=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Wherever you are, be there.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Melanie H., Iowa
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each day is a new beginning...
another chance to learn more about ourselves,
to care more about others,
to laugh more than we did,
to accomplish more than we thought we could,
to be more than we were before.
-Anonymous, submitted by "Dancer1700"
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Today is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to release your potential
and do your best! I dare you to dive into your tasks with delicious zeal and make every
moment count!
And speaking of TODAY, we have two important announcements:
1. TODAY is the last day our Ripples Store will be open in 2002! Order
right now! http://
www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
2. TODAY'S issue is our last of 2002. Enjoy the holidays, and we'll see
you in two
weeks!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, December 16, 2002
Monday, December 9, 2002
eRipples v4.49: Ripples of A THOUSAND FIBERS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It isn't always a happy world, but we shall be happy in it -
not by ignoring the sad, but by doing what we can and loving each other.
-Melanie Thernstrom, submitted by Tarah H., Asheville, North Carolina
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We cannot live only for ourselves.
A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow man;
and along those fibers, as sympathetic threads,
our actions run as causes,
and they come back to us as effects.
-Herman Melville, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I do hope that in the midst of all this craziness that we call the holidays you can remember that even the smallest gift of kindness can make the biggest of differences! As our collective stress level increases dramatically this time of year, the power of the smile is larger than ever!
Take a moment right now to seek out someone and offer a kind word, a pat on the back, assistance with a small task, or your patience as someone "takes longer than they should." Your quick kindness creates another fiber that connects us to the best we can be!
Peace,
Paul
It isn't always a happy world, but we shall be happy in it -
not by ignoring the sad, but by doing what we can and loving each other.
-Melanie Thernstrom, submitted by Tarah H., Asheville, North Carolina
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We cannot live only for ourselves.
A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow man;
and along those fibers, as sympathetic threads,
our actions run as causes,
and they come back to us as effects.
-Herman Melville, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I do hope that in the midst of all this craziness that we call the holidays you can remember that even the smallest gift of kindness can make the biggest of differences! As our collective stress level increases dramatically this time of year, the power of the smile is larger than ever!
Take a moment right now to seek out someone and offer a kind word, a pat on the back, assistance with a small task, or your patience as someone "takes longer than they should." Your quick kindness creates another fiber that connects us to the best we can be!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, December 2, 2002
eRipples v4.48: Ripples of PAUSE!
WOOHOO! This is our 200th issue of eRipples!
Check out our archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
He who can no longer pause to wonder and
stand rapt in awe is as good as dead....
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Mary G., Madison, Wisconsin
=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 limitation,
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 "Dancer1700"
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I begin what may be the greatest adventure of my life. By the
time you read this, I will have silenced my mobile phone, shut off my computer, and put
my mail on hold. I have packed up a month's supplies and am traveling far away from
the craziness of my life. I am pressing PAUSE on the DVD of my life for a few weeks so
that I can "stand rapt in awe" as Einstein says above.
I have stored up a few ripples which Leslie will send out each Monday during my travels. There is a small chance I will update you "from the road" but most likely I will return in January with a calmed heart, peaceful soul, and ready to resume my life again. I promise to share stories then!
Peace,
Paul
Check out our archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
He who can no longer pause to wonder and
stand rapt in awe is as good as dead....
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Mary G., Madison, Wisconsin
=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 limitation,
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 "Dancer1700"
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I begin what may be the greatest adventure of my life. By the
time you read this, I will have silenced my mobile phone, shut off my computer, and put
my mail on hold. I have packed up a month's supplies and am traveling far away from
the craziness of my life. I am pressing PAUSE on the DVD of my life for a few weeks so
that I can "stand rapt in awe" as Einstein says above.
I have stored up a few ripples which Leslie will send out each Monday during my travels. There is a small chance I will update you "from the road" but most likely I will return in January with a calmed heart, peaceful soul, and ready to resume my life again. I promise to share stories then!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 25, 2002
eRipples v4.47: Ripples of THANKS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
-Marcel Proust, submitted by Amy S., Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Thanksgiving....
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
-source unknown, submitted by Cindy B., Oklahoma
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last week included travels to Chicago to hang out with some folks from Baxter Credit
Union, and then on to Des Moines, Iowa to spend a day training trainers. My last stop
was an afternoon with the Iowa Association of School Boards at their annual convention.
Each group reminded me that our world is a better place because different kinds of
people pursue different kinds of work which create different kinds of ripples! The credit
union folks are helping all of us manage our financial resources better. Trainers
challenge us all to become life long learners. School board members are busy ensuring
our future leaders have ideal learning environments. Your life may include similar tasks,
or entirely different work, but I thank you for YOUR ripples! Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Paul
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
-Marcel Proust, submitted by Amy S., Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Thanksgiving....
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
-source unknown, submitted by Cindy B., Oklahoma
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last week included travels to Chicago to hang out with some folks from Baxter Credit
Union, and then on to Des Moines, Iowa to spend a day training trainers. My last stop
was an afternoon with the Iowa Association of School Boards at their annual convention.
Each group reminded me that our world is a better place because different kinds of
people pursue different kinds of work which create different kinds of ripples! The credit
union folks are helping all of us manage our financial resources better. Trainers
challenge us all to become life long learners. School board members are busy ensuring
our future leaders have ideal learning environments. Your life may include similar tasks,
or entirely different work, but I thank you for YOUR ripples! Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 18, 2002
eRipples v4.46: Ripples of EFFORT!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work extremely well.
-source unknown, submitted by Brian W.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A sense of accomplishment.
It comes from reaching your goals,
but it comes, too, from the effort itself,
no matter how large or small a step you take.
Because true pride comes simply from trying.
It is the landing you reach,
the deep breath you take,
the great personal joy in knowing
how far you've come.
-source unknown, submitted by Tawana H., Appleton, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week included a visit to Greensboro College in North Carolina
where I devoured Krispy Kremes and sweet tea while I helped some
really fun students explore the keys to effective leadership. One
point I stressed: put your best effort into each task so you can
receive the maximum benefits from that effort. So that becomes this
week's task for you: choose something on today's to-do list and
commit to giving it your ALL!
Peace,
Paul
The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work extremely well.
-source unknown, submitted by Brian W.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A sense of accomplishment.
It comes from reaching your goals,
but it comes, too, from the effort itself,
no matter how large or small a step you take.
Because true pride comes simply from trying.
It is the landing you reach,
the deep breath you take,
the great personal joy in knowing
how far you've come.
-source unknown, submitted by Tawana H., Appleton, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week included a visit to Greensboro College in North Carolina
where I devoured Krispy Kremes and sweet tea while I helped some
really fun students explore the keys to effective leadership. One
point I stressed: put your best effort into each task so you can
receive the maximum benefits from that effort. So that becomes this
week's task for you: choose something on today's to-do list and
commit to giving it your ALL!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 11, 2002
eRipples v4.45: Ripples of GIVING BACK!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You can get everything you want in life,
if you just help enough other people get what they want.
-Zig Ziglar, submitted by Shernell S., Galveston, TX
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Let's be honest.
We have an embarrassment of riches.
Life is good.
And that's why we have an obligation to make it better.
If each of us doesn't give something back,
it makes a mockery of all we've been given.
-Anna Quindlen, submitted by Grace H., Binghamton, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Earlier in the year, we collectively raised a few thousand dollars
for the "Modest Needs" Foundation and I think it is time to try it
again, with a twist. Since this is the first holiday season we will
have our online store open (I closed it last December while I was out
of town and WOW did I hear about it!) I am going to make this deal
with the members of The Ripples Project:
For every dollar you spend this week at The Ripples Project store
(all credit card orders and any check orders paid within a week) I
will donate 50-cents to charity....so we can help everyone have a
great holiday!
So, Leslie will be ready to ship your orders....and I'll get my checkbook out!
Peace,
Paul
You can get everything you want in life,
if you just help enough other people get what they want.
-Zig Ziglar, submitted by Shernell S., Galveston, TX
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Let's be honest.
We have an embarrassment of riches.
Life is good.
And that's why we have an obligation to make it better.
If each of us doesn't give something back,
it makes a mockery of all we've been given.
-Anna Quindlen, submitted by Grace H., Binghamton, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Earlier in the year, we collectively raised a few thousand dollars
for the "Modest Needs" Foundation and I think it is time to try it
again, with a twist. Since this is the first holiday season we will
have our online store open (I closed it last December while I was out
of town and WOW did I hear about it!) I am going to make this deal
with the members of The Ripples Project:
For every dollar you spend this week at The Ripples Project store
(all credit card orders and any check orders paid within a week) I
will donate 50-cents to charity....so we can help everyone have a
great holiday!
So, Leslie will be ready to ship your orders....and I'll get my checkbook out!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 4, 2002
eRipples v4.44: Ripples of NORMAL DAYS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Today is too precious to be upset about.
-Melissa Ward, submitted by Rachel H.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.
-Mary Jean Iron, submitted by Debbie R., Cincinnati, Ohio
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I cannot be sure what today holds for you. However, I believe in
you! If it is a crazy day, I believe you can rise to the occasion
and deal with the challenges. If it is a "normal day," I am sure you
can find some good stuff in it! If all your NORMAL days are CRAZY
days, then please know I am sending you extra-strong ripples!
Peace,
Paul
Today is too precious to be upset about.
-Melissa Ward, submitted by Rachel H.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.
Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.
Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.
-Mary Jean Iron, submitted by Debbie R., Cincinnati, Ohio
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I cannot be sure what today holds for you. However, I believe in
you! If it is a crazy day, I believe you can rise to the occasion
and deal with the challenges. If it is a "normal day," I am sure you
can find some good stuff in it! If all your NORMAL days are CRAZY
days, then please know I am sending you extra-strong ripples!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, October 28, 2002
eRipples v4.43: Ripples of SURPRISES!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Smile awhile and while you smile another smiles.
And soon there's miles and miles of smiles,
and life's worthwhile because you smiled!
-source unknown, submitted by Shaylee P., Ogden, Utah
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
One thing I've learned:
Unexpected kindness
is the most powerful,
least costly and
most underrated
agent of human change.
Kindness that catches us by surprise
brings out the best in our natures.
-Bob Kerrey, submitted by Katherine B., Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Here is your mission this week: surprise someone with unexpected kindness this week.
Choose someone you know, or a select a complete stranger, and buy them lunch or a
flower or a card or create another way to ripple kindness. Do it QUICKLY, before your
week gets too crazy.
It will make their day, and it could make your week!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Need help finding a treat to give away? Visit our store!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
eRipples: a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples Archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
eRipples Store: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave (we'll miss you): send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join (it's free): send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit (we need quotes!): send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
eRipples & The Ripples Project are registered trademarks
Smile awhile and while you smile another smiles.
And soon there's miles and miles of smiles,
and life's worthwhile because you smiled!
-source unknown, submitted by Shaylee P., Ogden, Utah
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
One thing I've learned:
Unexpected kindness
is the most powerful,
least costly and
most underrated
agent of human change.
Kindness that catches us by surprise
brings out the best in our natures.
-Bob Kerrey, submitted by Katherine B., Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Here is your mission this week: surprise someone with unexpected kindness this week.
