Ripples v7.49: Ripples of STRANGE ADVENTURES!

Ripples v7.49: Ripples of STRANGE ADVENTURES!
12/26/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The strangest adventures can start with the simplest ideas.
-written and submitted by Brian C., San Louis Obispo CA

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

Every day you may make progress.
Every step may be fruitful.
Yet there will stretch out before you an
ever-lengthening,
ever-ascending,
ever-improving path.

You know you will never get
to the end of the journey.
But this, so far from discouraging,
only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
– Sir Winston Churchill, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

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

As the year winds down, some you may either be anticipating or dreading the idea of resolutions or goals for 2006. While most resolutions get abandoned quickly because they aren't S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timed), I remain an enthusiastic fan of the concept. You may want to spend a few minutes this week dreaming BIG and then setting some reasonable goals.

It may seem ironic that most of those who have successfully and permanently kicked the smoking habit have had a number of unsuccessful attempts in the past. They usually aren\'t successful on the first attempt, but each attempt brings them closer to the ultimate win. Even if you\'re discourage by past failures to achieve some lofty goal, remember that your past failures could be a sign that you are destined to succeed THIS time around. C\'mon, you can do it!

One of my own lofty ambitions is to get members (and guests) of The Ripples Project to interact with each other. We once had a fairly active discussion board, but it has died down and I'm going to see if we can start chatting again.
Would you please share any STRANGE ADVENTURE you hope to have this year with us:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=169.0

Also, take a look at other topics, or start another thread yourself:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php

Receiving this newsletter doesn't necessarily mean you have a username for the community discussion board, so take just a moment to create one and the share your thoughts with us all. If you have trouble using the board, let me know and I\'ll be around this week to troubleshoot.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.48: Ripples of BURNING BRIGHTER!

Ripples v7.48: Ripples of BURNING BRIGHTER!
12/19/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Whenever you see darkness,
there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter.
-Bono, submitted by Jill B., Fennimore WI

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

I’ve noticed a belief that somehow optimism lacks intelligence
and that optimism stems from a lack of experience and naivete.
I don’t believe that.
I believe optimism is a choice.
Cynicim isn’t smarter, it’s just safer.
-Jewl, submitted by Dana M., Waukesha

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

If you are facing a challenge this week that is extra frustrating or difficult or just plain ole poopy, I dare you to practice optimism and see the wonderful possibility in the challenge. If that doesn't work, stand up and let out a big whine and at the top of your lungs scream "This is just AWFUL and it shouldn't be happening!" After you let that out, go back and re-read ripples and try the optimism again!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. I will be heading home from my retreat this week, so if you have sent any personal emails I will hopefully be able to plow through the pile and respond by Friday. Thanks ever so much for your patience.

Ripples v7.47: Ripples of STORIES!

Ripples v7.47: Ripples of STORIES!
12/12/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Life should be lived such that you are either
creating new stories or
telling the ones you already have.
-written and submitted by Josh K., Milwaukee WI

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

Embrace this right now life
while it's dripping,
while the flavors are
excellently wholesome.

Take your bites with
bravery and boldness
since the learning and the growing
are here in these times,
these exact right nows.
Capture these times.

Hold and kiss them because
it will soon be very different.
-Jill Scott, submitted by Sharon S. (from Portland OR I think!)


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

Something happened to you recently that was a little out of the ordinary, right?

It was hilarious or sad or frustrating or fun or entertaining or dramatic. If the event was uplifting, sharing it with others might brighten their day. If, on the other hand, it was a"less than positive" experience, well it will surely help to tell someone so you can take any useful learnings and then move beyond the yuckiness. One of the central reasons language evolved was to share stories; many cultures have preserved their history through story telling.

I would like for you to share a story with someone this week. Call someone you have been out of touch with just to tell them about that weird coincidence that happened yesterday, or share a funny tidbit when you're standing in a line. Maybe a longer email detailing a challenge you've been facing will help them understand why you've been out of touch lately.

Whomever, whenever, whatever: just tell your story, baby!!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. For those who have seen in the news or discussed the "Happy Holidays" vs. "Merry Christmas" issue, I would urge everyone to keep in mind that folks on both sides are trying to spread positive feelings and have good intentions. Stop arguing and start celebrating for goodness sakes! And Happy Hol.....er, Merry Chri....uhm.......ENJOY TODAY!

Ripples v7.46: Ripples of a GIANT MOSAIC!

Ripples v7.46: Ripples of a GIANT MOSAIC!
12/5/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Be who you are and say what you feel.
Those who mind don\'t matter and
those who matter don\'t mind.
-Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

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Each of us is but one little, tiny tile in a giant mosaic,
and the grout which holds us together is our common humanity.
If you look at the mosaic up close, you can only see the individual colors,
but when you take a few steps back and look at the entire mosaic,
you can see the real picture.
We would be an incomplete picture without the tile that is YOU!
-Laura LaCour-Johnson, submitted by Carol L., Rociada NM

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

So here we are on this great big planet of over 6 billion people, and it turns out that even though you make up just one/6 billionth of the population, your presence is essential! Think about all the mosaics you are a part of: your family, your friends, your neighbors, your community, your workplace and/or school, your country, and the planet. And other organizations and groups you\'ve joined: places you volunteer or pursue hobbies, even the mosaic called The Ripples Project. Imagine if each of these mosaics were hanging in a mythical mosaic museum: even in the largest mosaics, visitors would likely notice if there was a blank spot where your tile was supposed to be.

Your challenge this week is to appreciate the beautiful mosaics that are your life, and the next time you look in a mirror you might say THANK YOU to acknowledge the part you play in these beautiful works of art!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. I continue to be on retreat the next few weeks. I will keep sending you a weekly splash of Ripples, but you may not receive personal responses from me until I am back home and caught up in early January.

Ripples v7.45: Ripples of MUTUAL WEIRDNESS!

Ripples v7.45: Ripples of MUTUAL WEIRDNESS!
11/28/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times,
always with the same person.
-Mignon McLaughlin

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

We are all a little weird and
life\'s a little weird, and
when we find someone
whose weirdness is compatible with ours,
we join up with them and
fall in mutual weirdness and
call it love.
-source unknown

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

In addition to a heaping mound of Thanksgiving deliciousness, my family enjoyed a special treat this holiday weekend. My sister married one of the most charming veterinarians on the planet (coincidentally, he married one of the funniest and most talented veterinarians on the planet). Together, Dr. Cary & Dr. Cary kicked off their lifelong commitment with a simple and sweet ceremony that will linger in the hearts of all of those present.

I came across the above quotes on the internet and decided they could make a fun relationship-themed ripple to dedicate to my sister and her husband. The pebble reminds us that marriage, and in fact any relationship, requires ongoing efforts to ensure a healthy, long-lasting partnership. The boulder serves to comfort those of us who wonder if we are too weird to ever find someone to share our lives with.

To Drs. Cary & Cary, to many others who have entered into partnerships of various shapes and sizes, and to anyone who is flying solo through this chapter in their life: enjoy your weirdness....and enjoy today!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. I am on retreat the next few weeks. You will continue to receive your weekly splash of Ripples, but you may not hear personal responses from me until I am back home and caught up!

Ripples v7.44: Ripples of THANKS!

Ripples v7.44: Ripples of THANKS!
11/21/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

In relation to others, gratitude is good manners;
in relation to ourselves, it is a habit of the heart and a spiritual discipline.
-Daphne Rose Kingma, submitted by Leslie S., Madison, WI

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Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.
-Melody Beattie, submitted by David A., Colorado Springs, CO

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

For many of us here in the U.S., Thanksgiving is an opportunity to escape work/school for a few days and share delicious meals and fun times with family or friends. This holiday creates a fairly obvious reminder to spend a moment declaring your gratitude for these important people in your life. I hope you can take just one moment this week to pass along a big THANK YOU to somebody who might not be expecting to hear from you. Perhaps someone at work reliably completes tasks behind the scenes that benefits you (e.g. janitor, operator, or other support staff), or maybe a grocery store clerk or restaurant server that has frequently provided stellar service would enjoy hearing how much you look forward to their help. It could even be a person you pass on the street who has traded a number of smiles with you. We often forget that a sincere compliment can linger for hours, so this week I dare you to commit a random act of gratitude!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.43: Ripples of LIFE LEARNING!

