Ripples v5.25: Independence Ripples!

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

The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness--only the pursuit of it.
You have to catch up with it yourself.
-Benjamin Franklin, submitted by Anne D., Richmond VA

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

I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid, more accessible,
to loosen my heart until it becomes a wing, a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.
-Dawna Markova, submitted by Jay E., Madison WI

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

I hope you can celebrate the upcoming holiday by pursuing happiness
with zeal! Do something nice for someone else, and do something
extra nice for YOU! Happy Fourth!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v5.24: Ripples of MOVING!

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

At times, a change of routine can be most healthful.
-Arnold Lobel, submitted by Katie O., Des Moines, IA

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

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated.
You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.
--David Lloyd George, submitted by Andy K., Grafton, WI

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

Except for a really fun visit with the Arthritis Foundation at a regional retreat in
Milwaukee, I have been up to my eyeballs in cardboard boxes as I prepare to move into
my new home. While the distance is less than two miles, this arduous endeavor has
been a reminder that change can be many things: thrilling and exhausting and exciting
and frustrating and liberating and scary.

If you are experiencing change at this time in your life, whether it is big or small, take a
moment today to breathe deeply and remember that incredible possibilities await us on
the other side of the chasm!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v5.23: Ripples of SIGNIFICANCE!

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

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
-Carl Sagan, submitted by Cecile B.

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

How we define success is important in shaping our lives. So, how should we define
success? Success is generally defined in terms of achievement, fame, recognition,
material possessions, and wealth. In a word: outcome.

Significance on the other hand, while less tangible, concerns the process. Significance is
importance, meaning, essence, relevance, and value.

Success drives us by a desire for tangible things; significance guides us by a desire for
something greater than just what is tangible.
-Larry S. Julian, submitted by Steve F.

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

This week included a beautiful visit to Plymouth State College in New Hampshire where
we helped some new students and their parents prepare for the new chapter in their
lives. I also briefly visited the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar, where 200 high school
students from around the state had gathered to enhance their leadership skills. Success
was certainly on the minds of participants at both places, and I hope they (and you!) will
ponder the difference between the outcome-oriented focus of success and the process-
oriented focus of significance.

I wish for you success this week, and I hope you also encounter SIGNIFICANCE!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v5.22: Ripples of DETERMINATION!

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

Fall seven times, stand up eight.
- Japanese Proverb, submitted by Lin H., Normal, IL

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

The longer I live, the more I am certain
that the difference between the great and insignificant
is energy - invincible determination - a purpose
once fixed and then death or victory.
-Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro, NC

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

I was in St. Louis this week with marketing and training
professionals from credit unions across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri.
In addition to enjoying a fantastic view of the Arch and the mighty
Mississippi River, we explored the importance of DETERMINATION in
achieving our goals and maintaining a positive attitude. If we are
to enjoy a happy and successful life, we must remember that it will
not always be easy. That is OK! With a bit of determination we can
rise above the challenges and ultimately enjoy life more after
conquering these challenges! Go for it, my friend, GO FOR IT!


Peace,
Paul

Ripples v5.21: Ripples of REKINDLING!

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

Have a trick to rekindle your passion for your venture.
-H. Schultz, CFO, Starbucks, [His trick: He plunges his hands into
vats of coffee beans and inhales!] submitted by Kristl M.

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

People often say that motivation doesn't last.
Well, neither does bathing-
that's why we recommend it daily.
-Zig Ziglar, submitted by Judy A., Carbondale, Illinois

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

I was back in Indianapolis this week for another visit with my
friends at Duke Realty. I challenged the participants to brainstorm
regular ways to maintain a positive attitude and I think we should
all tackle that this week! Is there some quick action you could take
right now that might renew your passion for work, school, life, or
some project you need to tackle? Perhaps you can think of a song
that will fire you up, or a quote to paste to your computer screen.
Or maybe you need a quick phone call to someone who always leaves
your soul smiling after you connect. Whatever, or whomever, it is,
I dare you to rekindle your passion and dive back in!

Peace,
Paul

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