Choose someone you know, or a select a complete stranger, and buy them lunch or a
flower or a card or create another way to ripple kindness. Do it QUICKLY, before your
week gets too crazy.
It will make their day, and it could make your week!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Need help finding a treat to give away? Visit our store!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
eRipples: a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples Archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
eRipples Store: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave (we'll miss you): send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join (it's free): send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit (we need quotes!): send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
eRipples & The Ripples Project are registered trademarks
Monday, October 21, 2002
eRipples v4.42: Ripples of MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
The Ripples Project encourages small waves of kindness.
7,757 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You can't rely on the world to change for you.
You can start to use your voice, and that's the best that you can do.
-Ellis (folk singer), submitted by Kelly C.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Above all we must realize that each of us
makes a difference with our life.
Each of us impacts the world around us every single day.
We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a
better place - or not to bother.
-Jane Goodall, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Whew! I started the week in Cincinnati with a crew from Procter &
Gamble, and then I made stops in Tampa, Florida and Topeka, Kansas to
hang out with food service professionals. I thanked each of these
groups for the difference they make in our lives: Procter & Gamble
for the many products that help make our lives better (Febreze is my
current favorite!), and the "lunch ladies" in Florida & Kansas for
the delicious LOVE they serve along with every meal!
Challenge for YOU: Make a difference this week by finding someone
that has made a difference in YOUR life and say THANK YOU!
Peace,
Paul
eRipples: a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples Archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
eRipples Store: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave (we'll miss you): send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join (it's free): send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit (we need quotes!): send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
eRipples & The Ripples Project are registered trademarks
7,757 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You can't rely on the world to change for you.
You can start to use your voice, and that's the best that you can do.
-Ellis (folk singer), submitted by Kelly C.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Above all we must realize that each of us
makes a difference with our life.
Each of us impacts the world around us every single day.
We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a
better place - or not to bother.
-Jane Goodall, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Whew! I started the week in Cincinnati with a crew from Procter &
Gamble, and then I made stops in Tampa, Florida and Topeka, Kansas to
hang out with food service professionals. I thanked each of these
groups for the difference they make in our lives: Procter & Gamble
for the many products that help make our lives better (Febreze is my
current favorite!), and the "lunch ladies" in Florida & Kansas for
the delicious LOVE they serve along with every meal!
Challenge for YOU: Make a difference this week by finding someone
that has made a difference in YOUR life and say THANK YOU!
Peace,
Paul
eRipples: a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples Archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
eRipples Store: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave (we'll miss you): send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join (it's free): send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit (we need quotes!): send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
eRipples & The Ripples Project are registered trademarks
Monday, October 14, 2002
eRipples v4.41: Ripples of EXPLORING!
The Ripples Project encourages small waves of kindness.
7,621 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Everyone is an explorer. How could you possibly
live your life looking at a door and not open it?
-James D. Ballard, submitted by Linda H., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Far better is it to dare mighty things,
to win glorious triumphs,
even though checkered by failure...
than to rank with those poor spirits
who neither enjoy much nor suffer much,
because they live in a gray twilight
that knows not victory nor defeat.
-Theodore Roosevelt, submitted by Paula G., Orlando, Florida
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This weekend was an exciting opportunity for me to hang out with
student leaders from Salt Lake Community College AND to see the
magnificent fall colors that have peaked in the Wasatch Mountain
Range. I was mesmerized by the autumnal palette that crept over the
mountains, and I was inspired by the enthusiasm of the students. I
hope you can find some beauty to encourage your explorations this
week!
Peace,
Paul
7,621 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Everyone is an explorer. How could you possibly
live your life looking at a door and not open it?
-James D. Ballard, submitted by Linda H., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Far better is it to dare mighty things,
to win glorious triumphs,
even though checkered by failure...
than to rank with those poor spirits
who neither enjoy much nor suffer much,
because they live in a gray twilight
that knows not victory nor defeat.
-Theodore Roosevelt, submitted by Paula G., Orlando, Florida
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This weekend was an exciting opportunity for me to hang out with
student leaders from Salt Lake Community College AND to see the
magnificent fall colors that have peaked in the Wasatch Mountain
Range. I was mesmerized by the autumnal palette that crept over the
mountains, and I was inspired by the enthusiasm of the students. I
hope you can find some beauty to encourage your explorations this
week!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, October 7, 2002
eRipples v4.40: Ripples of GOING!
The Ripples Project encourages small waves of kindness.
7,571 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It is this unique combination of going for it
and letting go that takes us beyond success.
-Thomas Crum, submitted by Darin H., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A sense of accomplishment.
It comes from reaching your goals,
but it comes, too, from the effort itself,
no matter how large or small a step you take.
Because true pride comes simply from trying.
It is the landing you reach,
the deep breath you take,
the great personal joy in knowing
how far you've come.
- source unknown, submitted by Tawana H., Appleton, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In the past week or so, there has been something brewing on your
"to-do" list or in the back of your mind. Some goal you have set or
dream you've had or opportunity that you have not yet pursued. You
have been hesitating, doubting, worrying, contemplating. Well, this
week you should make a decision:
Do you need to GO FOR IT or do you need to LET IT GO? Either way, I
encourage you to think about it, consider how you're feeling, and
then do what you need to do!
My peace to you,
Paul
7,571 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It is this unique combination of going for it
and letting go that takes us beyond success.
-Thomas Crum, submitted by Darin H., Madison, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A sense of accomplishment.
It comes from reaching your goals,
but it comes, too, from the effort itself,
no matter how large or small a step you take.
Because true pride comes simply from trying.
It is the landing you reach,
the deep breath you take,
the great personal joy in knowing
how far you've come.
- source unknown, submitted by Tawana H., Appleton, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In the past week or so, there has been something brewing on your
"to-do" list or in the back of your mind. Some goal you have set or
dream you've had or opportunity that you have not yet pursued. You
have been hesitating, doubting, worrying, contemplating. Well, this
week you should make a decision:
Do you need to GO FOR IT or do you need to LET IT GO? Either way, I
encourage you to think about it, consider how you're feeling, and
then do what you need to do!
My peace to you,
Paul
Monday, September 30, 2002
eRipples v4.39:Ripples of EXTRAORDINARY ENCOUNTERS!
The Ripples Project encourages small waves of kindness.
7,590 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Be friendly to everyone, because sometimes you will
find extraordinary help in some very ordinary places.
-source unknown, submitted by Joshua B., Richmond, Indiana
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner spirit goes out.
It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by Mark O., La Crosse, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Can you think of someone who fits into this category:
A special person who was able to rekindle your inner spirit at just
the right time?
CHALLENGE: Take 30 seconds from your day and forward this issue to
one person along with a few sentences about the specific way they
made an impact on your life. While you're at it....invite them to
forward it on to someone who inspired THEM. Talk about a cool
ripple....Imagine receiving an email that had several inspiring words
about a bunch of people....and seeing that YOU were a part of those
ripples!
Peace to you,
-Paul
7,590 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Be friendly to everyone, because sometimes you will
find extraordinary help in some very ordinary places.
-source unknown, submitted by Joshua B., Richmond, Indiana
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner spirit goes out.
It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.
We should be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by Mark O., La Crosse, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Can you think of someone who fits into this category:
A special person who was able to rekindle your inner spirit at just
the right time?
CHALLENGE: Take 30 seconds from your day and forward this issue to
one person along with a few sentences about the specific way they
made an impact on your life. While you're at it....invite them to
forward it on to someone who inspired THEM. Talk about a cool
ripple....Imagine receiving an email that had several inspiring words
about a bunch of people....and seeing that YOU were a part of those
ripples!
Peace to you,
-Paul
Monday, September 23, 2002
eRipples v4.38: Ripples of FULL LIVING!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Let your Life speak.
-Quaker proverb, submitted by Martin K.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are all functioning at a small fraction
of our capacity to live fully in its total meaning
of loving, caring, creating, and adventuring.
Consequently, the actualizing of our potential
can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime.
-Herbert Otto, submitted by Carol K., Bloomington, Indiana
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week found me spending with the Nebraska Health Care Association
as well as the staff and students at Wartburg College in Iowa.
During my talks at both places, I stressed the value of taking ACTION
on some dream or goal you have been pondering. Success or failure is
less relevant than the joy that comes from going for it!
Your life could be a little more FULL this week if you choose some
action that you have been putting off and DOING IT! C'mon, I dare
you!
Peace,
Paul
Let your Life speak.
-Quaker proverb, submitted by Martin K.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are all functioning at a small fraction
of our capacity to live fully in its total meaning
of loving, caring, creating, and adventuring.
Consequently, the actualizing of our potential
can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime.
-Herbert Otto, submitted by Carol K., Bloomington, Indiana
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week found me spending with the Nebraska Health Care Association
as well as the staff and students at Wartburg College in Iowa.
During my talks at both places, I stressed the value of taking ACTION
on some dream or goal you have been pondering. Success or failure is
less relevant than the joy that comes from going for it!
Your life could be a little more FULL this week if you choose some
action that you have been putting off and DOING IT! C'mon, I dare
you!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, September 16, 2002
eRipples v4.37: Ripples of LEADERS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I suppose leadership at one time meant muscle;
but today it means getting along with people.
-Indira Ghandi, submitted by Mike C., Austin Texas
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If your actions create a legacy
that inspires others to dream more,
learn more,
do more, and
become more,
then you are an excellent leader.
-Dolly Parton, submitted by Grace H., Binghamton, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The Ripples Project has incredible leadership: YOU!
All of us who are a part of The Ripples Project are leaders! Each of
the 7,000+ members is capable of demonstrating the magnificent power
in small kind acts. If you believe that the news is filled with
blech and that peace is more powerful than fighting, do something
revolutionary: unleash unexpected kindness this week! Let someone
with a few items get in front of you in the grocery store line;
report good customer service to a manager; or simply smile and nod at
someone you pass who seems to be having a bad day. Not only will you
make the world a better place to live, your day will be instantly
improved!
Peace,
Paul
I suppose leadership at one time meant muscle;
but today it means getting along with people.
-Indira Ghandi, submitted by Mike C., Austin Texas
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If your actions create a legacy
that inspires others to dream more,
learn more,
do more, and
become more,
then you are an excellent leader.
-Dolly Parton, submitted by Grace H., Binghamton, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The Ripples Project has incredible leadership: YOU!
All of us who are a part of The Ripples Project are leaders! Each of
the 7,000+ members is capable of demonstrating the magnificent power
in small kind acts. If you believe that the news is filled with
blech and that peace is more powerful than fighting, do something
revolutionary: unleash unexpected kindness this week! Let someone
with a few items get in front of you in the grocery store line;
report good customer service to a manager; or simply smile and nod at
someone you pass who seems to be having a bad day. Not only will you
make the world a better place to live, your day will be instantly
improved!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, September 9, 2002
eRipples v4.36: Ripples of LIGHTS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being.
Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by Guillermo S., New York
Go out into the world today and love the people you meet.
Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.
-Mother Teresa, submitted by Jennifer M., Lawrence, KS
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Even after all this time
the sun never says to the earth
"You owe me."
Look what happens
with a love like that -
it lights the whole sky.