Ripples v7.43: Ripples of LIFE LEARNING!
11/14/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

In the solitude of your mind
are the answers to all your questions about life.
You must take the time to ask and listen.
-Mahaiyaddeen, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

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

You should always learn:
with life comes wisdom and
with wisdom comes the courage to live life selflessly.

The more you learn about yourself and
the experiences surrounding your life
the more opportunities you have
to make your life better and more fulfilling.
-Amy Candy, submitted by Heather K., North Carolina

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

Many of our \"ponders\" include a call to action: challenging you not just to think about what you read here but to DO something with it. Well, this week I dare you to do the opposite! Instead of setting a goal or completing a task or accepting a challenge, I hope you can sit back and ponder your life. What have you learned about yourself in the past few months? How are you different than you were a year ago? Who are you compared to the person you thought you would become? Resist the temptation to judge any observations as GOOD or BAD, instead just notice what comes up. Perhaps you can acknowledge some learning that has taken place, and maybe you will dream about what your next lessons could be.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.42: Ripples of CHARGING IN!

Ripples v7.42: Ripples of CHARGING IN!
November 7, 2005
Our FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project to over 14,000 members!

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

Live fully, love truly, and laugh always!
-written and submitted by Sunny G., Weed CA

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

You either shrink and hide or
you throw your shoulders back
and charge right in.
I learned that charging
felt more comfortable for me.
-Minnie Driver, submitted by Dana M., Waukesha WI

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

October included another round of adventures: visiting with resident assistants from around Michigan and then financial educators who work at banks throughout Wisconsin. I wrapped up by spending a few days in Baltimore at National Industries for the Blind\'s conference. Thanks to a few hundred of them who wanted to join Ripples, as well as all of you who were Rippled by a co-worker or friend, we have made it to 14,000 subscribers....WOOHOO! This is extra exciting because each week about 30-40 people leave our list (only 1/5th of 1 percent but over time that adds up!). We are moving forward at a faster pace that those tiny steps we take back each week!

Can you help celebrate this milestone by finding some significant way to CHARGE IN to your life this week? Perhaps you finally need to make a decision, follow up on a task, or dive into a project you have been avoiding. You can lift your head high and CHARGE IN because you now have 14,000 people who are Rippling along with you!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.41: Ripples of ENCHANTED POSSIBILITIES!

Ripples v7.41: Ripples of ENCHANTED POSSIBILITIES!
October 31, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The uncertainties of the present always give way
to the enchanted possibilities of the future.
-Gelsey Kirkland, submitted by Jennifer K.

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

If I were to wish for anything,
I should not wish for wealth and power,
but for the passionate sense of the potential,
for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible...
What wine is so sparkling, so fragrant, so intoxicating, as possibility!
-Soren Kierkagaard, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI & by Rebecca E.

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

How are things going for you? I bet even if there is a bunch of GUNK on your \"to-do\" list, you still might be able to peer through all the stuff on your desk and/or in your life to find some exciting, enchanting possibility? Somewhere in your piles of STUFF there exists an opportunity. Perhaps it is a school or work assignment that could lead to developing a new expertise, or maybe an annoying chore is hinting that there is a more efficient way to complete the task. It could even be a strained relationship with a friend or colleague that has the potential to provide a \"training ground\" for you to improve your interpersonal skills. Hopefully, you will jump at the chance to create some magic from the mundane.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.40: Ripples of FULLY ENGAGING!

Ripples v7.40: Ripples of FULLY ENGAGING!
October 24, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Engaging fully in the moment seems like it would take a great deal of energy.
But it is the things we do halfheartedly that really wear us down.
-FISH! Calendar, submitted by John M., Shrewsbury MA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Life should not be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body,

but rather to skid in broadside,
in a cloud of smoke,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out,
and loudly proclaiming,
\"Wow! What a Ride!\"
-Hunter S. Thompson, submitted by Di B., Cincinnati OH

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

Today you have a fun task to accomplish: Today.

I want each item on your \"to-do\" list to get your best, most focused attention. Make every conversation count and every chore a dance of accomplishment. Let\'s see if you can, for just one day, make this day the most important day of your life (By the way, today IS the most important day of your life!)

On your mark, get set.....

GO!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.39: Ripples of PERSEVERANCE!

Ripples v7.39: Ripples of PERSEVERANCE!
October 17, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Perseverance is not a long race;
it is many short races one after another.
-Walter Elliott, submitted by Noel R., Milwaukee WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

If I were asked to give what I consider the single most
useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this:
Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes,
hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say,
\"I will be bigger than you. You can not defeat me.\"
Then repeat to yourself the most comforting of all words,
\"This too shall pass.\"
-Ann Landers, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI

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

I am not giving up my goal just yet! A few weeks back we began a quest to increase the number of Ripples we can make by increasing the number of subscribers to Ripples. The first week we signed on 200 new subscribers which is 10 times more than a typical week and yet still a small number when you consider that 13,000+ subscribers are on the list. The last few weeks have seen only a few dozen new subscribers. Of course, we welcome every one of you! I still think we have the potential for a big SURGE in membership when everyone who has not yet invited a few colleagues and friends takes a moment to ripple Ripples.

So here is an alternate way to invite your friends. Send them this link with a short message that says, \"I have been receiving Ripples for X months/years and I love them. You should join too because it is FREE and it is FUN! (and because Paul is very good about protecting our addresses from unwanted emails.)\"
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

Oh, and don\'t forget this week\'s theme of perseverance. Take a moment right now to think of the biggest challenge you\'re facing and remember that YOU CAN HANDLE THIS! It may be tough, it may be unpleasant, it may be exhausting, but you CAN handle it!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.38: Ripples of LETTING GO!

Ripples v7.38: Ripples of LETTING GO!
October 10, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,778 subscribers and growing every day!


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

There is an important difference between giving up and letting go.
-Jessica Hatchigan, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro NC

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Letting go is like releasing a tight spring at the core of yourself,
one you\'ve spent your whole life winding and maintaining.
When you let go, you grow still and quiet.
You learn to sit among the cornstalks and wait with God.
-Sue Monk Kidd, submitted by Ruth M., Janseville WI

To live in this world you must be able to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go, let it go.
-Mary Oliver, submitted by Terry D., Appleton WI

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

If you are like me, the simple act of reading the above quotes could cause you to exhale, drop your shoulders, and lift your spirits. Sometimes I treat my brain like an attic and my heart becomes a spare bedroom closet. Each in their own way become storage areas for past hurts that I was not ready to part with when I placed them there. Deep wounds, shallow slights, and losses both significant and tiny have found their way into my psyche like the cardboard packaging from old purchases. It may be smart to store them for a while just in case we need to re-use them. At some point, though, if we don\'t clean out our storage areas, we are unable to find room for new things!

I challenge you to spend some time this week cleaning out your psychic storage. You may choose to purge some past pain or anger, and remember that you don\'t necessarily have to throw them all away. Perhaps you have been storing a past relationship in a \"this was a horrible time in my life\" container when it may be time to wrap it in tissue and move it into a box labeled \"some good times and valuable lessons stored here.\" You may discover a stack of \"to worry about\" that can be completely tossed out or at least whittled down to a smaller pile. Whether you\'re eliminating, paring down, or simply rearranging, I hope you ponder the difference between GIVING UP and LETTING GO!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.37: Ripples of THE SIMPLE LIFE!

Ripples v7.37: Ripples of THE SIMPLE LIFE!
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,783 subscribers and growing every day!

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

[Some people] have a wonderful capacity to appreciate
again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life,
with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy.
-A.H. Maslow, submitted by Stephanie W., West Des Moines IA

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

To find the universal elements enough;
to find the air and the water exhilarating;
to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter;
to be thrilled by the stars at night;
to be elated over a bird\'s nest or a wildflower in spring-
-these are some of the rewards of the simple life.
-John Burroughs, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

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

Welcome to over 200 new members of The Ripples Project!

In addition to a few dozen Greek Leaders from University of the Pacific who joined after a presentation I gave at their retreat this weekend in Sacramento, over 170 new subscribers joined this week because of YOUR invitations! I am going to spend the month of October continuing to gently encourage members to invite friends and colleagues to subscribe so that we can transform our tiny Ripples into big waves.

