Monday, March 29, 2004

Ripples v6.13: Ripples of WELCOME!

Ripples v6.13: Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+

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

Dare to be remarkable.
-Jane Gentry, submitted by Elizabeth R., Portland, Oregon

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

The potential of the average person
is like a huge ocean unsailed,
a new continent unexplored,
a world of possibilities waiting to be released
and channeled toward some great good.
-Brian Tracy, submitted by Cythia P.

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

Please allow me to introduce our new Kindness Coordinator, Marijane Curry! Marijane is a longtime resident of Madison and spent 30 years at Kraft Foods (most recently in "Lunchables" product development), as well as a few part time jobs to satisfy her thirst for new experiences. I asked her to share a bit about her adventures in life: "I am a former 60's hippy and participated in the anti-Vietnam
war and civil rights movements. When I married Sherman we could not rent in certain sections of Madison because he was black. I have a daughter who is a dancer, an opera singer and a poet. I love
horticulture, hiking, music and internet surfing. I basically believe that all people are good and we just need to understand and appreciate the differences and go forward to help change the world. I am looking forward to the Kindness Coordinator position as a great way to connect to all sorts of people and give them that moment of sunshine in a sometimes cloudy day." Cool lady, eh? We are so glad to have her aboard!

Peace,
Paul

Monday, March 22, 2004

Ripples v6.12: Ripples of LESLIE!

Ripples v6.12: Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+


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

Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.
-Richard Bach

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

Fly free and happy beyond birthdays
and across forever,
and we'll meet now and then when we wish,
in the midst of the one celebration that never can end.
-Richard Bach

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

Many of you have traded emails, talked on the phone, or received your orders from our Kindness Coordinator, Leslie. Long time members of The Ripples Project may even remember a poem she wrote that originally appeared during our first year.  After 18 months of utilizing her remarkable creative talents (Leslie was the driving force behind our online store expansion from a few cards to over 30 Ripply goodies!), this week Leslie transitions from staff member back into her previous role as "member extraordinaire." We will still benefit from her presence, luckily, and I will be forever grateful for the time and considerable love she poured into The Ripples Project! Good luck with the next chapter in your adventurous life!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. Tune in next week to learn about who is in store for us next!

Monday, March 15, 2004

Ripples v6.11: Ripples of IRISH WISHES!

Ripples v6.11: Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+

Please make a Ripple in someone's life by sharing this message!
To join (free!): mailto:Join@TheRipplesProject.org

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

May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want.
-Irish toast, submitted by Amy S., Wisconsin

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

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
May your heart be as light as a song.
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
That stay with you all year long.

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way ---
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
-Irish Blessing, submitted by Mary S., Madison, Wisconsin

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

This week found me hanging out with a crew of fellow trainers up in
the Wisconsin Dells, exploring ways to enhance our effectiveness. We
agreed that the more FUN we infused into our presentations, the more
likely our students could retain and apply the information provided.
It may seem like an obvious point, but FUN seems to be reserved
exclusively for kindergarten classes these days! I dare you to bring
some FUN to a meeting or presentation or conversation you have
scheduled this week. Share some goodies, wear a wacky hat, or have
everyone sing a song. Will it be silly? Of course! And the smiles
will linger, I promise!

Speaking of fun, we have some REALLY fun new greeting cards in our
store that we designed just for you! Take a peek and remember that
your purchase helps us create more ripples!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm

Peace,
Paul

Monday, March 8, 2004

Ripples v6.10: Ripples of MESSY SPAGHETTI!

Ripples v6.10: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+

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

Life is like spaghetti - kinda messy sometimes, but really good!
-Tracy M.'s 5 year-old son, submitted by Tracy

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

Believe in your dreams.
If the road you're traveling seems
all uphill, never quit.
For what's far will be near
and your hopes will win out
if you hold on to your dreams and never doubt.
-J. Bergsma, submitted by Sarah B., Eland, Wisconsin

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

A few dozen people received special Ripple Awards last week, thanks
to engaged readers who took it upon themselves to nominate a friend
or coworker or neighbor. There were Ripple Awards for Friendship,
Understanding, Generosity, Amazing Dedication, Most Inspiring Sister,
Best Programmer Ever, and even one called "Ripple Award for Just
Being You!"

All of them were awesome, and I am sharing one because Emily did a
magnificent job of being specific and sincere. Both Sarah and Emily
will receive a bundle of Ripples Goodies from our online store.

Ripple Award for Perseverance and Dedication

This award goes to Sarah for displaying perseverance and dedication
while searching for a job.

Sarah has always been a caring and compassionate person. Thinking of
others always before herself is common practice for this bride to be and
it is good to see that her love for others and dedication to success has
landed her a job. Sarah was out of work during a stressful time,
through the holidays and while she was planning her wedding, but the
smile never left her face. She always kept her great and positive
disposition and continued to give more than she was receiving. Being
without work in the holidays can be stressful, but not when you have as
big of a heart as my sister. She still continued to purchase gifts for
the less fortunate, when most people in her situation would consider
themselves the less fortunate one.

Sarah starts her new job today and I am very proud of her and proud to
have a sister that I can admire. She has always displayed strength and
resilience and for that she should receive the honor in being named the
winner of the Ripples Project Award!

It is easy to be satisfied when the sun is shining on your face and the
wind is at your back, but great character is displayed when the
situation is reversed and you are still smiling. That quote is how I
would describe my sister, Sarah!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. It is not too late for you to send a Ripple Award to someone you know!

Monday, March 1, 2004

Ripples v6.09: Ripples of AWARDING OTHERS!

Ripples v6.09: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+

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

Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.
-George M. Adams, submitted by Reta D., Sandy, Utah

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

It's an interesting phenomenon,
at times of loss and tragedy,
the best of us comes out.

Could it be a different life for everybody
if we remain mindful that the best of us
should be present at all times?
-Dick Hage, submitted by Brooke T.

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

I am gearing up to watch the Academy Awards this evening, and it has
given me an idea: Ripples Awards! Not awards that we here at TRP
Central give out, though. What if YOU email someone in your life
that deserves acknowledgement or needs a bit of encouragement?

For example, my friend Brian visited this weekend and helped me
decide how to invest some money, so I nominate him for a "Ripple
Award for Financial Genius!." Or perhaps my friends Jeff, Aaron, and
Ron need to each receive a "Ripple Award for Brainstorming Talent!"
for some excellent support they offered recently. Think of someone
that has helped you or your family or your team or your community and
thank them by delivering your OWN Ripple Award! Just put "Ripple
Award for _____" as the Subject Line, and in the text of the email
tell them that you had a challenge to give out an award this week and
they won!

In fact, when you email your award winner this week, send a blind
copy to "Award@TheRipplesProject.org" and we will select one to win a
packet of Ripples Goodies!

Peace,
Paul