-Hafiz, submitted by Sara M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
After participating in a spectacular leadership conference hosted by
Clark College and attended by community college students from all
over the state of Washington, I spent a day hiking in the forest
mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I've heard many visitors grumble
about how gloomy and cloudy this part of the country can be....it
seems natives concentrate more on the SUNNY days and perhaps enjoy
the light more than other climates that take sunshine for granted.
You know, there are ALWAYS going to be cloudy days in our lives. We
cannot wish them away. And we must not TRY to wish them away! It is
those cloudy days that allow us to enjoy the sunshine so much! So,
if you find yourself in an overcast day this week, just know that
sunshine will pop back on the horizon soon.
I wish you deep peace this week,
Paul
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being.
Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by Guillermo S., New York
Go out into the world today and love the people you meet.
Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.
-Mother Teresa, submitted by Jennifer M., Lawrence, KS
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Even after all this time
the sun never says to the earth
"You owe me."
Look what happens
with a love like that -
it lights the whole sky.
-Hafiz, submitted by Sara M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
After participating in a spectacular leadership conference hosted by
Clark College and attended by community college students from all
over the state of Washington, I spent a day hiking in the forest
mountains of the Pacific Northwest. I've heard many visitors grumble
about how gloomy and cloudy this part of the country can be....it
seems natives concentrate more on the SUNNY days and perhaps enjoy
the light more than other climates that take sunshine for granted.
You know, there are ALWAYS going to be cloudy days in our lives. We
cannot wish them away. And we must not TRY to wish them away! It is
those cloudy days that allow us to enjoy the sunshine so much! So,
if you find yourself in an overcast day this week, just know that
sunshine will pop back on the horizon soon.
I wish you deep peace this week,
Paul
Tuesday, September 3, 2002
eRipples v4.35: Ripples of HARVEST!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
With every deed you are sowing a seed,
though the harvest you may not see.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox, submitted by Patty H., Holmen, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wish you sunshine on your path
and storms to season your journey.
I wish you peace in the world in which you live
and in the smallest corner of the heart where truth is kept.
More I cannot wish you, except perhaps love...
to make all of the rest worthwhile.
~Robert A. Ward, submitted by Kristen C.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Where did summer go? It seems as though last weekend was Memorial
Day, and then suddenly Labor Day arrived! I hope your summer was a
good one, and I hope you enter fall ready to harvest the incredible
opportunities that await you! Do yourself a favor and email a friend
a list of goals you hope to accomplish this fall....and ask her/him
to check in with you next month about your progress!
HARVEST YOUR QUOTES! We need to refresh our supply of AWESOME
quotes....can you choose ONE quote you really like and send it to me
at Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org? THANKS!
Peace,
Paul
With every deed you are sowing a seed,
though the harvest you may not see.
-Ella Wheeler Wilcox, submitted by Patty H., Holmen, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wish you sunshine on your path
and storms to season your journey.
I wish you peace in the world in which you live
and in the smallest corner of the heart where truth is kept.
More I cannot wish you, except perhaps love...
to make all of the rest worthwhile.
~Robert A. Ward, submitted by Kristen C.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Where did summer go? It seems as though last weekend was Memorial
Day, and then suddenly Labor Day arrived! I hope your summer was a
good one, and I hope you enter fall ready to harvest the incredible
opportunities that await you! Do yourself a favor and email a friend
a list of goals you hope to accomplish this fall....and ask her/him
to check in with you next month about your progress!
HARVEST YOUR QUOTES! We need to refresh our supply of AWESOME
quotes....can you choose ONE quote you really like and send it to me
at Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org? THANKS!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 26, 2002
eRipples v4.34: Ripples of FRIENDS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It is one of the blessings of old friends
that you can afford to be stupid with them.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Jenn P.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born.
-Anais Nin, submitted by Jeanne, L. Fond du Lac, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last weekend I snuck up to northern Minnesota to visit some friends
who recently bought a summer cabin on a pristine, spring-fed lake far
away from the stress of cities (and airports!). I was a little
worried about adding another trip to my already hectic August, but as
soon as I arrived I knew it was going to be a much-needed break.
Every moment was an opportunity to connect with nature AND to connect
with good friends whose paths have not crossed mine in a long time.
My new treatment for exhaustion: one lazy afternoon of goofing
around on a bright yellow dock in the middle of a crystal clear,
refreshingly brisk lake. Administer with friends and it is
guaranteed to calm nerves, induce deep sleep, and refresh a tired
soul.
I dare you: make a play date with some friends this week and ENJOY!
Peace,
Paul
It is one of the blessings of old friends
that you can afford to be stupid with them.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Jenn P.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each friend represents a world in us,
a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting
that a new world is born.
-Anais Nin, submitted by Jeanne, L. Fond du Lac, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last weekend I snuck up to northern Minnesota to visit some friends
who recently bought a summer cabin on a pristine, spring-fed lake far
away from the stress of cities (and airports!). I was a little
worried about adding another trip to my already hectic August, but as
soon as I arrived I knew it was going to be a much-needed break.
Every moment was an opportunity to connect with nature AND to connect
with good friends whose paths have not crossed mine in a long time.
My new treatment for exhaustion: one lazy afternoon of goofing
around on a bright yellow dock in the middle of a crystal clear,
refreshingly brisk lake. Administer with friends and it is
guaranteed to calm nerves, induce deep sleep, and refresh a tired
soul.
I dare you: make a play date with some friends this week and ENJOY!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 19, 2002
eRipples v4.33: Ripples of MOMENTS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
-source unknown, submitted by Colleen B., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You haven't lived
until you've learned
to treasure
every moment given;
to realize
that the slightest touch
may hold
a hidden heaven
-Kay Wrightman, submitted by Diane W., Carbondale IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I began last week in the Great Smoky Mountains where I helped
University of North Carolina-Asheville welcome their new students. I
then dashed off to the Rocky Mountains to infuse some energy into
student leaders at University of Colorado - Boulder, Weber State
University, and Salt Lake Community College. After giving so many
presentations in one week, they started to melt together into one big
pile of "stuff." What stands out clearly, though, are small moments
at each place that allowed me to survive and thrive in the midst of
my travels. Most of these moments came in between presentations when
I was having lunch or just hanging out with a few participants: funny
comments, deep discussions, and even a moment of silence while we
stared at the mountains. I feel richer for these moments that are
captured like digital snapshots in my mind, knowing that long after I
am back home in my own bed with a normal schedule I will be able to
recall these moments with a smile!
Choose one: either reflect back on YOUR previous week and try to
recall some unexpected moments of joy that are worth savoring, OR
commit yourself to creating a few this week!
Peace,
Paul
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
-source unknown, submitted by Colleen B., Milwaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You haven't lived
until you've learned
to treasure
every moment given;
to realize
that the slightest touch
may hold
a hidden heaven
-Kay Wrightman, submitted by Diane W., Carbondale IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I began last week in the Great Smoky Mountains where I helped
University of North Carolina-Asheville welcome their new students. I
then dashed off to the Rocky Mountains to infuse some energy into
student leaders at University of Colorado - Boulder, Weber State
University, and Salt Lake Community College. After giving so many
presentations in one week, they started to melt together into one big
pile of "stuff." What stands out clearly, though, are small moments
at each place that allowed me to survive and thrive in the midst of
my travels. Most of these moments came in between presentations when
I was having lunch or just hanging out with a few participants: funny
comments, deep discussions, and even a moment of silence while we
stared at the mountains. I feel richer for these moments that are
captured like digital snapshots in my mind, knowing that long after I
am back home in my own bed with a normal schedule I will be able to
recall these moments with a smile!
Choose one: either reflect back on YOUR previous week and try to
recall some unexpected moments of joy that are worth savoring, OR
commit yourself to creating a few this week!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 12, 2002
eRipples v4.32: Ripples of WELCOME!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment
when we realize we have discovered a friend.
-William Rotsler, submitted by Amanda K., River Falls WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
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 M., Madison WI
[originally appeared in Ripples v1.46, 11/29/99]
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome Leslie!
Just a few months after eRipples began production back in 1999, a
colleague forwarded an issue to Leslie Marquette who liked it enough
to subscribe. Since then she has been a loyal reader whose
submissions have been included in a couple of issues (including the
one above which she wrote herself!).
I am introducing you to Leslie because she has become The Ripples
Project's first employee! In addition to sending out orders from our
online store, Leslie will be coordinating product and services
development as TRP (The Ripples Project) seeks new ways to create and
reward small waves of kindness.
Leslie lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
She likes to think of herself as a Bohemian Matriarch .... Mary
Poppins with a twist. She has studied Marketing, Accounting,
Voice, Juggling, and continues as a student of Middle Eastern Dance.
She brings with her a rich tapestry of experience, and is looking
forward to serving The Ripples Project and its' members in furthering
our mission to spread kindness. [Leslie dedicates her work with The
Ripples Project to her mother, Diane Marquette.]
The best way you can welcome Leslie is by placing an order today,
so we can afford to keep her around for a long time!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
Peace,
Paul
How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment
when we realize we have discovered a friend.
-William Rotsler, submitted by Amanda K., River Falls WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
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 M., Madison WI
[originally appeared in Ripples v1.46, 11/29/99]
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome Leslie!
Just a few months after eRipples began production back in 1999, a
colleague forwarded an issue to Leslie Marquette who liked it enough
to subscribe. Since then she has been a loyal reader whose
submissions have been included in a couple of issues (including the
one above which she wrote herself!).
I am introducing you to Leslie because she has become The Ripples
Project's first employee! In addition to sending out orders from our
online store, Leslie will be coordinating product and services
development as TRP (The Ripples Project) seeks new ways to create and
reward small waves of kindness.
Leslie lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband and two children.
She likes to think of herself as a Bohemian Matriarch .... Mary
Poppins with a twist. She has studied Marketing, Accounting,
Voice, Juggling, and continues as a student of Middle Eastern Dance.
She brings with her a rich tapestry of experience, and is looking
forward to serving The Ripples Project and its' members in furthering
our mission to spread kindness. [Leslie dedicates her work with The
Ripples Project to her mother, Diane Marquette.]
The best way you can welcome Leslie is by placing an order today,
so we can afford to keep her around for a long time!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 5, 2002
eRipples v4.31: Ripples of GROWTH!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be only afraid of standing still.
-Chinese proverb, submitted by Kristi M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Loyalty to
petrified opinion
never yet
broke a chain
or freed
a human soul.
-Mark Twain, submitted by Kelly Ann E.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Saturday I was honored and thrilled to attend a preview of the new
musical "Hairspray" which is opening on Broadway soon. This
delightful show adds magnificent musical numbers to expand John
Waters' 1988 movie that used a goofy story line to remind us of the
growing pains our country endured in the 1960s when long overdue
desegregation was still being resisted.
As the performance ended, it seemed beyond comprehension to me that
so recently in history our society still tightly embraced an "us vs.
them" mentality. A few moments later I realized that the
appreciative audience delivering a rousing standing ovation was
almost completely white. It did not reflect at all the rich racial
and ethnic diversity I had experienced all day on the streets of New
York City. In that moment I was reminded of two essential truths
about growth: Change is an essential ingredient of growth (whether
you are talking about an individual or a culture); and even if growth
is often more slow and more difficult than we imagine it to be, every
step is necessary and worthwhile. I hope you can pledge this week to
take a baby step or giant leap that will ensure your continued growth!
