Monday, April 19, 2004

Ripples v6.16: Ripples of FRONT PORCHES!

Ripples v6.16: 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=o

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love,
a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
-Mother Teresa

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

How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving
and tolerant of the weak and the strong.
Because someday in life you will have been all of these.
-George Washington Carver, submitted by Marcia, Grand Rapids, MI

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

Last week we asked for members to submit their favorite websites so
we could model our new website (coming in July!) after the best sites
out there. One of the sites was about a guy named Scott who decided
several years ago to wear a nametag everywhere he went. He found it
made it easier to meet engage with other people because suddenly
strangers were more likely to strike up a conversation. In stores,
he is often mistaken for an employee so he frequently just takes on
the roll and helps the person find an item or an answer or a
solution. His term for an object (like a nametag) or behavior that
increases approachability is a "front porch." Front porches,
according to his website, reduce uncertainty, create comfort, and
contribute to a better connected society.

I agree with Scott, and I challenge you this week to create a front
porch of your own. Find a way to make it easier for people to engage
you, whether that is a colorful broach or a smiley face or a book you
carry or just a big ole smile on your face! (If you would like other
suggestions for front porches, and to read Scott's disclaimer about
the dangers of wearing a nametag everywhere, I encourage you to visit
his website: http://www.HelloMyNameIsScott.com/ )

Peace,
Paul

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