings on the way down.
-Kobi Yamada, submitted by Bethany Kopp

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

Worry is the misuse
of the imagination.
When you have
done your best
await the results
in peace.
- Audrey Woodball, submitted by Misty L. Smith

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

This week found me spending some time with several friends facing
challenges. One is wrapping up a job search, another is dealing with
the end of a long term relationship, and two others are dealing with
big work-related headaches. All four have done an outstanding job
of finding both inner strength and external support, and I think they
have all made very smart choices. The only thing left is to enjoy
the flight, and await results! This issue of ripples goes out to
everyone who is taking a leap this week....GO FOR IT!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.09: Ripples of TIDES!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.09: Ripples of TIDES!
Monday, February 26, 2001

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

...Remember that the sun will rise tomorrow,
and remind yourself to breathe...
because you never know what the tide may bring in.
-closing lines from the movie "Cast Away," submitted by Lisa Carlson

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

When you get into a tight place and
everything goes against you 'til
it seems as though you could not
hold on a minute longer,
never give up,
for that is just the place and time
that the tide will turn.
- Harriet Beecher Stowe, submitted by Maryann Rapposelli

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

I had a quick trip to New York this weekend to a leadership conference
at Colgate University, and we spent part of our day exploring the
balance between reaching IN to take care of ourselves and reaching OUT
to connect with (and care for) others. As I read the above quotes, I
wondered: if it takes an external object like the moon to help the
earth seek the delicate balance between bringing the ocean tides in and
out, perhaps we also need to find something outside of ourselves to
help us maintain our equalibrium.

So many of the leaders and helpers I encounter in my travels seem to
forget that while we naturally let our ripples flow out and nourish
others, it is ESSENTIAL that our ripples sometimes flow inward to
nourish and heal our spirit. Check your tides: if you're at low tide,
do something really nice for yourself this week. When you find
yourself at high tide, remember to reach out to someone else and be
their "moon" to help their tide come in!

And by the way, if you think librarians are a stuffy crowd, you
obviously have never spent a day with the crew from the Appleton
(Wisconsin) Public Library. They are a bold bunch of people--they even
paint blue skies and big puffy clouds in their library!

Peace to you all,

Paul

eRipples v3.08: Ripples of KINDNESS!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.08: Ripples of KINDNESS!
Monday, February 19, 2001

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

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
-Aesop, submitted by Stephanie Spaeth

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

The teacher asked her pupils to tell the meaning of loving kindness.
A little boy jumped up and said, "Well, if I was hungry and someone
gave me a piece of bread that would be kindness; but if they put jelly on it
that would be loving kindness!
-original source unknown, submitted by Larissa Melton

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

This weekend I had the opportunity to hang out with some emerging
leaders at Nebraska Wesleyan Univresity, and we discussed the
importance of smiles. For most of us, the natural look on our face
is perceived by others as serious, troubling, or even sad. This may
be true for you if people frequently ask, "Is everything okay?" or
"Are you upset?" when they pass you in the hallway. In my many
airport adventures, I am astonished at how serious and troubled every
one looks!

As I flew home to Wisconsin, I was determined to smile as much as
possible on my layover journey between concourses (which are always
planned by airlines to maximize the opportunity for exercise!). Most
people didn't even make eye contact, and when they did it was just a
brief glance and then a return to their own hurried journey. At one
point, however, as I travelled along a moving sidewalk with my bags
resting on the platform, my eyes connected with a woman who was
moving in the opposite direction. As I smiled and nodded at her, the
most amazing thing happened: she smiled back! Not a quick forced
grimace, nor was it a big, creepy smile that would surely have
frightened me. Instead, a wide, genuine grin spread across her face
and for a brief instant it was as though two old friends had
reconnected. In a flash the moment had passed, but for the rest of
the trip I felt all warm inside. I felt important, I felt
acknowledged, I felt connected.

So, do me a favor and change the world this week by putting jelly on
your face: smile!

Peace,
Paul

eRipples v3.07: Ripples of LOVE!

eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.07: Ripples of LOVE!
Monday, February 12, 2001

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

Your fear of love is the only thing holding you back right now.
Trust that you are lovable, and the love offered you shall prove to be real.
Accept the love of the universe, as well as the love of those around you.
-Dawn Williams, submitted by Larissa Melton

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

Do you want me to tell you something really subversive?
Love is everything it's cracked up to be.
That's why people are so cynical about it...
it really is worth fighting for, being brave for.
And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything-
you risk even more.
-original source Erica Jong (we think!), submitted by Jennifer
Holdsworth


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

As we approach St. Valentine's Day, remember that regardless of your
current relationship status there is someone very important you need
to acknowledge this Wednesday. YOU! Some of us who are single may
feel a little left out of all the fuss, and we need to happily join
in the acknowledgement of love in the world! Everyone can take a
moment and acknowledge any love that has swirled around us in the
last year....from ourselves, from our friends & family, and our
romantic interests.