In addition to spreading the word about Ripples, I dare you to spend some time this week focusing extra appreciation on some existing SIMPLE part of your life. Whether it is your morning commute, lunch in the cafeteria, or even something as tiny as brushing your teeth; see if you can take extra pleasure in experiencing the \"AWE, PLEASURE, WONDER and ECSTASY\" of a routine activity. While this simple assignment may sound a little corny, I hope your response can surprise and delight you.

Keep on Rippling, everyone!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!

Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,652 subscribers and growing every day!

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

I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI

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

We can\'t outvote the militarists,
the multi-national businesses
and the disastrous consumer economy....

But every individual who
responds to current conditions
with integrity, care and intelligence
becomes a source of ripples
that spread through the world,
and enough ripples could become waves.

In the meantime,
they give us strength and spirit.
-Jo Hanson, submitted by Rachel C., Madison WI

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

During the last few weeks, we made a valiant effort to combine a few of our individual ripples of concern about Katrina victims into a wave of support. The result: a few dozen people sent in checks for the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and the \"Katrina Disaster Fund\" which is helping several families displaced by Katrina and currently living here in Madison. The Ripples Project matched the funds and over $3,000 went to the three causes. Woohoo!

I like the idea of combining our ripples, and I would like to experiment by creating some non-financial waves. Eventually, I believe we will be able to coordinate some massive splashes of inspiration and I want to initiate this process by spreading some ripples about Ripples! We currently have 13,652 subscribers, most of whom signed up at one of my presentations. I propose we spend the next few weeks telling others about this free Monday morning email and encouraging them to join us! Do you think we could add 1,000 in a week? Is it possible to imagine 20,000 total subscribers before Halloween? What if we could DOUBLE our numbers between now and Thanksgiving? Now that we have automated the process of subscribing and unsubscribing, encouraging others to join now creates some exciting ripply possibilities. Imagine if 20,000 people decided to send 5 notes of gratitude in the same week or promised to make 10 people smile all on the same day? Our combined ripples would have an even larger impact on our world!

Your task this week is to forward Ripples on to several of your friends, classmates, co-workers and/or family members who you think deserve to get a free weekly splash of inspiration each Monday morning. Include in your email a short note: share how long you have been subscribing, why you think they might enjoy Ripples, and what you like most about being a part of The Ripples Project. You may also want to tell them three important facts about Ripples:

1. Ripples are FREE!
2. The Ripples Project values privacy and protects email addresses vigorously!
3. Each issue arrives on Monday morning, takes 60 seconds to read, and includes an \"unsubscribe\" link.

Encourage them to join by visiting our website OR by simply sending a blank email to us with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line.

If we can get to 20,000 subscribers by Halloween, I will reward all of us by unleashing a special new feature that we have been dreaming about but hesitant to pay for (hint: it involves inspiring quotes and a mesmerizing web page!).

I will keep you updated each week as to the current number of new subscribers. (If you think you can get 20 or more people to join, keep track of who you invite because I will offer you some Ripply treats at the end of the contest!)

Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you can make some big WAVES, and I hope you can also find....

....Peace,
Paul
P.S. Spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

Ripples v7.35: Ripples of VISION & ACTION!

Ripples v7.35: Ripples of VISION & ACTION!
Monday, September 19, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Sight counts the seeds in an apple.
Vision counts the apples in a seed.
-Chris Carey, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA

Someone\'s sitting in the shade today because
someone planted a tree a long time ago.
-Warren Buffet, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The vision must be followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare up the steps -
We must step up the stairs.
-Vance Havner, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.
-Joel A. Barker

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

This week included two days of hanging out with some fun trainers at CUNA\'s Experience Learning Live! event just five blocks from home in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Then I had to drive a whole 10 miles over to Sun Prairie to teach a few courses at General Casualty Insurance. Then I headed back to Madison, only this Madison was in New Jersey, to help some student leaders ponder their possibilities at Drew University.

Even though each group was at different points in their lives, at each presentation I was asking participants to imagine what they wanted their work or school or life to look like. I then asked them what actions they could take to move toward that. We often forget that creating a clear VISION of what you want is an important part of creating a successful life and then you have to put that vision into ACTION.

I challenge you this week to spend a few moments developing or refreshing a VISION for some specific area of your life (work, school, etc.). Don\'t forget to spend a few more moments putting that vision into ACTION!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.34: Ripples of REACTIONS!

Ripples v7.34: Ripples of REACTIONS!
Monday, September 12, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

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

To succeed, it is necessary to accept the world as it is- and rise above it.
-Michael Korda, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro NC

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

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us,
but how we react to what happens;
not by what life brings to us,
but by the attitude we bring to life.

A positive attitude causes a chain reaction
of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes.
It is a catalyst....a spark that creates extraordinary results.
-source unknown, submitted by Karen K, Milwaukee, WI

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

After a quick trip up to University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire to encourage 2,000 new students to MAKE GOOD CHOICES (with a nod to Jamie Lee Curtis\' character in Freaky Friday), I spent a day with some remarkable helpers from Lane County, Oregon. I tried to avoid the topic of Hurricane Katrina, but of course many people continue to express a desire to help and inevitably we had to acknowledge the unique size and scope of this challenge.

The bright news is that It appears that we are already seeing resilience in the victims, a few signs of recovery, and a sense of hope that good possibilities exist beyond the tragedy. It is also clear that the news coverage has shined an overdue spotlight on the ever-present and often ignored issues our society faces around race and class. Poverty exists in many corners of the U.S. and around the world, and I hope that as we start to hear people say \"Yes I feel for the Katrina victims, but what about the millions of other poor people?\" we can transform the \"yes, but\" into \"yes AND\" (with a nod to Jodi Cohen and her passion for helping people find their YES!). While our citizenry has responded compassionately in times of acute crisis (can you believe four years have zoomed by since 9/11?), our reaction to chronic issues has been lackluster.

On an unrelated note, if you are someone that has ever downloaded a podcast or other non-music audio content from the internet, I would like to hear from you. We may be opening a new chapter in The Ripples Project soon, and your feedback would help a great deal.

Peace,
Paul
p.s. I will report next week on our fundraising efforts for those displaced by Katrina (I have not been back in Madison to check the mailbox yet!)

Ripples v7.33: SACRED RIPPLES!

Ripples v7.33: SACRED RIPPLES!
Monday, September 5, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

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

A [person] is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him,
that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and
when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by From Terry H., Franklin, WI

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

We do not come to believe in ourselves
until someone reveals that deep inside us
something is valuable,
worth listening to,
worthy of our trust,
sacred to our touch.
-source unknown, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI

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

I am guessing that many of us have been overwhelmed by the events of last week in southeastern U.S.

Rebecca R. from Baton Rouge and a long time member of The Ripples Project requested we all send a big heap of encouragement/hope/love/prayers in their direction. Another great friend of ours, Marge A. from Madison, Wisconsin (where The Ripples Project is headquartered) informed us of a remarkable local effort: 48 hours after a social worker conceived an idea to provide housing for 20 families displaced by the hurricane, dozens of volunteers converged to begin preparing the twenty apartments that will hopefully be stocked with furniture, food, and a few months worth of supplies in the next few days. Physicians, dentists, and others have agreed to make their services available either free or at cost. Area churches quickly raised $10,000 on Sunday and of course much more will be needed. The displaced families are scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, and I am hoping we may be able to pitch in to help!

If you would be interested in helping Dane County, Wisconsin prepare for our small role in this massive relief effort, click here for more information: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/20Families.html .

Many other organizations are attempting to raise funds also, and I would like your help in creating a massive sacred ripple (of hope, not water--they do not need any more water!!) to a few of them. The Ripples Project will match (up to $1,000) the total amount donated by Ripples members to the Red Cross and Second Harvest and DOUBLE match (up to $2,000) the total amount donated to the Katrina Disaster Fund which will be collected by the Dane County Credit Union for use in our local efforts to provide for the 20 families.

Please consider making a check to one of these organizations:
1) Katrina Disaster Fund,
2) American Red Cross, or
3) America\'s Second Harvest

Mail your check TODAY to The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715
Checks must be received by September 16 so we can send them and the matching donation out to the respective organizations.
If you would rather donate directly, of course feel free to do that even though we won\'t be matching those donations:
http://www.RedCross.org , http://www.SecondHarvest.org .