Peace,
Paul
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be only afraid of standing still.
-Chinese proverb, submitted by Kristi M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Loyalty to
petrified opinion
never yet
broke a chain
or freed
a human soul.
-Mark Twain, submitted by Kelly Ann E.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Saturday I was honored and thrilled to attend a preview of the new
musical "Hairspray" which is opening on Broadway soon. This
delightful show adds magnificent musical numbers to expand John
Waters' 1988 movie that used a goofy story line to remind us of the
growing pains our country endured in the 1960s when long overdue
desegregation was still being resisted.
As the performance ended, it seemed beyond comprehension to me that
so recently in history our society still tightly embraced an "us vs.
them" mentality. A few moments later I realized that the
appreciative audience delivering a rousing standing ovation was
almost completely white. It did not reflect at all the rich racial
and ethnic diversity I had experienced all day on the streets of New
York City. In that moment I was reminded of two essential truths
about growth: Change is an essential ingredient of growth (whether
you are talking about an individual or a culture); and even if growth
is often more slow and more difficult than we imagine it to be, every
step is necessary and worthwhile. I hope you can pledge this week to
take a baby step or giant leap that will ensure your continued growth!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, July 29, 2002
eRipples v4.30: Ripples of OPENING DOORS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
-Flora Whittemore, submitted by Mary G., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but
often we look so long at the closed door that we do not
see the one which has been opened for us.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Andy K.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I am hoping that you can take a moment today, RIGHT NOW, to think of
one door that has recently closed in your life and LET IT GO! Say
goodbye to that opportunity, and then ponder what doors may be
opening for you. You may be able to identify this new opportunity,
or it may not have fully presented itself yet. Just be sure to CLOSE
any doors marked "Worry" or "Anxiety" so you won't hear all the
negative noise coming from those places!
There could be a remarkable door just waiting for you to OPEN IT!
Peace,
Paul
The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
-Flora Whittemore, submitted by Mary G., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but
often we look so long at the closed door that we do not
see the one which has been opened for us.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Andy K.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I am hoping that you can take a moment today, RIGHT NOW, to think of
one door that has recently closed in your life and LET IT GO! Say
goodbye to that opportunity, and then ponder what doors may be
opening for you. You may be able to identify this new opportunity,
or it may not have fully presented itself yet. Just be sure to CLOSE
any doors marked "Worry" or "Anxiety" so you won't hear all the
negative noise coming from those places!
There could be a remarkable door just waiting for you to OPEN IT!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, July 22, 2002
eRipples v4.29: Ripples of PAINT!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.
-Danny Kaye, submitted by Juliann H.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You are the only person alive
who has sole custody of your life.
Your particular life.
Your entire life.
Not just your life at the desk,
or your life on the bus,
or in the car,
or at the computer.
Not just the life of your mind,
but the life of your heart.
Not just your bank account,
but your soul.
-Ann Quinalin, submitted by Virginia M., Lincoln, NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Have you been splashing paint on the great big canvas of your life?
Have you been putting your soul to good use? I dare you to decorate
your soul with wild colors this week: chat with an interesting
co-worker you do not really know, wear something outrageous, send
yourself flowers, re-connect with a childhood friend. One of these
actions could ensure your life becomes a masterpiece!
Peace,
Paul
Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.
-Danny Kaye, submitted by Juliann H.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You are the only person alive
who has sole custody of your life.
Your particular life.
Your entire life.
Not just your life at the desk,
or your life on the bus,
or in the car,
or at the computer.
Not just the life of your mind,
but the life of your heart.
Not just your bank account,
but your soul.
-Ann Quinalin, submitted by Virginia M., Lincoln, NE
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Have you been splashing paint on the great big canvas of your life?
Have you been putting your soul to good use? I dare you to decorate
your soul with wild colors this week: chat with an interesting
co-worker you do not really know, wear something outrageous, send
yourself flowers, re-connect with a childhood friend. One of these
actions could ensure your life becomes a masterpiece!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, July 15, 2002
eRipples v4.28: Ripples of DIAMONDS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
No pressure, no diamonds.
-Mary Case, submitted by Brian H.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life is not the way it's suppose to be.
It is the way it is.
The way you cope with it is what
makes the difference.
-Virginia Satir, submitted by Suzanne M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I spoke to a real gem this week: Keith Taylor, the creator of Modest
Needs, called to thank us for our donations! It turns out that many of you
included more than $5 in your envelope, so we raised over $2000! He
was very appreciative (Read for yourself! He posted some great
comments in the news section of his website:
http://www.ModestNeeds.org/news/ ).
Furthermore, I have received emails from several folks who applied for
assistance from Modest Needs and they were all so heartwarming! Even
people who were unable to receive assistance took the time to thank us
for our help!
I remain deeply humbled that so many of you took time to participate in
what has to be the coolest ripple we have yet created. I am wondering if
we should try to highlight something like this every quarter? Keep your
eyes/ears open for other individuals or organizations who are creating
ripples in unique ways and let me know what you find!
In the meantime, spend a few moments this week creating some
awesome possibilities out of difficult circumstances you currently face.
Peace to you,
Paul
No pressure, no diamonds.
-Mary Case, submitted by Brian H.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life is not the way it's suppose to be.
It is the way it is.
The way you cope with it is what
makes the difference.
-Virginia Satir, submitted by Suzanne M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I spoke to a real gem this week: Keith Taylor, the creator of Modest
Needs, called to thank us for our donations! It turns out that many of you
included more than $5 in your envelope, so we raised over $2000! He
was very appreciative (Read for yourself! He posted some great
comments in the news section of his website:
http://www.ModestNeeds.org/news/ ).
Furthermore, I have received emails from several folks who applied for
assistance from Modest Needs and they were all so heartwarming! Even
people who were unable to receive assistance took the time to thank us
for our help!
I remain deeply humbled that so many of you took time to participate in
what has to be the coolest ripple we have yet created. I am wondering if
we should try to highlight something like this every quarter? Keep your
eyes/ears open for other individuals or organizations who are creating
ripples in unique ways and let me know what you find!
In the meantime, spend a few moments this week creating some
awesome possibilities out of difficult circumstances you currently face.
Peace to you,
Paul
Monday, July 8, 2002
eRipples v4.27: Ripples of ONE HUNDRED FIFY NINE!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Kay
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every man must decide whether he will walk
in the light of creative altruism
or the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is,
"What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King Jr., submitted by Jean
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
WOW! Two weeks ago I mentioned the story of Keith and his cool idea
for helping people with Modest Needs; I had no idea how many people
might take it seriously and pitch in five bucks to encourage him in
his efforts. Well, the results are in! I returned from my Colorado
vacation to find dozens and dozens of envelopes! As I packed up a
box to send to him, I counted 159 contributions from over 30 states
and the District of Columbia!
I am so proud of us! I added my check for $795, as I promised to
commit five bucks of my own for each envelope that came in. I know
some of you pitched in more than five dollars, and some of you
donated money directly through the Modest Needs' website--thanks for
those ripples! Thank you also to the folks who simply visited the
website or even spent a few moments thinking about the ripples that
are being created with this idea! If you still want to help, you can
visit his website (see below) to make a contribution directly to
Modest Needs. As of July 1, the IRS officially recognized Modest
Needs as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which means that all
contributions that came in after May 1 are tax deductible!
Modest Needs Website: http://www.ModestNeeds.org
USA Today article on Modest Needs:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002/2002-06-13-modestneeds.htm
Peace to you,
Paul
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Kay
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every man must decide whether he will walk
in the light of creative altruism
or the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is,
"What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King Jr., submitted by Jean
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
WOW! Two weeks ago I mentioned the story of Keith and his cool idea
for helping people with Modest Needs; I had no idea how many people
might take it seriously and pitch in five bucks to encourage him in
his efforts. Well, the results are in! I returned from my Colorado
vacation to find dozens and dozens of envelopes! As I packed up a
box to send to him, I counted 159 contributions from over 30 states
and the District of Columbia!
I am so proud of us! I added my check for $795, as I promised to
commit five bucks of my own for each envelope that came in. I know
some of you pitched in more than five dollars, and some of you
donated money directly through the Modest Needs' website--thanks for
those ripples! Thank you also to the folks who simply visited the
website or even spent a few moments thinking about the ripples that
are being created with this idea! If you still want to help, you can
visit his website (see below) to make a contribution directly to
Modest Needs. As of July 1, the IRS officially recognized Modest
Needs as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which means that all
contributions that came in after May 1 are tax deductible!
Modest Needs Website: http://www.ModestNeeds.org
USA Today article on Modest Needs:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002/2002-06-13-modestneeds.htm
Peace to you,
Paul
Sunday, June 30, 2002
eRipples v4.26: Ripples of BIG LEAPS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Leap....and a net will appear!
original source unknown, submitted by Ann
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We must walk consciously
only part way toward our goal,
and then leap in the dark to our success.
-Henry David Thoreau, submitted by Ben
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wrapped up my June craziness with a trip to my favorite
destination: Colorado! I presented my "Archeology of Passion"
workshop for a church that I attend when I vacation in Denver. We
talked about the importance of "taking action" as a key tool to
excavating your passion. I dare you to take action this week on some
big task on your "to do" list. You don't need to FINISH it by
Friday; just take some big leap toward getting started!
Peace,
Paul
Leap....and a net will appear!
original source unknown, submitted by Ann
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We must walk consciously
only part way toward our goal,
and then leap in the dark to our success.
-Henry David Thoreau, submitted by Ben
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wrapped up my June craziness with a trip to my favorite
destination: Colorado! I presented my "Archeology of Passion"
workshop for a church that I attend when I vacation in Denver. We
talked about the importance of "taking action" as a key tool to
excavating your passion. I dare you to take action this week on some
big task on your "to do" list. You don't need to FINISH it by
Friday; just take some big leap toward getting started!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, June 23, 2002
eRipples v4.25: Ripples of ENRICHING THE WORLD!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our lives no longer belong to us alone;
they belong to all who need us desperately.
-Elie Wiesel, submitted by Jodie
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You are not here merely to make a living.
You are here in order to enable the world to live...
with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.
You are here to enrich the world, and
impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.
-Woodrow Wilson, submitted by Cheri
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last week, while travelling to spend a few days with the Missouri
School Food Service Association (a really fun group of people, by the
way!), I came across a newspaper article about a man from Tennesee
who decided to enrich the world in a rather unique way. He created
the website http://www.ModestNeeds.org and he takes requests from
people who have been getting by just fine, but then have a crisis or
unexpected need that creates a temporary shortage of money.
The man is not wealthy (he's a university professor!), but he manages
to give away hundreds of his own dollars each month. Some people
have sent money, but far more people email him to say "nice job" than
actually pitch in with a donation. He mentioned on his website
recently that if everyone who sent an email had sent in $5, he would
be able to give away much more money.
SO, here is my idea: let's all send him $5! I will collect all the
envelopes (without opening them) and match the donations (for each
envelope sent in, I'll donate $5 too!). For each 100 people who
contribute, we'll raise $1,000 for his foundation!, If even ten
percent of our members participated that would amount to $7,000!
Imagine how cool it will be for him to receive a giant box full of
money to fuel his passion!
C'mon, I dare you! Send just $5 and I'll mention soon after how much
money we raised for him!
