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

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

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

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