Of course, we have not forgotten our neighbors here in Wisconsin still struggling to rebuild their lives after 20+ tornadoes swept through just last month. Beyond them, there are so many people in so many places that are in need; if you do not feel called to participate in this sacred ripple, I encourage you to create your OWN sacred ripple in whatever direction you feel is needed!

To all of them, and to all of you, I send you a most sacred helping of....

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.32: Ripples of WHAT MATTERS MOST!

Ripples v7.32: Ripples of WHAT MATTERS MOST!
Monday, August 29, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

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

Things which matter most
must never be at the mercy of
things which matter least.
-Goethe, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR

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

How different our lives are
when we really know what is important to us,
and keeping that picture in mind,
we manage ourselves each day
to be and to do
what really matters most.
-Stephen R. Covey, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR

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

This week I returned home to hang out with the RAs at University of Wisconsin - Madison\'s private residence halls and then drove down to fire up some new students at University of Illinois - Chicago. I spent Friday afternoon with student affairs staff and DePauw University and then helped their first year students celebrate their first week at college with a few laughs and a few things to ponder. After spending time with these groups, it is obvious that new students, those who work with students, and probably most of the rest of us face in our work and lives many more options and choices than we have ever had before. Success and happiness depends upon our ability to wade through those myriad options and decide which path to choose, which options are best for us.

It is my firm belief that much of our stress evolves from the incongruence between values and schedule. Your values are what is important to you, and your schedule is a list of how you spend your time. If you believe that family is important to you but a glance at your calendar doesn\'t indicate some family time, your schedule is incongruent with your values. If you say \"man, I need to study more\" but you do not block off study time in your schedule, more incongruence and therefore more stress. The same is true for down time, fun time, solo time, social time, reflection/prayer time. I dare you to make sure you are marking some time on this week\'s schedule to attend to WHAT MATTERS MOST. And then of course, you gotta DO IT!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.31: Ripples for TAMING DRAGONS!

Ripples v7.31: Ripples for TAMING DRAGONS!
Monday, August 22, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
over 13,000 subscribers and growing every week!

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

Challenge is a dragon with a gift in its mouth....
tame the dragon and the gift is yours.
-Noela Evans, submitted by Jill B., Fennimore WI

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

Character cannot be
developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience
of trial and suffering
can the soul be strengthened,
vision cleared,
ambition inspired, and
success achieved.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Shellie L., Parker CO

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

This was another travel-filled week as I began in California to spend a day with student leaders at University of the Pacific. Then it was back to the midwest to visit my buddies who each year create the Leadership Safari at Central Michigan University, as well as an energized group of peer mentors attending a symposium at IUPUI in Indiana.

I sensed that participants at each stop were excited about the possibilities that lay ahead for them; I also sensed that many of them worried about countless challenges also present. I tried to gently remind them: they will not succeed IN SPITE of those challenges; instead, it is precisely BECAUSE they dare to face those challenges that they can strengthen their skills and their resolve to conquer those internal and external obstacles that might otherwise limit their opportunities.

This week we all need to put on our bravest face and TAME A DRAGON, whether that dragon is an obstacle to a personal goal we\'re seeking, a seemingly immovable barrier to success in a work project, or an interpersonal conflict that diminishes the potential of a relationship. Go for it, my friend: GO FOR IT!

Oh, and with the strike at Northwest Airlines, the painful withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and of course the ongoing crises in Iraq, Darfur, and elsewhere, please know I am counting on you to help me send out into the world an extra dose of

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.30: Ripples of INVENTING OURSELVES!

Ripples v7.30: Ripples of INVENTING OURSELVES!
Monday, August 15, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

\"How does one become a butterfly?\" she asked pensively.
\"You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.\"
-Trina Paulus, submitted by Michelle P., Lincoln NE

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

Each of us has that right, that possibility, to invent ourselves daily.
If a person does not invent herself, she will be invented.
Those who tower over us omnisciently and laugh will invent us….
So to be bodacious enough to invent ourselves is wise.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Dana M., Waukesha WI

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

I\'m back on the road, and this week I spent some time helping K-12 educators get geared up for another year at the John Muir Academy in Lodi WI, and then returned to western North Carolina to help the new students at UNC-Asheville start their year off on a positive note.

For many of us, the fall means \"back to school and/or work,\" and therefore becomes a fantastic opportunity to create a fresh start. Is there some skill or habit or attitude that you would like to acquire? If so, this might be an ideal time to INVENT YOURSELF even if your life doesn\'t revolve around an academic calendar. Maya Angelou\'s words above warn us that if we do not take charge of the process, someone else may very well come along and doing the inventing. I prefer to have YOU be in charge of YOU, and I will be in charge of ME!

On your mark, get set, INVENT!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.29: Ripples of THE TAPESTRY!

Ripples v7.29: Ripples of THE TAPESTRY!
Monday, August 8, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Life is like riding a bicycle.
To keep your balance you must keep moving.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Karen K, Milwaukee, WI

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

We don\'t accomplish anything in this world alone ...
and whatever happens is the result of
the whole tapestry of one\'s life and
all the weavings of individual threads
from one to another that create something.
-Sandra Day O\'Connor, submitted by Katie M., Cedarville, IL

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

A few months ago I was contacted by Mike M. here in Madison who had received a Ripples card at a United Way event. He was excited about The Ripples Project and was planning the closing ceremonies for Madison\'s AIDS Ride (almost 200 riders spent 4 days biking throughout southern Wisconsin to raise money for AIDS Network). Mike wanted the riders and volunteers to receive a ripple card so they could be reminded of the important ripples they were creating. He didn\'t realize at first that Ripples is sent out from Madison, nor did he know that I was a long-time volunteer and former staff member at AIDS Network.

We eventually met in person and arranged to have me distribute the cards at the event this week. I was able to speak to them for a few minutes, thanking them for the incredible ripples they had created by raising money and then enduring a VERY challenging four days of hills and heat and more hills.

It was so apparent to me that everyone present had put much time, energy and passion into this important cause, and it reminded me again that it takes ALL of us pitching in to keep making our planet a better place to be. I am thankful that Mike reached out to us so we could be a part of the celebration, and I am thankful to all of YOU because together we have created such a large community of ripplers who are out there weaving this remarkable tapestry called LIFE!

Enjoy your tapestry, and ENJOY TODAY!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.28: Ripples of EXPLORING!

Ripples v7.28: Ripples of EXPLORING!
Monday, August 1, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =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 opening it?
-Robert D. Ballard, submitted by Jill B., Fennimore WI

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

Change has the power to uplift,
to heal, to stimulate, surprise, open new doors,
bring fresh experiences and create excitement in life.
It elevates us from mediocrity and saves us from false security.
Change is our greatest source of happiness,
stimulation and continued growth.
Certainly it is worth the risk!
- Leo Buscaglia, submitted by Melissa C., Columbus, WI

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

Ooh.....I\'ve missed you so much!! After I sent out the last issue a few weeks ago, I drove 1,000 miles to visit my old friends called the Colorado Rockies. After a week of hiking and back country roads, I began thinking it was not really necessary to take such a long break from emails and cell phones and friends and work. After another week of even more remote adventures (Ouray, Colorado is one of the most remarkable places I have visited--but don\'t go--I want to keep it all to myself!!), it seemed silly that I walked away from all my buddies here on Ripples. And, as often happens to me, the last few days found me anxious to return to my home, my friends, and Ripples!

Of course, I do remember that burnout was coloring my outlook and my retreat was much needed. And after days of mountain wildflowers, nights of a billion stars, and a long weekend of the new Harry Potter book (go read it right NOW--it was the best one so far!), my mind slowed down, my body let go of the tension, and my soul was freed of toxic stress and returned to its natural state of sublime peace.

I struck out on this adventure to get away from it all, and the best sign that it worked is that I am so ready to get back to it all! If you emailed or called while I was gone, I will be digging out from the big pile this week and of course feel free to call or email again if there was something urgent!

Ooh, and speaking of exploring, I have a link for you to explore!
I am excited to share a little experiment we\'ve cooked up. It falls in the corny but cute category:
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

Peace,
Paul


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Ripples v7.27: Ripples of MOUNTAINS!