If you're writing a check, make it payable to: Modest Needs Foundation
Send to: Ripples for Modest Needs, 1213 N Sherman #342, Madison WI 53704
I PROMISE it will enrich your world!
Peace,
Paul
Our lives no longer belong to us alone;
they belong to all who need us desperately.
-Elie Wiesel, submitted by Jodie
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You are not here merely to make a living.
You are here in order to enable the world to live...
with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.
You are here to enrich the world, and
impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.
-Woodrow Wilson, submitted by Cheri
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Last week, while travelling to spend a few days with the Missouri
School Food Service Association (a really fun group of people, by the
way!), I came across a newspaper article about a man from Tennesee
who decided to enrich the world in a rather unique way. He created
the website http://www.ModestNeeds.org and he takes requests from
people who have been getting by just fine, but then have a crisis or
unexpected need that creates a temporary shortage of money.
The man is not wealthy (he's a university professor!), but he manages
to give away hundreds of his own dollars each month. Some people
have sent money, but far more people email him to say "nice job" than
actually pitch in with a donation. He mentioned on his website
recently that if everyone who sent an email had sent in $5, he would
be able to give away much more money.
SO, here is my idea: let's all send him $5! I will collect all the
envelopes (without opening them) and match the donations (for each
envelope sent in, I'll donate $5 too!). For each 100 people who
contribute, we'll raise $1,000 for his foundation!, If even ten
percent of our members participated that would amount to $7,000!
Imagine how cool it will be for him to receive a giant box full of
money to fuel his passion!
C'mon, I dare you! Send just $5 and I'll mention soon after how much
money we raised for him!
If you're writing a check, make it payable to: Modest Needs Foundation
Send to: Ripples for Modest Needs, 1213 N Sherman #342, Madison WI 53704
I PROMISE it will enrich your world!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, June 16, 2002
eRipples v4.24: Ripples of SUMMER!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You haven't lived until you've learned to treasure every moment given,
to realize that the slightest touch may hold a hidden heaven.
-Kay Wrightman, submitted by Diane
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I have observed the power of the watermelon seed.
It has the power of drawing from the ground and through itself
200,000 times its weight.
When you can tell me how it takes this material and out of it colors
an outside surface beyond the imitation of art, and then forms inside
of it a white rind and within that again a red heart, thickly inlaid
with black seeds, each one of which in turn is capable of drawing
through itself 200,000 times its weight-when you can explain to me
the mystery of the watermelon, you can ask me to explain the mystery
of God.
-William Jennings Bryan, submitted by Linda
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Summer officially arrives this week, although some spots have already
had many weeks of warm sunshine. A few hundred eRipples subscribers
and I were down in New Orleans last week for CUNA Mutual Group's
annual Discovery Conference and while the theme of the awesome event
was "Unlock the Power," I'm pretty sure the theme of New Orleans was
"HOT & HUMID!'
Do not forget to enjoy the summer, even if you have to be inside most
of the day. Come up with some excuse, some errand, SOMETHING to get
you outside so the sun can kiss you!
Peace,
Paul
You haven't lived until you've learned to treasure every moment given,
to realize that the slightest touch may hold a hidden heaven.
-Kay Wrightman, submitted by Diane
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I have observed the power of the watermelon seed.
It has the power of drawing from the ground and through itself
200,000 times its weight.
When you can tell me how it takes this material and out of it colors
an outside surface beyond the imitation of art, and then forms inside
of it a white rind and within that again a red heart, thickly inlaid
with black seeds, each one of which in turn is capable of drawing
through itself 200,000 times its weight-when you can explain to me
the mystery of the watermelon, you can ask me to explain the mystery
of God.
-William Jennings Bryan, submitted by Linda
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Summer officially arrives this week, although some spots have already
had many weeks of warm sunshine. A few hundred eRipples subscribers
and I were down in New Orleans last week for CUNA Mutual Group's
annual Discovery Conference and while the theme of the awesome event
was "Unlock the Power," I'm pretty sure the theme of New Orleans was
"HOT & HUMID!'
Do not forget to enjoy the summer, even if you have to be inside most
of the day. Come up with some excuse, some errand, SOMETHING to get
you outside so the sun can kiss you!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, June 9, 2002
eRipples v4.23: Ripples of HAPPINESS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect,
it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.
-original source unknown, submitted by Carolyn
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We do not usually
discover happiness
in the pursuit of it.
Most often it is a byproduct,
coming to us as we are in the midst
of giving ourselves to another.
-Alan Loy McGinnis, submitted by Janet
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I admit it: I'm a sucker for leadership conferences! I spent some
time this week helping kick off HOBY Wisconsin's annual seminar and I
am still high from the experience! Over 250 high school students
were nominated by their teachers to attend as the cream of the crop
from their school, and together they created an awesome force of
energy!
I was already having a good week, but I admit I found a new plane of
happiness after being around such an incredible group of people. I
hope YOU can raise your happiness level this week by finding some
really AWESOME people to spend time with!
Peace,
Paul
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect,
it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections.
-original source unknown, submitted by Carolyn
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We do not usually
discover happiness
in the pursuit of it.
Most often it is a byproduct,
coming to us as we are in the midst
of giving ourselves to another.
-Alan Loy McGinnis, submitted by Janet
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I admit it: I'm a sucker for leadership conferences! I spent some
time this week helping kick off HOBY Wisconsin's annual seminar and I
am still high from the experience! Over 250 high school students
were nominated by their teachers to attend as the cream of the crop
from their school, and together they created an awesome force of
energy!
I was already having a good week, but I admit I found a new plane of
happiness after being around such an incredible group of people. I
hope YOU can raise your happiness level this week by finding some
really AWESOME people to spend time with!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, June 3, 2002
eRipples v4.22: Ripples of BEING YOU!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Always be true to yourself. A true individual is such a rare thing in today's society. Uniqueness and independence are like rare gems -- wear them proudly and tastefully.
-submitted by Nicole Placek
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity.
Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over
popularity...
these are the choices that measure your life.
Travel the path of integrity without looking back,
for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
-submitted by Linda M. Nesheim
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I travelled to New Hampshire to help Plymouth State College
welcome new students and their parents with a summer orientation
program. One of the key pieces we focused on was the importance of
being yourself. I think all of us need a reminder that sometimes our
desire to FIT IN overshadows the soul's desire to STAND OUT. Create
a ripple this week by daring yourself to be uniquely YOU in some
meaningful way: perhaps you could be the single voice of dissent in
a meeting, or you might wear a flower even if it seems out of place;
just do SOMETHING to stand out!
Peace,
Paul
Always be true to yourself. A true individual is such a rare thing in today's society. Uniqueness and independence are like rare gems -- wear them proudly and tastefully.
-submitted by Nicole Placek
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The highest courage is to dare to be yourself in the face of adversity.
Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience, and truth over
popularity...
these are the choices that measure your life.
Travel the path of integrity without looking back,
for there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
-submitted by Linda M. Nesheim
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I travelled to New Hampshire to help Plymouth State College
welcome new students and their parents with a summer orientation
program. One of the key pieces we focused on was the importance of
being yourself. I think all of us need a reminder that sometimes our
desire to FIT IN overshadows the soul's desire to STAND OUT. Create
a ripple this week by daring yourself to be uniquely YOU in some
meaningful way: perhaps you could be the single voice of dissent in
a meeting, or you might wear a flower even if it seems out of place;
just do SOMETHING to stand out!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, May 26, 2002
eRipples v4.21: Ripples of YOUR RIPPLES!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are not primarily put on this earth
to see through one another,
but to see one another through.
-Peter DeVries, submitted by Lisa Vonfeldt <lvonfeldt@bryanlgh.org>
=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, submitted by Bee <rgh@NMSU.Edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I did it! Actually, the more accurate phrase is "WE did it!" I
travelled to Buffalo this week to deliver the commencement address
for Erie Community College's Class of 2002. Over 3,500 people were
in attendance....and I felt like another 6,000 were cheering for me
via The Ripples Project. I used the many replies from my request for
assistance a few weeks ago, as well as Matt's cool Dandelion story
that anchored eRipples v4.19.
If you would like to peek at the speech and/or the over 300 pieces of
advice readers offered to graduates, please visit a special web page
we set up: http://www.happyflying.com/p/Dandelions.html
Peace,
Paul
We are not primarily put on this earth
to see through one another,
but to see one another through.
-Peter DeVries, submitted by Lisa Vonfeldt <lvonfeldt@bryanlgh.org>
=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, submitted by Bee <rgh@NMSU.Edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I did it! Actually, the more accurate phrase is "WE did it!" I
travelled to Buffalo this week to deliver the commencement address
for Erie Community College's Class of 2002. Over 3,500 people were
in attendance....and I felt like another 6,000 were cheering for me
via The Ripples Project. I used the many replies from my request for
assistance a few weeks ago, as well as Matt's cool Dandelion story
that anchored eRipples v4.19.
If you would like to peek at the speech and/or the over 300 pieces of
advice readers offered to graduates, please visit a special web page
we set up: http://www.happyflying.com/p/Dandelions.html
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, May 19, 2002
eRipples v4.20: Ripples of ENOUGH!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The secret to having it all is believing that you do.
-original source unknown, submitted by Sharman <sbushing@unlnotes.unl.edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The happiest people
don't necessarily
HAVE
the best
of everything,
they just
MAKE
the best
of everything.
-original source unknown, submitted by Sarah <sarahstobbe@yahoo.com>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I spent a few days last week in Indiana on the campus of IUPUI. In a
few of my presentations, we discussed that despite living in a
country with only 1% of the world's population and 98% of the world's
wealth, many of us still feel like we don't have ENOUGH! I believe
this feeling evolves from our pattern of spending beyond what we
make. The average American spends 10% beyond their income: someone
with $10,000 annual income spends like they make $11,000, and someone
at the $100,000 level spends as though they earn $110,000. That
means pay raises and job promotions usually don't bring satisfaction,
they bring more longing and even more debt!
If you're caught up in this cycle, I dare you to press STOP and
change your habits to create a budget as though you make 10% LESS
than what you do. The sense of having extra at the end of the month
creates a feeling of WEALTH even if you make less money than Bill
Gates!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Next week I'll be sharing details from my commencement speech &
how you can easily peek at the over 330 responses I received from
eRipples readers! Send good vibes toward Buffalo!
The secret to having it all is believing that you do.
-original source unknown, submitted by Sharman <sbushing@unlnotes.unl.edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The happiest people
don't necessarily
HAVE
the best
of everything,
they just
MAKE
the best
of everything.
-original source unknown, submitted by Sarah <sarahstobbe@yahoo.com>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I spent a few days last week in Indiana on the campus of IUPUI. In a
few of my presentations, we discussed that despite living in a
country with only 1% of the world's population and 98% of the world's
wealth, many of us still feel like we don't have ENOUGH! I believe
this feeling evolves from our pattern of spending beyond what we
make. The average American spends 10% beyond their income: someone
with $10,000 annual income spends like they make $11,000, and someone
at the $100,000 level spends as though they earn $110,000. That
means pay raises and job promotions usually don't bring satisfaction,
they bring more longing and even more debt!