This Ripples sent with Love,
Paul

eRipples v3.05: Ripples of WHY NOT!

eRipples: a free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.05 [Monday, January 29, 2001]

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

You see things and you say, "Why?"
But I dream things that never were; and I say "Why not?"
-George Bernard Shaw, submitted by Mary K. Gurney

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

Great ideas come through the world as gently as doors.
Perhaps then, if we listen attentively,
we shall hear amid the uproar of empires and nations
a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope.
-Albert Camus

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

I had an incredible experience in Milwaukee this weekend when a group
of phenomenal individuals agreed to give up a few days of their
already full lives to help me brainstorm the future of Ripples. They
started as a collection of past clients, former co-workers,
classmates, and friends. They quickly transformed into a powerful
team of dreamers who imagined a world where people spent just a
little more time being nice to themselves and to others. Some of the
ideas we brainstormed will be extremely challenging to implement, and
I remain full of hope about the possibilities....you'll be hearing
more about some of these ideas soon!

In the meantime, here is an idea for YOU: search your past and
present for a handful of creative, dynamic, intriguing people and
invite them to an evening of WHAT IF....

Peace to you,
Paul

eRipples v3.04: Ripples of SPIRIT!

eRipples: a free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.04 [Monday, January 22, 2001]


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

Man has never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.
-Bern Williams, submitted by Mary K. Gurney

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

I pray for you to have...
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
And gentle hugs when spirits sag.
-original source unknown, submitted by Chris Paddick

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

Can you remember that awesome feeling you have on your best
days....that "I can do ANYTHING and do it with EXCELLENCE" feeling
that makes you glow? That is your spirit, and it is with you all the
time! Often, though, fear and disappointment push your spirit down
into a tiny little drawer at the bottom of your soul. Your task
today: reach in and open up that drawer and let your spirit fill up
your entire being with YES!

eRipples v3.03: Ripples of SERVICE!

eRipples: a free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.03 [Monday, January 15, 2001]

Happy Birthday, Dr. King! We're still dreaming down here, and we're
still inspired by your dreams!

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

An individual has not started living
until he can rise above the narrow confines
of his individualistic concerns
to the broader concerns of all humanity.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. submitted by Jane Henderson

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

We are prone to judge success
by the index of our salaries
or the size of our automobiles
rather than
by the quality of our service
and relationship to mankind.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

I spent last week in New York and New Jersey with several groups
exploring a variety of workshop topics. A couple of the workshops
were about customer service, some were on leadership development, and
a few others tackled personal empowerment. A common theme in the
presentations was the notion of service. Whether we are trying to
keep customers happy, develop leadership skills, or optimize our
personal potential, it is essential that we seek a path that includes
serving others. Every moment we spend helping someone else becomes a
sacred moment, an opportunity to open our soul to the universe. And
remember the irony in selfless service: the act of serving others
benefits YOU in countless ways.

I hope you can celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Day with at least one
unexpected, unplanned, perhaps unacknowledged act of service toward
another!

Peace to you,

Paul

eRipples v3.02: Ripples of NOW!

eRipples: a free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.02 [Monday, January 08, 2001]

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

What can anyone give you greater than now?
-William Stafford, submitted by Jodi Cohen

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

And I learned what is obvious to a child:

That life is simply
a collection of little lives,
each lived one day at a time.

That each day should be spent
finding beauty in
flowers and
poetry and
talking to animals.

That a day spent with
dreaming and
sunsets and
refreshing breezes
cannot be bettered.
-Nicholas Sparks, submitted by Elizabeth Russell


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

I had the immense pleasure of joining the residence life folks at the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln on their winter retreat last week.
One of topics we explored was the habit of always looking ahead to
the next thing instead of enjoying the here and now. We find
ourselves saying "as soon as" I'm done with this step, then I'll be
able to stop and enjoy life. As soon as I finish school, as soon as
I buy a bigger car, as soon as we pay off the credit cards, as soon
as Friday gets here, etc.

What if we could just pause and smile and just for one minute, say hello to
Now.

Try it!

Paul

eRipples v3.01: Ripples of 2001!

eRipples: a free weekly splash of inspiration
version 3.01 [Monday, 01-01-01]

Check out our new searchable database of
inspirational quotes: http://www.happyflying.com/

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

May you go quietly through the noise,
Learning from all you meet,
Enlightening a few, and
Enjoying life to the fullest as you go.
-adapted from unknown source, submitted by Jennifer

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

A Prayer For Your Future

May you get a clean bill of health from your physician,
your psychiatrist your plumber and the IRS.

May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall;
and may your blood pressure, your cholesterol,
your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.

May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere
during rush hour in less than an hour,
and when you get there may you find a parking space.

May what you see in the mirror delight you,
and what others see in you delight them.

May someone love you enough to
forgive your faults,
be blind to your blemishes, and
tell the world about your virtues.

May we live as God intended, in a world at peace
and fully aware of the Love
in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile,
and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our hearts.
-adapted from an unknown source, submitted by Scott & Donna Stauffer

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

Before you jump into another busy year,
I hope you can take a moment this week
to fondly recall your adventures of the past year,
anticipate the possibilities of 2001, and
ENJOY TODAY!

Peace,
Paul