Ripples v7.27: Ripples of MOUNTAINS!
Monday, July , 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
-Sir Edmund Hillary, submitted by Bill S., Raleigh NC

No one can choose your mountain or tell you when to climb...
It\'s yours alone to challenge at your own pace and time.
-Patricia J. Hacker-Harber, submitted by Phillip L., Salisbury MD

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

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature\'s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into the trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms
their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
-John Muir, submitted by Sharon S., Portland OR

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

As I have been hinting in the past several issues of Ripples, the mountains call my name! Ever since a family vacation to visit friends in Boulder 20 years ago, I have been drawn to the craggy peaks and breathtaking valleys of Colorado.

The mountains for me are a unique balance of peaceful serenity and exciting challenge. My favorite spots to relax and ponder are those that I have to sweat a little to reach. The scenery just off the highway is nice, of course, but the more secluded spots that are off the beaten path end up being so much more satisfying. On a typical day, I hike a few hours and then just around a turn or over a hill I\'ve been struggling with BAM!! I discover a magnificent panorama of sky, mountains, trees and soaring birds. If I am really lucky a waterfall gets tossed into the mix as well. Each one of these remarkable views chips off some of the stress caked on to my soul; collectively they rejuvenate my mind, body and spirit so I can return to my work and life with renewed passion.

I am hoping that as I venture off to Colorado you can think of something that for you is more satisfying after extra effort. Perhaps it is the taste of your favorite restaurant\'s specialty dish after you complete a big report, or maybe you can consider a nearby park that allows you to walk, jog, bike or hike your way to nirvana. On the other hand, it is possible your life is currently so stressful and challenging that you\'ve already put in the effort and it is time for the treat: head to Dairy Queen or a movie or a hillside picnic with the sunset!

Meanwhile, after I hit the send button on this issue I will shut down my computer (I\'m leaving it at home, along with my cell phone!) and hop in the car. I will return in a few weeks ready to jump back into work and life and Ripples!

Even from the most remote mountain paths I find, I will still be sending you....

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.26: Ripples of ILLUMINATIONS!

Ripples v7.26: Ripples of ILLUMINATIONS!
Monday, June 27, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

It is up to you to illuminate the world.
–Phillippe Venier, Katie P., Minneapolis MN

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

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.
I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous.

I can be a tool of torture
or an instrument of inspiration,
I can humiliate or humor,
hurt or heal.

In all situations,
it is my response that decides whether
a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and
a person is humanized or de-humanized.

If we treat people as they are,
we make them worse.
If we treat people as they ought to be,
we help them become what they are capable of becoming.
-J.W. Goethe, submitted by Kristen S., Franklinville NJ

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


There are many things beyond our control.

Many.

I bet you can think of several people and/or situations in your life right now where you feel you have no options.

Sometimes we get so frustrated, sad, angry, bewildered, obsessed about those things that we fail to notice the many ways we can impact the people and situations around us. I challenge you this week to examine one of these \"beyond my control\" occurrences and see if you can find some options that you DO have. Even when we feel forced to take a certain action, we often have a choice about how we perceive it. Illumnate those options, and see how it brightens your day!


Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.25: Ripples of DOING WHAT YOU LOVE!

Ripples v7.25: Ripples of DOING WHAT YOU LOVE!
Monday, June 20, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

There is a time when you have to separate yourself from
what other people expect of you, and do what you love.
Because if you find yourself 50 years old and
you aren\'t doing what you love--then what is the point?
-Jim Carrey, submitted by Vicki G., La Crosse WI

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

Never continue in a job you don\'t enjoy.
If you\'re happy in what you\'re doing,
you\'ll like yourself,
you\'ll have inner peace.

And if you have that,
along with physical health,
you will have had more success
than you could possibly have imagined.
-Johnny Carson, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI

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

I made my annual trek to New Hampshire this week to help Plymouth State University\'s new students and their parents prepare for their upcoming adventures. While there, I bipped over to Vermont to visit my friend Maura and say hello to the mountains.

Spending time with new students allowed me the opportunity to challenge them to explore a variety of possibilities before choosing a career they will love (I compare it to eating at a buffet--on the first round try a little of everything and THEN go back to focus on the things you really liked.)

Spending time with Maura, who also makes her living as an educational consultant and leadership trainer, allowed me an opportunity to acknowledge the joy I feel when I\'m on the job. She remains humble about the success in her work while celebrating her discovery of meaningful work that she deeply enjoys--and it rubs off on me. After every visit, I discover new heights of job satisfaction!

I hope that each week you are spending at least a few hours doing what you love. Some of us find it in our work and others seek it in their studies, hobbies, and/or community service. If you have it, ENJOY IT! If you\'re still seeking it, KEEP UP THE QUEST!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.24: Ripples of LITTLE THINGS!

Ripples v7.24: Ripples of LITTLE THINGS!
Monday, June 13, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Sometimes when we are generous in small,
barely detectable ways it can change someone else\'s life forever.
Margaret Cho, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI

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

It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...

The \"never mind the trouble\" things, the \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, the friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life and make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI

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

I love milking cows and remembering that there once was a hole, a hole in the ground (and the green grass grows all around all around!).

I spent Friday morning in Waukesha, Wisconsin helping 200 high school juniors (and some remarkable staff!) get fired up for a powerful weekend known as WILS (Wisconsin Leadership Seminar). These special leaders were nominated to represent their high schools at this event and every year it seems the leadership potential of the group swells.

In addition to cheers about milking cows and songs about holes in the ground, we talked about the possibilities of saving a life. I proposed that while it may be fascinating to daydream about a time when we could dramatically save someone\'s life in an emergency situation, it may be more useful to focus on the tiny opportunities we have in every day living: offering our patience to the grocery store bagger who is struggling through his first day on the job, acknowledging a person who passes us on the street with a smile, or an unplanned kindness for a colleague/neighbor/friend who needs a lift. Some of these may seem like small gestures, but it is possible that one of those brief encounters could be a lifesaving reminder to someone that life is worth living! The more of these ripples you create, the better you will get at making them AND you increase the likelihood that one of your ripples reaches someone just in time.

If you can think of a time when a simple \"hello\" or tiny favor helped you make it through a crazy day, then you owe it to the world to pay back the debt with some LITTLE THING this week!

And hey, after some technical problems with our online community, we have switched to a different type of website bulletin board. All of our former usernames/passwords and old postings are in tact, but it should be much easier to use....so c\'mon let\'s jump back into attempting to share with each other: http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=163.0

Peace,
Paul

p.s. If your last name begins with L, M, N, O or P, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!

Ripples v7.23: Ripples of COMMUNITY!

Ripples v7.23: Ripples of COMMUNITY!
Monday, June 6, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Many candles can be kindled from one candle without diminishing it.
-The Midrash, submitted by Cris D., Madison WI

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

How does one keep from \"growing old\" inside?
Surely the only way to make friends with time is to stay friends with people.
...Taking community seriously not only gives us the companionship we need,
it also relieves us of the notion that we are indispensable.
-Robert McAfee Brown, submitted by Katie M., Cedarville IL

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

Crazy, fun week I had (I saw Yoda and the latest Star Wars movie--can you tell?)! I began with a fun adventure at California Polytechnic State Univ. to wrap up their volunteer training of 550 orientation leaders who pledged to assist new students as they arrive next fall. Then it was off to Michigan for a weekend with several of my grad school buddies (and their spouses and kids!). I ended my week bonding with a new friend who gave me a ride back to Madison when a storm diverted our flight to Milwaukee.

The journey provided powerful lessons about the importance of community. During the first part, I encountered hundreds of remarkable students who donate precious amounts of their time, energy and passion to help strangers with one of the most difficult transitions of their lives. On the second part, I reconnected with dear friends who helped each other through the challenges of graduate studies and have stayed in touch through a decade of developing careers, expanding families, and living busy-crazy lives. My final leg was a fantastic reminder that complete strangers can quickly become neighbors when you seize the right opportunity.

Community sometimes exists as a geographic area occupied by a group of people who develop varying degrees of interaction. More often, however, community evolves from individuals coming together by chance who then choose to carve out interdependent relationships that allow them to serve others while achieving their own goals. I hope you can spend a moment this week to appreciate and acknowledge the communities to which you belong: it could be a campus, a workplace, a neighborhood, or even a collection of old friends who need to be brought together for a reunion.