If you're caught up in this cycle, I dare you to press STOP and
change your habits to create a budget as though you make 10% LESS
than what you do. The sense of having extra at the end of the month
creates a feeling of WEALTH even if you make less money than Bill
Gates!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Next week I'll be sharing details from my commencement speech &
how you can easily peek at the over 330 responses I received from
eRipples readers! Send good vibes toward Buffalo!
Sunday, May 12, 2002
eRipples v4.19: Ripples of DANDELIONS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
All the beautiful sentiments in the world
weigh less than a single lovely action.
-James Russell Lowell, submitted by Su
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
[An eRipples reader shared this story with me, and I had to share it
with everyone!]
I was heading home after spending about 5 hours in the library
working on a research paper, and I was NOT in such a great mood. On
my walk, I passed a couple with a 4-year-old child. While staring
down at my feet in my foul mood, I suddenly saw this tiny shadow in
front of me. I looked up to see the young boy smiling back at me.
He simply said, "This is for you," handed me a dandelion he had
picked from the grass, and ran back to his parents--smiling the whole
way. It instantly put a smile on my face and made me think of The
Ripples Project the entire walk home. When I got to my apartment I
stood the flower up on the banister next to the entrance. A half hour
later the flower was gone, passed on to someone else. Hopefully it
was able to put the same smile on another face as it had on mine.
That little boy was a living example to me of how the ripples concept
truly works. Something as simple as a dandelion from a little boy
was enough to completely change my mood, and possibly someone else's
too.
-written and submitted by Matt
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I had a great experience last week in Lansing, Michigan with a crew
of credit union managers as we explored time management. I
encouraged them to alter their approach to time management from
"hurry up and get more done" to "slow down and figure out what is
most important!" Matt's experience reminds me that sometimes the
important tasks do not even take much time to complete--but can often
have a long-lasting impact!
I need a bunch of dandelions! In a few weeks I am delivering my
first commencement address and YOUR perspective is requested: If you
had the opportunity to say ONE THING to a class of college graduates,
what would you say? Everyone who responds by Friday will get a copy
of all the responses!
Peace,
Paul
eRipples: a FREE quick splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave: send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join: send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit: send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
All the beautiful sentiments in the world
weigh less than a single lovely action.
-James Russell Lowell, submitted by Su
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
[An eRipples reader shared this story with me, and I had to share it
with everyone!]
I was heading home after spending about 5 hours in the library
working on a research paper, and I was NOT in such a great mood. On
my walk, I passed a couple with a 4-year-old child. While staring
down at my feet in my foul mood, I suddenly saw this tiny shadow in
front of me. I looked up to see the young boy smiling back at me.
He simply said, "This is for you," handed me a dandelion he had
picked from the grass, and ran back to his parents--smiling the whole
way. It instantly put a smile on my face and made me think of The
Ripples Project the entire walk home. When I got to my apartment I
stood the flower up on the banister next to the entrance. A half hour
later the flower was gone, passed on to someone else. Hopefully it
was able to put the same smile on another face as it had on mine.
That little boy was a living example to me of how the ripples concept
truly works. Something as simple as a dandelion from a little boy
was enough to completely change my mood, and possibly someone else's
too.
-written and submitted by Matt
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I had a great experience last week in Lansing, Michigan with a crew
of credit union managers as we explored time management. I
encouraged them to alter their approach to time management from
"hurry up and get more done" to "slow down and figure out what is
most important!" Matt's experience reminds me that sometimes the
important tasks do not even take much time to complete--but can often
have a long-lasting impact!
I need a bunch of dandelions! In a few weeks I am delivering my
first commencement address and YOUR perspective is requested: If you
had the opportunity to say ONE THING to a class of college graduates,
what would you say? Everyone who responds by Friday will get a copy
of all the responses!
Peace,
Paul
eRipples: a FREE quick splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave: send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join: send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit: send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
Sunday, May 5, 2002
eRipples v4.18: Ripples of GETTING STARTED!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
-Sally Berger, submitted by Nancy
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Can anything
be sadder
than work
left unfinished?
Yes;
work
never
begun.
-Christina Rossetti submitted by Donna
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Have you been putting something off? Something that might make your
life easier, better, more fun? This could be the week to get
started! If we all start something now, we will create a wave of
momentum that will impact ALL of us. We need your ripple to help get
it started! Take some action this week on a project or goal you have
been procrastinating.....and after you've taken your first step be
sure to encourage someone else to get started on THEIR something!
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
-Sally Berger, submitted by Nancy
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Can anything
be sadder
than work
left unfinished?
Yes;
work
never
begun.
-Christina Rossetti submitted by Donna
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Have you been putting something off? Something that might make your
life easier, better, more fun? This could be the week to get
started! If we all start something now, we will create a wave of
momentum that will impact ALL of us. We need your ripple to help get
it started! Take some action this week on a project or goal you have
been procrastinating.....and after you've taken your first step be
sure to encourage someone else to get started on THEIR something!
Sunday, April 28, 2002
eRipples v4.17: Ripples of LIVING ART!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are all capable of much more than we think we are.
-Lao Tzu, submitted by Rebecca
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are living art,
Created to hang on,
stand up,
forebear,
continue and
encourage others.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Darcy
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I spent some time with my colleagues in the South Central
Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development
before heading to Nebraska for a spectacular day at Bryan School of
Nursing. This crew of 200+ students and instructors reminded me that
there are countless phenomenal people on this planet who, with
already crazy-busy lives, seek even more ways to serve others. While
I reminded them to be sure and find time for themselves, it is deeply
satisfying to find souls who rise beyond their lives and create
ripples in their work. They are surely masterpieces of living art!
-Paul
We are all capable of much more than we think we are.
-Lao Tzu, submitted by Rebecca
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are living art,
Created to hang on,
stand up,
forebear,
continue and
encourage others.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Darcy
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I spent some time with my colleagues in the South Central
Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Training and Development
before heading to Nebraska for a spectacular day at Bryan School of
Nursing. This crew of 200+ students and instructors reminded me that
there are countless phenomenal people on this planet who, with
already crazy-busy lives, seek even more ways to serve others. While
I reminded them to be sure and find time for themselves, it is deeply
satisfying to find souls who rise beyond their lives and create
ripples in their work. They are surely masterpieces of living art!
-Paul
Sunday, April 21, 2002
eRipples v4.16: Ripples of TREASURES!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life is a treasure hunt - love is the treasure.
-source unknown, submitted by Larissa M <Katt@niu.edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wish that life
not be cheap,
but sacred;
I wish the day
to be as centuries,
loaded,
fragrant.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Sara M. <smbay@ozarkisp.net>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In between visits to Indiana University-Bloomington (just about the
coolest group of support staff I've spent time with!), and a
fantastic day with the Indiana School Food Service Association, I
have spent some time reading through the dozens of responses to last
week's request for feedback about eRipples. While some of you had
some really neat suggestions for improvement (which we will be
exploring over the next few months), over 100 of you said "I like
ripples just the way it is." The emails from so many people who
took time from their busy week created a treasure chest of kindness I
will enjoy for several more weeks as I sift through them!
Beyond those 140 people, hundreds more have passed eRipples on to
others, submitted quotes and/or ordered treats from our online store.
Even those of you who simply take a moment from your crazy day to
treat yourself with this splash of kindness are creating a tiny
treasure that continues the ripples!
Peace and treasures to you,
Paul
Life is a treasure hunt - love is the treasure.
-source unknown, submitted by Larissa M <Katt@niu.edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I wish that life
not be cheap,
but sacred;
I wish the day
to be as centuries,
loaded,
fragrant.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Sara M. <smbay@ozarkisp.net>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In between visits to Indiana University-Bloomington (just about the
coolest group of support staff I've spent time with!), and a
fantastic day with the Indiana School Food Service Association, I
have spent some time reading through the dozens of responses to last
week's request for feedback about eRipples. While some of you had
some really neat suggestions for improvement (which we will be
exploring over the next few months), over 100 of you said "I like
ripples just the way it is." The emails from so many people who
took time from their busy week created a treasure chest of kindness I
will enjoy for several more weeks as I sift through them!
Beyond those 140 people, hundreds more have passed eRipples on to
others, submitted quotes and/or ordered treats from our online store.
Even those of you who simply take a moment from your crazy day to
treat yourself with this splash of kindness are creating a tiny
treasure that continues the ripples!
Peace and treasures to you,
Paul
Sunday, April 14, 2002
eRipples v4.15: Ripples of IMPROVEMENT!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
There is no nobility in being better than another.
Nobility lies in being better than one's former self.
-Hindu proverb, submitted by Phyllis
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The important thing is this:
to be able at any moment
to sacrifice what we are
for what we could become.
- Charles Du Bois, submitted by Michelle
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Since we are all about IMPROVEMENT this week, can you do me a BIG
favor and help The Ripples Project improve? We need to know what you
like most about eRipples, and we need to know how we could make it
better. Your quick feedback will let us know that eRipples is
important enough to continue!
Peace,
Paul
There is no nobility in being better than another.
Nobility lies in being better than one's former self.
-Hindu proverb, submitted by Phyllis
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The important thing is this:
to be able at any moment
to sacrifice what we are
for what we could become.
- Charles Du Bois, submitted by Michelle
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Since we are all about IMPROVEMENT this week, can you do me a BIG
favor and help The Ripples Project improve? We need to know what you
like most about eRipples, and we need to know how we could make it
better. Your quick feedback will let us know that eRipples is
important enough to continue!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, April 7, 2002
eRipples v4.14: Ripples of AHHHHHHHHH!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us without words?
-Marcel Marceau, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Remember:
Life is not measured
by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments
that take our breath away.
-source unknown, submitted by Ken
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was excited this week to spend a few days with some of my favorite
training colleagues at a leadership conference in Miami. On Saturday
a few of us slipped away from the conference for dinner and a walk
along the oceanfront. I thought our remarkable evening couldn't get
any better, but then we boarded a huge sailboat for a one hour tour
of the harbor. Moving away from the tourist-filled marketplace and
seeing the nighttime skyline glow with a million lights on a perfect
evening (well, we were wrapped in blankets!) was magnificent! At one
point on our way back towards the dock I noticed the person sitting
next to me staring off into the star-filled sky. I said, "Jacquett,
are you okay?" She responded, "Oh yes, I am just taking in the
moment."
I joined her in a few moments of silence (a rare moment in my world
to be silent around people!) and found the evening raised to a level
of, well, of simply AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I hope you can find a moment to find an AHHHHHHHHH this week!
Peace,
Paul
Do not the most moving moments of our lives find us without words?
-Marcel Marceau, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Remember:
Life is not measured
by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments
that take our breath away.
-source unknown, submitted by Ken
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was excited this week to spend a few days with some of my favorite
training colleagues at a leadership conference in Miami. On Saturday
a few of us slipped away from the conference for dinner and a walk
along the oceanfront. I thought our remarkable evening couldn't get
any better, but then we boarded a huge sailboat for a one hour tour
of the harbor. Moving away from the tourist-filled marketplace and
seeing the nighttime skyline glow with a million lights on a perfect
evening (well, we were wrapped in blankets!) was magnificent! At one
point on our way back towards the dock I noticed the person sitting
next to me staring off into the star-filled sky. I said, "Jacquett,
are you okay?" She responded, "Oh yes, I am just taking in the
moment."
