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
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Sunday, January 23, 2005
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.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
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
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.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
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
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Ripples v7.03: Ripples for Dr. King!
Ripples v7.03: Ripples for Dr. King!
Monday, January 17, 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
The ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience
but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Patricia N., Portland OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Cowardice asks the question, \"Is it safe?\"
Expedience asks the question, \"Is it political?\"
Vanity asks, \"Is it popular?\"
But conscience asks the question, \"Is it right?\"
There comes a time when one must take a position that\'s
neither safe, nor political, nor popular,
but he must make it because his conscience
tells him that it\'s right.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. submitted by Cathie M., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Perhaps it is a day off for you, or perhaps not. Either way, I think we owe it to Dr. King (and many other remarkable heroes) who challenged us to speak up to honor his memory by speaking up!
I dare you to express an unpopular opinion this week in a meeting, in class, at dinner with your family, or hanging out with friends. Be respectful of others\' opinions of course, and don\'t do anything rash that might put yourself (or your job!) in danger. With that said, thoughtful reflection leading to brave action will help keep the spirit of Dr. King alive!
Once you\'ve spoken up, it will inspire us all if you share your story here:
http://www.theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=107
Peace,
Paul
Monday, January 17, 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
The ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience
but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Patricia N., Portland OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Cowardice asks the question, \"Is it safe?\"
Expedience asks the question, \"Is it political?\"
Vanity asks, \"Is it popular?\"
But conscience asks the question, \"Is it right?\"
There comes a time when one must take a position that\'s
neither safe, nor political, nor popular,
but he must make it because his conscience
tells him that it\'s right.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. submitted by Cathie M., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Perhaps it is a day off for you, or perhaps not. Either way, I think we owe it to Dr. King (and many other remarkable heroes) who challenged us to speak up to honor his memory by speaking up!
I dare you to express an unpopular opinion this week in a meeting, in class, at dinner with your family, or hanging out with friends. Be respectful of others\' opinions of course, and don\'t do anything rash that might put yourself (or your job!) in danger. With that said, thoughtful reflection leading to brave action will help keep the spirit of Dr. King alive!
Once you\'ve spoken up, it will inspire us all if you share your story here:
http://www.theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=107
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 9, 2005
Ripples v7.02: Ripples of CREATING JOY!
Ripples v7.02: Ripples of CREATING JOY!
Monday, January 10, 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
I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world.
My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here.
-Jim Henson, submitted by Kate V., Cedar Rapids, IA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It\'s not enough to have lived.
We should be determined to live for something.
May I suggest that it be creating joy for others,
sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind,
bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.
-Leo F. Buscaglia, submitted by Cris D.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Thursday I enjoyed a magnificent day in California with the Student Life staff at the University of the Pacific (they apologized for the 50-degree cloudy weather while I rented a convertible and drove with the top down because this Wisconsin guy thought it was grand!).
We joked about the salary discrepancy between celebrity entertainers and those who pursue \"helping professions\" (e.g. student affairs, social work, teaching, etc.) and of course it is frustrating that our society values entertainment over serving others. I reminded them that if the only thing they get from work is MONEY they will always be underpaid, regardless of salary.
Part of the value in their work lies in the ability to create joy for others, a noble effort that splashes back and provides the immeasurable benefit of knowing they made a positive difference in someone\'s life. I hope your work and your life provide that value....I dare you to create some extra joy in someone else\'s life this week and notice how you get a raise from it!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. In case you missed last week\'s notice, we are permanently closing our online store so please do any last minute shopping by this Wednesday!
http://theripplesproject.org/store/customer/home.php
Monday, January 10, 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
I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world.
My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here.
-Jim Henson, submitted by Kate V., Cedar Rapids, IA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It\'s not enough to have lived.
We should be determined to live for something.
May I suggest that it be creating joy for others,
sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind,
bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.
-Leo F. Buscaglia, submitted by Cris D.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
On Thursday I enjoyed a magnificent day in California with the Student Life staff at the University of the Pacific (they apologized for the 50-degree cloudy weather while I rented a convertible and drove with the top down because this Wisconsin guy thought it was grand!).
We joked about the salary discrepancy between celebrity entertainers and those who pursue \"helping professions\" (e.g. student affairs, social work, teaching, etc.) and of course it is frustrating that our society values entertainment over serving others. I reminded them that if the only thing they get from work is MONEY they will always be underpaid, regardless of salary.
Part of the value in their work lies in the ability to create joy for others, a noble effort that splashes back and provides the immeasurable benefit of knowing they made a positive difference in someone\'s life. I hope your work and your life provide that value....I dare you to create some extra joy in someone else\'s life this week and notice how you get a raise from it!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. In case you missed last week\'s notice, we are permanently closing our online store so please do any last minute shopping by this Wednesday!
http://theripplesproject.org/store/customer/home.php
Sunday, January 2, 2005
Ripples v7.01: Ripples of IMPOSSIBLE to INEVITABLE!
Ripples v7.01: Ripples of IMPOSSIBLE to INEVITABLE!
Monday, January 3, 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
It is a great thing to do something others say can\'t be done.
-Gayle Sayers, submitted by Derwin L. D., Mobile, AL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Believe in yourself.
You gain strength, courage, and confidence
by every experience in which you stop
to look fear in the face.
You must do that which you
think you cannot do.
-Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted by Cindy M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome to 2005!
As the new year arrives fresh with possibility, 2005 could be an excellent opportunity to accomplish remarkable feats! Whether you are a resolution maker or not, I challenge you to consider your potential and attempt something magnificent, even outrageous this year. Maybe it is a past goal that you have not yet achieved or a distant dream you have doubted is possible. If the real joy comes from the journey then you cannot fail so GO FOR IT!
If you want to add an extra dose of INEVITABILITY, proudly and publicly proclaim your intention with a post to the Ripples Community:
http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=533#533
(you will need to use your username/password to post, so if you haven\'t registered at the site since we launched the new look--take a moment to choose a username!).
Peace,
Paul
Monday, January 3, 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
It is a great thing to do something others say can\'t be done.
-Gayle Sayers, submitted by Derwin L. D., Mobile, AL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Believe in yourself.
You gain strength, courage, and confidence
by every experience in which you stop
to look fear in the face.
You must do that which you
think you cannot do.
-Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted by Cindy M.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome to 2005!
As the new year arrives fresh with possibility, 2005 could be an excellent opportunity to accomplish remarkable feats! Whether you are a resolution maker or not, I challenge you to consider your potential and attempt something magnificent, even outrageous this year. Maybe it is a past goal that you have not yet achieved or a distant dream you have doubted is possible. If the real joy comes from the journey then you cannot fail so GO FOR IT!
If you want to add an extra dose of INEVITABILITY, proudly and publicly proclaim your intention with a post to the Ripples Community:
http://theripplesproject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=533#533
(you will need to use your username/password to post, so if you haven\'t registered at the site since we launched the new look--take a moment to choose a username!).
Peace,
Paul
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