I feel blessed to include the Ripples community as one of my great sources of energy and mutual benefit....and as always I send you

Peace,
Paul

p.s. If your last name begins with F, G, H, I, J or K, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!

Ripples v7.22: Ripples of IDEALS!

Ripples v7.22: Ripples of IDEALS!
Monday, May 30, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.
We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin,
but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
- Samuel Ullman, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

It\'s difficult in times like these:
ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us,
only to be crushed by grim reality.
It\'s a wonder I haven\'t abandoned all my ideals,
they seem so absurd and impractical.
Yet I cling to them because I still believe,
in spite of everything,
that people are truly good at heart.

I simply can\'t build my hopes
on a foundation of confusion, misery, and death...
and yet...I think...this cruelty will end,
and that peace and tranquility will return again.
-Anne Frank

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

I was back on the road this week to visit Lincoln, Nebraska and an passionate group of students interested in nursing and other healthcare-related careers. They certainly did not need to be lectured on how important their jobs would be, nor did they need convincing that helping others is a noble path to self fulfillment. My goal was simply to THANK them for choosing to serve others, and to suggest strategies to help them retain their passion for helping. More importantly, I hoped to reinforce their idealistic notions that even in the crazy, complex, expensive, overwhelmed healthcare system we have in the U.S., a single compassionate, caring soul can help someone heal and truly make a difference.

I suspect you have occasional moments where you catch yourself thinking wildly optimistic thoughts about your potential contribution to the world. Can you make it your goal this week to honor those moments, and let them linger a bit in your mind and heart? Those idealistic notions could become tomorrow\'s reality if you listen, and then act upon them!

Peace,
Paul

p.s. If your last name begins with A, B, C, D, or E, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!

Ripples v7.21: Ripples of SUNSHINE!

Ripples v7.21: Ripples of SUNSHINE!
Monday, May 23, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

A good laugh is sunshine in a house.
-Thackeray, submitted by Reta D., Sandy, Utah

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Those who bring
sunshine
to the lives of others
cannot keep it from
themselves.
-Sir James M. Barrie, submitted by Vickie B., Indianapolis, IN

Life is a pure flame,
and we live by an
invisible sun within us.
- Sir Thomas Browne, submitted by Marijane C., Madison WI

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

I have just returned from a relaxing weekend with a former
professor and current friend....I arrived home to find an
afternoon sky FILLED with sunshine so I am going to enjoy it!

I hope the summertime sunshine has arrived at your doorstep,
and I hope that even on the overcast days you can remember
that the sun is still smiling up above the clouds.

Lightly,
Paul

Ripples v7.20: Ripples of NUTTY!

Ripples v7.20: Ripples of NUTTY!
Monday, May 16, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Live nutty. Just occasionally. Just once in a while.
And see what happens. It brightens up the day.
–Leo Buscaglia, submitted by Katie P., Minneapolis MN

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

...Nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.

Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.

It\'s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope...
that enables you to laugh at life\'s realities.
-Dr. Seuss, submitted by Dennis B., Glenside PA

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

Bloobity do.
Arffna loopy zoolicious!

I dare you to be goofy weird zany bizarre crazy silly this week. Dr. Seuss would enjoy it immensely if we created 13,000 splashes of nuttiness so let the ripples commence!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.19: Ripples of RISKS!

Ripples v7.19: Ripples of RISKS!
Monday, May 9, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

I’m a risk-taker. My attitude is, go after what you want. If you get it, fine, if not, move on.
-Vanessa Williams, submitted by Dana M., Waukesha WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The journey to your true self is a life filled with risk.
You must risk if you want to live a life that you would be proud to call your own.
Remember, fear thrives on safety. Love thrives on risk.
-Rhonda Britten, submitted by Michele C., St. Paul MN

Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage.
The goals and dreams you are seeking require courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle; it only makes progress when it sticks its neck out.
-source unknown, submitted by Dan F., Stockton CA

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

This is the week, my friend!

You know that risky task you have parked on your to-do list? It might be a small step you have been considering: asking for a raise or a date or a favor. Or perhaps a huge proposition is on your horizon: going back to school, starting a family or maybe purchasing a new home. The bad news: taking the risk may not produce the results you expected. The good news: regardless of the outcome, you may find the process to be adventurous and it could open some new unexpected opportunities. YES you need to take precautions, consider the possible challenges, plan for all the potential outcomes....and then at some point you need to GO FOR IT!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.18: Ripples of SEEDS!

Ripples v7.18: Ripples of SEEDS!
Monday, May 2, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Die when I may, I want it said of me that I plucked a weed
and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
-Abraham Lincoln, submitter unknown

We are the seeds of kindness and love.
Grow tall and strive to live all of your days
enjoying and reaching for
the sun, the moon and the stars.
-Stacy Schupmann, submitted by Stacy, Buffalo, NY

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

Scatter seeds of kindness
everywhere you go;
Scatter bits of courtesy--
watch them grow and grow.
Gather buds of friendship;
keep them till full-blown;
You will find more happiness
than you have ever known.
-Amy R. Raabe, submitted by Charlene G., PA

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

As many of our fellow ripplers are celebrating the arrival of spring by planting seeds of flowers and vegetables, this week might be a great time for ALL of us to ponder what spiritual seeds we are planting for ourselves and others.

If there is a work or social relationship in your life that needs nurturing, take a moment right to write a quick note or make a brief phone call to say HELLO or THANKS. If it is your own soul that feels depleted, perhaps you need to check out an inspirational book from the library or download a song that might fertilize a growth spurt that you are ready to experience. Or maybe just take a quiet moment in your crazy day and let yourself plant this question: \"What\'s next?\"

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.17: Ripples of REAL MILESTONES!

Ripples v7.17: Ripples of REAL MILESTONES!
Monday, April 25, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
–Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted by Katie P., Minneaspolis MN

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

Sooner or later we all discover that
the big moments in life are not the advertised ones,
not the birthdays, the graduations,
the weddings, not the great goals achieved.

The real milestones are less prepossessing.
They come to the door of memory unannounced,
stray dogs that amble in,
sniff around a bit and simply never leave.
Our lives are measured by these.
-Murdoc Niccals, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI

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

It began several days ago over lunch: two of my friends mentioned they were considering a ceremony of some sort to publicly acknowledge their decision to spend their lives together. Despite the lack of a formal announcement, and despite the fact that it would be over a year away if it did happen, I immediately began imagining the great event. I may have overwhelmed them with my gazilion questions (who\'s invited, where will it be, what food will be served, which musical selection shall I sing, etc.). After a few days I overwhelmed myself as I realized I was missing the point. Planning some elaborate event could be fun, but the real magic of their relationship lies in the multitude of regular ole everydays that find them happy and loving and caring toward each other.

I feel blessed to be around them often, so it might be smarter to delay my decision about what to wear to some event on the distant horizon and instead savor the many opportunities I have to witness their relationship and enjoy their company.

Congrats to them, and congrats to all of us who find some REAL MILESTONE to cherish this week! In fact, if you have one to share, tell us ALL about it in our online community (if you haven\'t created a screen name, you will need to REGISTER it but it only takes a moment and we completely respect your privacy!):

http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=761#761

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.16: Ripples of MARCHING ONWARD!

Ripples v7.16: Ripples of MARCHING ONWARD!
Monday, April 18, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

I will love the light for it shows me the way,
yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.
-Og Mandino, submitted by Sabrina R., Prescott, AZ

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

Life is a series of experiences,
each one of which makes us bigger....
For the world was built to develop character,
and we must learn that the
setbacks and griefs we endure
help us in our marching onward.
-Henry Ford, submitted by Su W., Gainesville FL

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

I am pretty sure I am not the only person on this list who has the occasional POOPY WEEK?

After working so hard to put the finishing touches on our website, spammers got a hold of several of the email addresses we use to communicate with Ripples members and last week we began getting a stream of spam addressed to \"join\", \"leave,\" \"betterblurb\" and \"submissions.\" Shame on you spammers!!!

To remedy the situation, we created new email addresses to communicate with our members (see below). Please note that instead of writing out the exact email address, we substitute [at] for the @ symbol so hopefully spammers can not easily harvest these addresses from our online archives. It will add an extra step for you and for that I apologize.

The GOOD NEWS is that thanks to out talented and patient programmer Amanda, we were able to extricate most of the problematic parts of our website and we will soon be unveiling some NEW fun ripply features.