I joined her in a few moments of silence (a rare moment in my world
to be silent around people!) and found the evening raised to a level
of, well, of simply AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I hope you can find a moment to find an AHHHHHHHHH this week!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 31, 2002
eRipples v4.13: Ripples of DETOURS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
-original source unknown, submitted by Sue
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares
which will not withdraw from us.
We need hours of wandering or
spaces of time sitting on park benches,
observing the mysterious world of ants
and the canopy of treetops.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Becky
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Am I the only person who finds it harder to relax than to work? This
week was supposed to be my spring break....no work and all play.
Each morning I thought of a small task that I should attend to, and a
few minutes at the computer turned into my regular routine of
checking emails, paying bills, returning phone calls, etc. It seems
like my routine became too, well, routine! I have a few more days of
down time, and I am determined to meander through them.
I dare you: Try driving home from work a different route, or walk
back from class the l-o-n-g way and see if the detour doesn't provide
an awesome opportunity to enjoy life from a different perspective. I
promise to do the same!
Peace,
Paul
A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
-original source unknown, submitted by Sue
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares
which will not withdraw from us.
We need hours of wandering or
spaces of time sitting on park benches,
observing the mysterious world of ants
and the canopy of treetops.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Becky
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Am I the only person who finds it harder to relax than to work? This
week was supposed to be my spring break....no work and all play.
Each morning I thought of a small task that I should attend to, and a
few minutes at the computer turned into my regular routine of
checking emails, paying bills, returning phone calls, etc. It seems
like my routine became too, well, routine! I have a few more days of
down time, and I am determined to meander through them.
I dare you: Try driving home from work a different route, or walk
back from class the l-o-n-g way and see if the detour doesn't provide
an awesome opportunity to enjoy life from a different perspective. I
promise to do the same!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, March 25, 2002
eRipples v4.12: Ripples of NOT WINNING!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Eventually you learn that the competition
is against the little voice inside you that wants to quit.
-George Sheehan, submitted by Brian
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
its almost a cinch you wont.
If you think you'll lose, your lost.
For out in the world we find SUCCESS begins with a person's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
before you can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster person.
But sooner or later, the person who wins is the person who thinks they can.
-C.W. Longenecker, submitted by Elayne
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I went from the dramatic coast of Maine where I was hanging
out with a fun crew of college food service folks to the amazing
mountains of Utah and a fun crew of credit union folks! I fully
intended to spend my Sunday evening glued to the television to see
who won an Oscar....but alas, I was distracted by the Wasatch
Mountains and I ended up taking a 30 minute train ride that stretched
into a 5 hour evening of staring down into the valley, lost in the
beauty of a sunset that melted every ounce of stress in my soul!
I don't even need to know who won on TV, because I know that I won
right here! I won an amazing opportunity to sit back, relax, and not
care about anything other than the mountains, the sunset, and the
lights of Salt Lake City!
If you're feeling like you've been racing and racing and racing and
racing......maybe you need to do something to just get off the track,
and forget about winning!
Peace,
Paul
Eventually you learn that the competition
is against the little voice inside you that wants to quit.
-George Sheehan, submitted by Brian
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you like to win but think you can't,
its almost a cinch you wont.
If you think you'll lose, your lost.
For out in the world we find SUCCESS begins with a person's will.
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed you are.
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to be sure of yourself
before you can ever win the prize.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster person.
But sooner or later, the person who wins is the person who thinks they can.
-C.W. Longenecker, submitted by Elayne
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I went from the dramatic coast of Maine where I was hanging
out with a fun crew of college food service folks to the amazing
mountains of Utah and a fun crew of credit union folks! I fully
intended to spend my Sunday evening glued to the television to see
who won an Oscar....but alas, I was distracted by the Wasatch
Mountains and I ended up taking a 30 minute train ride that stretched
into a 5 hour evening of staring down into the valley, lost in the
beauty of a sunset that melted every ounce of stress in my soul!
I don't even need to know who won on TV, because I know that I won
right here! I won an amazing opportunity to sit back, relax, and not
care about anything other than the mountains, the sunset, and the
lights of Salt Lake City!
If you're feeling like you've been racing and racing and racing and
racing......maybe you need to do something to just get off the track,
and forget about winning!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, March 18, 2002
eRipples v4.11: Ripples of BIZLOVE!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Your work is to discover your work,
and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
-Buddha, submitted by Erin <eartie80@hotmail.com>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
There can be no happiness
if the things we believe in
are different from the things we do.
-Freya Stark, submitted by Judy Peel <jcpeel@gw.fis.ncsu.edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
After a visit to the unexpectedly snowy campus of University of Wisconsin -
Stout this week, I headed to the northeast for a conference (more on that
next week). Along the way I met a new friend (who happened to be a
long-time eRipples subscriber....how small is this world?!!). In a lively
discussion about what makes a person successful in their work, Kevin
shared that the people he most admired were people who gave their
HEART to their work, in addition to their best efforts.
It struck a chord in me, as I am just diving into a really cool book by
Yahoo's Tim Sanders called "Love is the Killer App: How to Win Business
& Influence Friends." It reinforces my belief that success in business
(and in life!) depends upon your ability to GIVE more than you GET
(Sanders calls this "Bizlove"!). Bring some bizlove to your work this week
by leading with your heart!
Peace,
Paul
Your work is to discover your work,
and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.
-Buddha, submitted by Erin <eartie80@hotmail.com>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
There can be no happiness
if the things we believe in
are different from the things we do.
-Freya Stark, submitted by Judy Peel <jcpeel@gw.fis.ncsu.edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
After a visit to the unexpectedly snowy campus of University of Wisconsin -
Stout this week, I headed to the northeast for a conference (more on that
next week). Along the way I met a new friend (who happened to be a
long-time eRipples subscriber....how small is this world?!!). In a lively
discussion about what makes a person successful in their work, Kevin
shared that the people he most admired were people who gave their
HEART to their work, in addition to their best efforts.
It struck a chord in me, as I am just diving into a really cool book by
Yahoo's Tim Sanders called "Love is the Killer App: How to Win Business
& Influence Friends." It reinforces my belief that success in business
(and in life!) depends upon your ability to GIVE more than you GET
(Sanders calls this "Bizlove"!). Bring some bizlove to your work this week
by leading with your heart!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 10, 2002
eRipples v4.10: Ripples of DISCOVERY!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.
-Barbara Streisand, submitted by Dawn
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Things that haven't been done before,
these are the things to try.
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
at the rim of the far-flung sky.
-Edgar Guest, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week included a quick trip to Cincinnati to spend a day with a
really cool team from Procter & Gamble. During a break a few of us
were discussing how difficult it is to try something NEW when the
status quo seems to be working. Whether it is personal development
or a new direction for a team, I think we always feel safer sticking
with what we have been doing all along. However, we need to recall
that exciting new adventures await when we can find the courage to
embark on a journey beyond the safety of sameness. I dare you to try
something NEW this week and see what you can discover about yourself
and your world!
Peace,
Paul
You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.
-Barbara Streisand, submitted by Dawn
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Things that haven't been done before,
these are the things to try.
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
at the rim of the far-flung sky.
-Edgar Guest, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week included a quick trip to Cincinnati to spend a day with a
really cool team from Procter & Gamble. During a break a few of us
were discussing how difficult it is to try something NEW when the
status quo seems to be working. Whether it is personal development
or a new direction for a team, I think we always feel safer sticking
with what we have been doing all along. However, we need to recall
that exciting new adventures await when we can find the courage to
embark on a journey beyond the safety of sameness. I dare you to try
something NEW this week and see what you can discover about yourself
and your world!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 3, 2002
eRipples v4.09: Ripples of IMAGINATION!
Need Extra Ripples? Search our archives!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.
-Lauren Bacall, submitted by Christine <Christine_Palmer@mercmarine.com>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
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 Kavanaugh, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What if........
[Think about it, and then go for it! -Paul]
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.
-Lauren Bacall, submitted by Christine <Christine_Palmer@mercmarine.com>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
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 Kavanaugh, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What if........
[Think about it, and then go for it! -Paul]
Sunday, February 24, 2002
eRipples v4.08: Ripples of CHALLENGES!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Life will bring you pain all by itself.
Your responsibility is to create joy.
-Milton Erickson, submitted by Sally
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every search begins
with beginner's luck.
And every search ends
with the victor's being severely tested.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Carol
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I had the pleasure of visiting North Carolina (home of the
amazing Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!) to speak at an awesome leadership
conference hosted by East Carolina University. In a workshop on
motivation, we discussed the importance of seeking the right amount
of challenge when trying to motivate ourselves or others. If we are
not challenged enough, we get bored and lazy and our productivity
suffers. On the other hand, if we are facing too many challenges we
often become overwhelmed. It turns out we are not very successful
when we are either bored OR burned out!
The ideal state of motivation comes when we have enough challenges to
keep us on our toes, but not so much that we feel fried. If you have
been in a funk lately or if you are simply hoping to become more
motivated, try assessing your balance and see if you need a bit MORE
challenge (read a book, write an article, join a different group,
volunteer) or perhaps LESS challenge (drop some things from your
crazy schedule, take a long walk, listen to some relaxing music) and
see if striking the right balance might help light your fire!
I send you Peace,
Paul
Life will bring you pain all by itself.
Your responsibility is to create joy.
-Milton Erickson, submitted by Sally
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Every search begins
with beginner's luck.
And every search ends
with the victor's being severely tested.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Carol
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I had the pleasure of visiting North Carolina (home of the
amazing Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!) to speak at an awesome leadership
conference hosted by East Carolina University. In a workshop on
motivation, we discussed the importance of seeking the right amount
of challenge when trying to motivate ourselves or others. If we are
not challenged enough, we get bored and lazy and our productivity
suffers. On the other hand, if we are facing too many challenges we
often become overwhelmed. It turns out we are not very successful
when we are either bored OR burned out!
The ideal state of motivation comes when we have enough challenges to
keep us on our toes, but not so much that we feel fried. If you have
been in a funk lately or if you are simply hoping to become more
motivated, try assessing your balance and see if you need a bit MORE
challenge (read a book, write an article, join a different group,
volunteer) or perhaps LESS challenge (drop some things from your
crazy schedule, take a long walk, listen to some relaxing music) and
see if striking the right balance might help light your fire!
I send you Peace,
Paul
Sunday, February 17, 2002
eRipples v4.07: Ripples of ASPIRATIONS!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What we earnestly aspire to be, that in some sense we are.
-Anna Jameson, submitted by Donna
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I never said "Well, I don't have this and I don't have that."
I said, I don't have this yet, but I'm going to get it. . . .
The real power behind whatever success I have now
was something I found within myself --
something that's in all of us, I think,
a little piece of God just waiting to be discovered.
-Tina Turner, submitted by Debbie
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Friday, I enjoyed an afternoon with the Human Resources team from
the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics. One of our topics
was "goal setting" and the importance of visualizing our goals. A
key component of effective goal setting is finding ways that we have
already acquired some piece of what we aspire to. If you want more
courage in your life, for example, it is essential that you find at
least small ways in which you have recently been courageous. This
allows you to understand what courage looks like, sounds like, feels
like; and then you can say to yourself "I want more, I want LOTS
more!"
I challenge you to spend a moment TODAY thinking about something you
want and to ponder how you have already have some of it in your life
right now!
Peace,
Paul
What we earnestly aspire to be, that in some sense we are.
-Anna Jameson, submitted by Donna
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I never said "Well, I don't have this and I don't have that."
I said, I don't have this yet, but I'm going to get it. . . .
The real power behind whatever success I have now
was something I found within myself --
something that's in all of us, I think,
a little piece of God just waiting to be discovered.
-Tina Turner, submitted by Debbie
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Friday, I enjoyed an afternoon with the Human Resources team from
the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics. One of our topics
was "goal setting" and the importance of visualizing our goals. A
key component of effective goal setting is finding ways that we have
already acquired some piece of what we aspire to. If you want more
courage in your life, for example, it is essential that you find at
least small ways in which you have recently been courageous. This
allows you to understand what courage looks like, sounds like, feels
like; and then you can say to yourself "I want more, I want LOTS
more!"
I challenge you to spend a moment TODAY thinking about something you
want and to ponder how you have already have some of it in your life
right now!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, February 10, 2002
eRipples v4.06: Ripples of FEEDING
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
There is a field beyond right and wrong. Meet me there.
-Rumi, submitted by ZMomanzPop
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A Native American grandfather was talking to
his grandson about his feelings after the attacks.
He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart.
One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one.
The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one."
When the grandson asked him which wolf
would win the fight, the grandfather answered,
"The one that I feed."
-source unknown, submitted by Sissy
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I made a quick trip to California this week to spend some time at
Mills College. We were exploring the topic of encouraging "civility
& respect." It seems there is an assumption in our society that in
order to have civility we must have harmony. Well, I disagree! And
it is okay to disagree! We do not have to AGREE in order to get
along. If we are going to cultivate peace on our planet, we need to
have respect for different perspectives. As a bonus, when we strive
to understand other viewpoints we occasionally find it useful to
adjust our own! Do not be afraid to voice your opinion or challenge
someone this week, but seek that field beyond right & wrong!
Peace,
Paul
There is a field beyond right and wrong. Meet me there.
-Rumi, submitted by ZMomanzPop
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A Native American grandfather was talking to
his grandson about his feelings after the attacks.
He said, "I feel as if I have two wolves fighting in my heart.
One wolf is the vengeful, angry, violent one.
The other wolf is the loving, compassionate one."
When the grandson asked him which wolf
would win the fight, the grandfather answered,
"The one that I feed."
-source unknown, submitted by Sissy
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I made a quick trip to California this week to spend some time at
Mills College. We were exploring the topic of encouraging "civility
& respect." It seems there is an assumption in our society that in
order to have civility we must have harmony. Well, I disagree! And
it is okay to disagree! We do not have to AGREE in order to get
along. If we are going to cultivate peace on our planet, we need to
have respect for different perspectives. As a bonus, when we strive
to understand other viewpoints we occasionally find it useful to
adjust our own! Do not be afraid to voice your opinion or challenge
someone this week, but seek that field beyond right & wrong!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, February 3, 2002
eRipples v4.05: Ripples of SUMMER!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In the depth of winter, I finally learned
that there was within me an invincible summer.
-Albert Camus, submitted by Rachel
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What you still need to know is this:
before a dream is realized,
the Soul of the World tests everything
that was learned along the way.
It does this not because it is evil,
but so that we can,
in addition to realizing our dreams,
master the lessons we've learned
as we've moved toward that dream.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Carol
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This I know: there are good days and there are bad days. And
sometimes the bad days can be sooooooo bad. Remember, however, that
if you just hang in there a little more.....another good day is on
its way! I believe in you and the world believes in you, so please
make sure that YOU believe in you!
Peace,
Paul
In the depth of winter, I finally learned
that there was within me an invincible summer.
-Albert Camus, submitted by Rachel
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What you still need to know is this:
before a dream is realized,
the Soul of the World tests everything
that was learned along the way.
It does this not because it is evil,
but so that we can,
in addition to realizing our dreams,
master the lessons we've learned
as we've moved toward that dream.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Carol
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This I know: there are good days and there are bad days. And
sometimes the bad days can be sooooooo bad. Remember, however, that
if you just hang in there a little more.....another good day is on
its way! I believe in you and the world believes in you, so please
make sure that YOU believe in you!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, January 28, 2002
eRipples v4.04: Ripples of CATERPILLARS!
eRipples: a Quick Splash of Kindness
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.04: Ripples of CATERPILLARS!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see bottom
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It is necessary that I support two or three caterpillars
if I want to know the butterflies.
-Antoine de St.-Exupery, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You have not lived a perfect day,
even though you earned money,
unless you have done something
for someone who will never be able to repay you.
-Ruth Smeltzer, submitted by Lin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I enjoyed a day-long training with the staff of Dane County
Credit Union and a breakfast chat with the Wisconsin Association of
School Boards. During both presentations, we discussed the
importance of connecting with people who are different than you.
That especially includes people who are DIFFICULT because sometimes
the only thing that makes someone DIFFICULT is that they are
DIFFERENT than you! They have a different personality or different
perspective or different background or different life experiences.
Spending some time with people who are different allows you to
consider new perspectives, enlarge your world view, and create all
kinds of new ripples of possibilities!
You may be good at creating ripples for the people you know and care
about, but this week make it your quest to create some ripples with
someone who is DIFFERENT than you and see if it doesn't make your
week a little better!
Peace,
Paul
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.04: Ripples of CATERPILLARS!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see bottom
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It is necessary that I support two or three caterpillars
if I want to know the butterflies.
-Antoine de St.-Exupery, submitted by E.R.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You have not lived a perfect day,
even though you earned money,
unless you have done something
for someone who will never be able to repay you.
-Ruth Smeltzer, submitted by Lin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I enjoyed a day-long training with the staff of Dane County
Credit Union and a breakfast chat with the Wisconsin Association of
School Boards. During both presentations, we discussed the
importance of connecting with people who are different than you.
That especially includes people who are DIFFICULT because sometimes
the only thing that makes someone DIFFICULT is that they are
DIFFERENT than you! They have a different personality or different
perspective or different background or different life experiences.
Spending some time with people who are different allows you to
consider new perspectives, enlarge your world view, and create all
kinds of new ripples of possibilities!
You may be good at creating ripples for the people you know and care
about, but this week make it your quest to create some ripples with
someone who is DIFFERENT than you and see if it doesn't make your
week a little better!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 20, 2002
eRipples v4.03: Ripples for DR. KING!
eRipples: a Quick Splash of Happiness
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.03: Ripples for DR. KING!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see below
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our lives begin to end
the day we become silent
about things that matter.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Lois
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The ultimate weakness of violence
is that it is a descending spiral,
begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.
Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it...
Through violence you may murder the hater,
but you do not murder the hate.
In fact, violence merely increases hate...
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Marilyn
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In order to honor Dr. King, I propose we all commit to speak up this
week! Choose a concern you feel strongly about and discuss it with
your friends, family or co-workers. Write a letter to your senator
or congressperson to let them know where you stand on an issue.
Challenge the status quo, ask the difficult question in a meeting,
disagree even if you're in the minority. Make sure your voice is
heard!
We can keep the spirit of Dr. King's ideals alive by each doing our
part to SPEAK UP!
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.03: Ripples for DR. KING!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see below
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our lives begin to end
the day we become silent
about things that matter.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Lois
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The ultimate weakness of violence
is that it is a descending spiral,
begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.
Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it...
Through violence you may murder the hater,
but you do not murder the hate.
In fact, violence merely increases hate...
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Marilyn
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In order to honor Dr. King, I propose we all commit to speak up this
week! Choose a concern you feel strongly about and discuss it with
your friends, family or co-workers. Write a letter to your senator
or congressperson to let them know where you stand on an issue.
Challenge the status quo, ask the difficult question in a meeting,
disagree even if you're in the minority. Make sure your voice is
heard!
We can keep the spirit of Dr. King's ideals alive by each doing our
part to SPEAK UP!
Sunday, January 13, 2002
eRipples v4.02: Ripples of THE BEST YOU!
eRipples: a Quick Splash of Happiness
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.02: Ripples of THE BEST YOU!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see below
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If I try to be like him, who will be like me?
-Yiddish Proverb, submitted by Monica
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You have to count on living every single day
in a way you believe will make you feel good about your life--
so that if it were over tomorrow,
you'd be content with yourself.
-Seymour, submitted by Laura
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How are you? Really. I want to know how YOU are! And I want you
to try very hard this week to be the best YOU, the most amazing YOU,
the most YOU that you can possibly imagine. It turns out we don't
need you to be thinner or smarter or richer or faster or louder or
calmer or saner. We just need you to be MORE of YOU!!
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.02: Ripples of THE BEST YOU!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see below
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If I try to be like him, who will be like me?
-Yiddish Proverb, submitted by Monica
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You have to count on living every single day
in a way you believe will make you feel good about your life--
so that if it were over tomorrow,
you'd be content with yourself.
-Seymour, submitted by Laura
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How are you? Really. I want to know how YOU are! And I want you
to try very hard this week to be the best YOU, the most amazing YOU,
the most YOU that you can possibly imagine. It turns out we don't
need you to be thinner or smarter or richer or faster or louder or
calmer or saner. We just need you to be MORE of YOU!!
Monday, January 7, 2002
eRipples v4.01: New Ripples for a New Year!
eRipples: a Quick Splash of Happiness
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.01: New Ripples for a New Year!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see below
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.
Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness,
selfishness, and fears.
-Glenn Clark, submitted by Mary
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome to 2002! I began the year with a trip to Fennimore, Wisconsin
and the campus of Southwest Technical College to help the faculty and
staff kick off their year. I mentioned that over 80% of New Year's
resolutions are broken within a few weeks. 4 out of every 5!
One of the best things you can do to increase your resolution success
rate is to focus on what you DO want instead of what you DO NOT want in
the coming year. Try this exercise and you'll see that I mean: choose a
spot on the floor and stand on it. If you wanted to move AWAY from this
spot, there are many directions to choose from to move away from it. So
many, in fact, that it can be overwhelming. While standing on this spot,
choose another spot you want to move towards. When thinking about
moving toward that spot, there is an obvious direction that will most
efficiently move you toward the new spot!
Choose your spot and MOVE TOWARDS IT!
Peace in 2002,
Paul
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v4.01: New Ripples for a New Year!
to LEAVE or JOIN, see below
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.
Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness,
selfishness, and fears.
-Glenn Clark, submitted by Mary
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome to 2002! I began the year with a trip to Fennimore, Wisconsin
and the campus of Southwest Technical College to help the faculty and
staff kick off their year. I mentioned that over 80% of New Year's
resolutions are broken within a few weeks. 4 out of every 5!
One of the best things you can do to increase your resolution success
rate is to focus on what you DO want instead of what you DO NOT want in
the coming year. Try this exercise and you'll see that I mean: choose a
spot on the floor and stand on it. If you wanted to move AWAY from this
spot, there are many directions to choose from to move away from it. So
many, in fact, that it can be overwhelming. While standing on this spot,
choose another spot you want to move towards. When thinking about
moving toward that spot, there is an obvious direction that will most
efficiently move you toward the new spot!
Choose your spot and MOVE TOWARDS IT!
Peace in 2002,
Paul
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