We will MARCH ONWARD, and hope that whatever challenges you face this will will not prevent you from marching onward also!

Peace,

Paul
p.s. WOW did members respond well to last week\'s request for good quotes with a wave of inspiration. THANKS!

Ripples v7.15: Ripples of GLITTERING EYES!

Ripples v7.15: Ripples of GLITTERING EYES!
Monday, April 11, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The real voyage of discovery consists not in
seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.
-Marcel Proust, submitted by Leslie G., Madison WI

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

Above all, watch with glittering eyes
the whole world around you,
because the greatest secrets
are always hidden in the most unlikely places.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.
-Raold Dahl, submitted by Katie P., Minneapolis MN

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

I had a fun day of work up in Wisconsin Dells this week that included
a morning at the Wisconsin National & Community Service Board Conference
where I was hanging out with the volunteers and staff who make vital contributions
to our community through AmeriCorps, VISTA, RSVP, and other programs
that ensure those that NEED help get connected to those who WANT to help.
Then I bipped across town and across the Wisconsin River to spend the afternoon
at a Wisconsin Credit Union League program. My goal at both events was to provide
a boost of energy for participants, and to help them see some of the good stuff
that is happening in their lives.

So, I am going to ask you to ponder what visual \"boost\" you might already have
in your surroundings that with a fresh look might inspire you.
What have you noticed recently that has been in your life for some time
that you are REALLY GLAD is there? Is there a picture, or a scenic view,
or an object of some kind that, when you see it, helps infuse some energy into your day?

Do us all a favor and tell us about it in the community section:
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=751#751

(Oh, and thanks to the several people to \"Chirped\" online a few weeks ago--
I think I contacted everyone who posted that week and asked them
to send their mailing address....if I missed you, please email me!)

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.14: Ripples of STEPPING FORWARD!

Ripples v7.14: Ripples of STEPPING FORWARD!
Monday, April 4, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

You will either step forward into growth
or you will step back into safety.
-Abraham Maslow, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro NC

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

When the desire to improve
your life, work habits or
organizational skills arrives,
it is easy to say
\"I\'ll do it next week\"
or fix it later;
but the journey of improvement
isn\'t a leap,
it\'s a series of steps.

Put your best foot forward today.
-written and submitted by Scott M., Madison WI

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

I began the week in Appleton, Wisconsin to help the Fox Cities Chapter of Credit Unions acknowledge and appreciate their awesome credit union employees and then I hopped down to Pensacola to hang out with the staff and students at University of West Florida.

As we reminded each other to \"spring forward\" our clocks an hour on Sunday, I also encouraged people to find a way to STEP FORWARD in their lives. For you this could mean an opportunity to stretch your legs a bit and increase your physical activity; or perhaps you need a mental step forward in thinking more hopefully about a challenge you face. If neither of those ring true for you, then surely a spiritual step forward could expand your awareness in some meaningful way. Whatever it means to you, I hope you can find a useful way to take some action!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.13: Ripples of ATTITUDE!

Ripples v7.13: Ripples of ATTITUDE!
Monday, March 28, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Attitude is everything, pick a good one.
-Sally Huss, submitted by Ann W., Minneapolis MN

A strong positive mental attitude
will create more miracles than any wonder drug.
-Patricia Neal, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI

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

Throughout the years of your life
you will face many challenges.

Remember that you can
climb the highest mountain,
drive through the roughest storm,
soar across the bluest sky, or even
sail across the roughest waters.

It is only destined by your attitude
where you will end up in life.
The most important thing is
don\'t let yourself get lost in the crowd.
-Angela Duvall

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

I met some new friends in Massachusetts this week while spending a few days at Digital Credit Union helping them explore their potential. Of course, developing and maintaining a positive is one of the most powerful tools you have to achieve your potential and sometimes we give control of our attitude to other people or events in our life.

I recall a passage from Tony Robbins first book \"Unlimited Power\" that I first read ten years ago and liked it so much I memorized it: \"How you feel right now is not a result of what has happened in your life. How you feel right now is a result of how you interpret what has happened in your life.\"

So, here is a challenge for this week: select some yucky thing that you currently face (or recently dealt with), and choose a different way to look at it so you can manage/handle/drop it. It may be helpful to write down a sentence that you can repeat out loud a few times: \"I can handle this problem and it is actually a great challenge that will make me stronger!\" You might need to say it several times a day--or even several times an hour at first....and then watch how powerful it becomes!

If you have any other tricks to maintain your attitude when challenges arise, please share them with your fellow Ripples in our community section: http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=156

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.12: Ripples of SPRING!

Ripples v7.12: Ripples of SPRING!
Monday, March 21, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
to over 13,000 members and their friends!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.
-Victor Hugo, Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

An optimist is the human personification of spring.
-Susan J. Bissonette , Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

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

Life pulsates with so many
pregnant possibilities for good
that it should not be wasted.

Every moment of each day counts.
Out best resource is to live life
with intensity and exhilaration:
in thought, experience, action, and deed.
-Paul Kurtz, submitted by Kate S., North St. Paul MN

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

I hope many of you are experiencing some semblance of spring--here in Madison we received a fresh batch of SNOW to help usher in the season! Despite the cold stuff on the ground, one of the ways that I know spring has been inching closer is the sound of birds! My morning walks to the gym have been increasingly punctuated with the happy tweeterings of those who eagerly sense the arrival of longer days and (barely!) warmer weather.

Perhaps we need to practice chirping too, so I have a RIPPLES CHIRPING CHALLENGE and the winner will get a big pile of inspirational goodies!!

I dare you to post a question or comment in the \"Streams of Consciousness\" section of our community website, and I urge EVERYONE to read and reply! Of the topics that are initiated this week, the one that has the most replies by Friday will be declared the \"loudest\" and its author will receive some treats.

So, put your creative cap on, imagine 13,000 fellow Ripplers lining up to talk......and ask them a question or make a provocative statement (use good judgement of course, and be sure to read posting guidelines if you\'ve never posted before.

Streams of Consciousness: http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=6


Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.11: Ripples of SLOWING DOWN!

Ripples v7.11: Ripples of SLOWING DOWN!
Monday, March 14, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
to over 13,000 members and their friends!

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

Slow down and everything you are chasing
will come around and catch you.
-John De Paola, submitted by Pat J., Wauwatosa WI

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

For fast acting relief, try slowing down.
Simply put, take a few minutes daily
to ponder what is worthwhile about living.

Stop whirling about like a pinwheel
long enough to come to a rest
and consider your next action.

Just what is it you want to do?
What do you need for the sake of your soul?
-Luci Swindoll, submitted by Julie G., New Richmond WI

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

This week included a quick trip south to Orlando to help out with CUNA Mutual Group\'s National Staff Summit. When I arrived at the hotel, I was delighted to bump into a good friend of mine who was also scheduled to present. The stars had aligned just right, as we were both presenting all morning and then had the afternoon off. After we wrapped up our presentations and stashed our stuff, we escaped the hotel for a mini-adventure and discovered a quiet spot for a relaxing lunch and chat. Then, after a leisurely drive, we spotted an ice cream stand that was shaped like, what else, an ice cream cone! The treat was a perfect way to end our outing.

The food was yummy, and of course the company was delightful. The magic, however, was not where we went or what we talked about; I believe the act of slowly meandering through the afternoon without a deadline or destination was among the most powerful relaxation exercises I\'ve ever attempted!

We live in a world that values fast and furious, while our souls crave slow and steady. I urge you to take an hour (or perhaps even a WHOLE DAY!) this week to s-l-o-w---d-o-w-n and see what extraordinary things may happen. Get away from your phone, email, TV, etc., and just ahhhhhh.

And hey, I think we finally fixed our Community Website! Test it out by reacting to this week\'s issue online:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=139

Peace,
Paul

Send to a friend: http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/p_f.php?mi=currentmesg&nl=currentnl&ei=subscriberemailec&eid=subscriberid

Ripples v7.10: Ripples of FORGIVENESS!

Ripples v7.10: Ripples of FORGIVENESS!
Monday, March 7, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The weak can never forgive.
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
-Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), submitted by Jen C., Madison WI

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

Here is a mental treatment guaranteed
to cure every ill that flesh is heir to:

sit for half an hour every night and
mentally forgive everyone against whom
you have any ill will or antipathy.
-Charles Fillmore, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

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

This week included an opportunity to visit with my friends who serve on the Diversity Council at Duke Realty. In our efforts to understand why well-intentioned people sometimes make insensitive comments that can offend or hurt their co-workers, we explored the possibility that most people are doing the very best they can. It doesn\'t mean we tolerate inappropriate language or actions. It does mean we may find more power in the perception that individuals are more often thoughtlessly unkind rather than intentionally mean.

Of course we are all guilty of thoughtless words/actions that have caused unintended pain, and I wonder if you could help me declare this week \"Forgiveness Week!\" Choose your goal: ask someone to forgive you for a mistake you made, or forgive someone who has wronged you. This may harder than you think, so perhaps start small and if it feels right then expand the forgiveness to someone else.

Peace,

Paul

Ripples v7.09: Ripples of BUILDING A LIFE!

Ripples v7.09: Ripples of BUILDING A LIFE!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Don\'t ever confuse the two, your life and your work.
The second is only part of the first.
-Anna Quindlen, submitted by Sharri D, Eugene OR

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

Exercise hard and you will grow younger.
Care about other people and you will grow happier.
Build a life that you think means something and you will grow richer.
-Henry Lodge, M.D., submitted by Tenny W., Sun Prairie WI

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

In addition to spending President\'s Day with Altra Credit Union in La Crosse, WI, this week also found me hanging out with some folks from Nextel on Wednesday and at an educator\'s inservice in southeastern Wisconsin on Friday. While these groups all pursue very different lines of work, I reminded them all of the value in looking within AND beyond work to create a meaningful life.

Many of us have jobs that provide an adequate combination of challenges, opportunities and income--and of course a certain amount of frustration. Sometimes in our culture, however, we focus so much on our work that we forget to have a life. When someone asks us \"What do you do?\" we assume that they want to know how we make a living. While many times they ARE inquiring about our career, you can use that question to remind yourself and the person asking that we DO many things besides work.

So, take a moment right now to think of a more creative answer to \"What do you do?\" that will allow someone to learn more about your non-work life. And if you cannot think of a non-work answer, then your challenge is to get busy and CREATE A LIFE!!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.08: Ripples of DIRECTION!

Ripples v7.08: Ripples of DIRECTION!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path,
and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Sharri D, Eugene OR

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I haven\'t a clue
as to how my story will end.
But that\'s all right.
When you set out on a journey
and night covers the road,
that\'s when you discover the stars.
– Nancy Willard, submitted by Katie P., Minneapolis MN

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

I\'ve travelled a few (snowy) miles up the road from Madison to spend some time in La Crosse, Wisconsin with a credit union that is about to embark on a new journey and I think we could all adopt their adventurous spirit and declare a new direction for ourselves this week.

If you are facing some tiny or gigantic change at work or at school or in life in general, maybe this is a perfect time to remind yourself that while change can be challenging at times, it can also be a magnificent journey! Or maybe you\'re feeling a little \"blah\" without enough change. Whatever the case, blaze a new trail and leave a path!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.07: Ripples of LOVE!

Ripples v7.07: Ripples of LOVE!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Love is the most powerful and still
the most unknown energy of the world.
-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.

It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning,
what you will do in the evenings,
how you will spend your weekends,
what you read,
who you know,
what breaks your heart, and
what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love
Stay in Love
And it will decide everything.
-Pedro Arrupe, submitted by Kara M. Cleveland, Ohio


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

For many people, Valentine\'s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the joy of romantic love.

Regardless of your relationship status, we could ALL use a reminder of how remarkable love is. Life just tastes better when you love your work, your studies, your friends/family/neighbors/coworkers, your community, your pets, your hobbies, etc. (Of course, we cannot love EVERYTHING in our life or we wouldn\'t be able to really appreciate the things we really do love--love would then become a bland saltine cracker with no peanut butter).

So, here is my wacky idea for the week. I\'m going to assume you will be sharing your love this week with the important PEOPLE in your life. Let\'s share with each other not WHO we love but WHAT we love! What is some inanimate object you own that you really love having in your life? Is it a book? a gadget? a piece of clothing? C\'mon, I dare you to post your response here:

http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=643#643

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.06: Ripples of PRESENT MOMENT!

Ripples v7.06: Ripples of PRESENT MOMENT!
Monday, February 7, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project
[If you like Ripples, pass it on to someone else!]

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

Attaining inner simplicity is learning to live happily in the present moment.
Keep in mind that life is a continuous succession of present moments.
-Elaine St. James, submitted by Vickie B., Indianaplois IN

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Caretake this moment.
Immerse yourself in its particulars.
Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed.
Quit the evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble.
It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen be now.
-Epictetus, submitted by Starr L.

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

Ponder this moment.

Whatever you are doing right now, just pause for 10 seconds and notice how remarkable it is that you took this moment to read a couple of inspirational quotes.

Even as you dive back into your crazy day....I hope you can be here, now.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.05: Ripples of SPEAKING UP!

Ripples v7.05: Ripples of SPEAKING UP!
Monday, February 1, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Speak your mind, even if your voice quakes.
-Maggie Kuhn, submitted by Kristl M., Whitefish Bay, WI

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

If you don\'t say what you really mean,
then nobody will know who you really are.
-Bryan L. Hinnen, submitted by Bryan

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

Pretty please with Ripples on top!

I need you to SPEAK UP this week.

It is my goal this year to transform this newsletter and The Ripples Project into a more interactive community. While we have taken some good baby steps, this week we need to take a GIANT LEAP!

Many members have visited the Community Section on our website, and quite a few have even posted an introduction or a response to Ripples in the \"Splashback\" area. Ultimately, this section creates a transformative possibility of engaging in a community dialogue, so this week I ask you, beg you, DARE YOU to speak up!

There is a specific area of the community section called \"Streams of Consciousness\" (see link below) and I need a few dozen brave souls to post a question to us, or make a request for support, or tell us about some good news. Of course, we\'ll then need a few HUNDRED of us to be brave enough to reply to these posts with our reactions! College students, IT folks, and some of us geeky folks who spend lots of time online will need to lead the way. There are 12,000+ Ripples members and many of them would be intrigued to respond to a question you have or provide a hearty \"Congrats!\" or \"Hang in there!\"

In order to post or reply to a post, you will need to be registered with a userid (just receiving Ripples doesn\'t mean you have registered at the site) and you will need to be \"logged in.\" It may be a little confusing or frustrating at first if you have not registered or logged in--just hang in there because it will be worth it! There are some posts to guide you if you need help--look under the \"first timers\" section to find these.

If you feel The Ripples Project has made a splash in your life already, just you wait until we can experience the possibilities that exist as more members begin to SPEAK UP!

Click here to speak up at the Streams of Consciousness forum:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=6

And yes, I know you have a gazillion things to do today. Trust me, though, you\'ll benefit from this and so will The Ripples Project!!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.04: Ripples of NEW ADVENTURES!

Ripples v7.04: Ripples of NEW ADVENTURES!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Security is an illusion. Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing at all.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Michele C.

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An adventure is only
an inconvenience rightly considered.
An inconvenience is only
an adventure wrongly considered.
- G. K. Chesterton, submitted by Lin H., Normal, IL

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

When we announced the closing of our online store a few weeks ago, I alluded to a new adventure and now I want to tell you more:

I have dived into an adventurous research project to explore this question:
Is kindness contagious?

I intend to seek real world examples of \"viral kindness,\" a term I use to describe intentional and accidental chains of compassion. You have probably heard of \"Random Acts of Kindness,\" and perhaps seen the movie \"Pay It Forward.\" I imagine that you or someone you know is wearing a yellow \"Livestrong\" band around your wrist that Lance Armstrong and Nike dreamed up to raise money for cancer research. Even the outpouring of support for the Tsunami victims may be evidence that when we hear about or are the recipients of kindness, we are more likely to commit a kind act.

In addition to learning about many kindness movements, I hope to talk with participants of these and other kindviruses to understand how they began and what keeps them going. My goal is to identify common characteristics of the most successful kindviruses and design some \"kindness labs\" to purposefully unleash kindness within specific groups (e.g. a community, organization, campus, etc.) and observe the reactions.

I need help with this, and if you\'re interested please visit a special new spot of our community section to learn more:
http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=548#548

Peace,
Paul