Ripples v8.51: Ripples of DECEMBER!

Ripples v8.51: Ripples of DECEMBER!
12/18/06: a complimentary splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

I don't know the key to success,
but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.
-Bill Cosby, submitted by Tina L., WI and Marsha C., Madison WI

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

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December;
a magical thing and sweet to remember.
"We are nearer to Spring than we were in September."
I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.
-source unknown. submitted by Linda V, Ames IA

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

If you are having a completely happy, stress-free holiday so far, then disregard this week's "Ponder!"

Just in case it has been less than ideal, it is essential to recall an important truism regarding this time of year: holidays are often as challenging as they are enjoyable! Many of us are tempted to take the idealistic images represented throughout our culture and compare them to our holiday experience which may include a bit of aggravation, disappointment, and even sadness. RESIST!

Even a fantastic experience is bound to have a few drawbacks, so do yourself and your family/friends/co-workers a favor and manage your expectations. Enjoy any small pleasurable moments you can find: a smile from a stranger, a brisk walk on a cold evening, or if you really need a lift then maybe you could scroll through the Ripples archives and find a good quote to paste to your computer! And know that some blechy stuff will happen along the way!

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, remember that this week also includes winter solstice which the "darkest" day of the year in terms of the number of daylight minutes. This could add to your frustration, so remember also that very soon each day will have a bit more sunlight!

No "Ripples" next week, so hang in there and we will see you next year!

Peace,

Paul


=o=o=o=o= SUBMIT A QUOTE =o=o=o=o=

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=o=o=o=o= SUBSCRIBE FREE! =o=o=o=o=

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Ripples v8.50: Ripples of LIFE DANCING!

Ripples v8.50: Ripples of LIFE DANCING!
12/11/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Do the hokey pokey once a week,
just in case that's really what it's all about.
-Scott Friedman, submitted by Tracy D., Billings MT

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

Life may not be
the party we hoped for,
but while we are here,
we may as well dance!
-source unknown, submitted by Tammie H., Lincoln NE

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

Things may be getting crazy for you this time of year...so four quick suggestions for sanity:

Put your left foot in,
Put your left foot out,
Put your left foot in,
And shake it all about!

Peace,
Paul

P.S. One more batch of photos available at the bottom of this topic:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=204.0

Ripples v8.49: Ripples of SHINING!

Ripples v8.49: Ripples of SHINING!
12/04/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Few persons have courage enough
to appear as good as they really are.
-Julius Charles Hare, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI

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

Meditate.
Live purely.
Be quiet.
Do your work with mastery.
Like the moon,
come out from behind the clouds.
Shine!
-Buddha, submitted by Cindy K., Green Bay WI

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

I am enjoying my vacation through the wilds of Wyoming, and in between hours of hiking and driving and just staring out the window, I spent time this week pouring over the hundreds of quote submissions from the past month....talk about SHINING! It was such a treat to look through them and see a bounty of potential pebbles and boulders; many of you took the time to share passages from your favorite writers and singers, and a few of you even penned your own words. I believe that our humble little newsletter splash will SHINE even brighter in 2007.

I hope YOU can do something really brave and extraordinary this week: SHINE! At work, at school, at home, with friends...wherever you are just be your fantastic, magnificent, shiny self!

Oh, and If you liked last week's photos....I added a few more vacation pictures as a reply to last week's posting in our community forum. (If you cannot SEE the photos after you click on the link, it is because so many people are viewing the page at that moment. You can either click on the photo's file names and download them OR just hit the refresh button on your browser a few times and they should pop up eventually.)
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=204.0

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.48: Ripples of ORDINARY DAYS!

Ripples v8.48: Ripples of ORDINARY DAYS!
11/27/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

No man needs a vacation so much
as the person who has just had one.
-Elbert Hubbard, submitted by Kathy L., Mendota Heights MN

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

So many mornings I'd say, "Mom, I don't want to go to school today."
And she'd push me out the door with my brother and sister and say,
"Don't you kids know
that life is made up of ordinary days
when there's no one to pat you on the back?
When there's no one to praise you?
When there's no one to honor you?
When there's no one to see how brave and noble you are?
Almost all of life is made up of ordinary days.
And it's how you live your ordinary days
that determines whether or not you have big moments.
Get out there and make something of your ordinary days.
-Ann Kiemel, submitted by Beth L., Baltimore MD

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

Welcome back from Thanksgiving! Many of our fellow Ripplers are students and instructors who are heading into their last stretch of the fall semester. Others may be wrapping up end-of-year reports and budgets at work. Almost everyone has some degree of stress over the holidays. I hope you can use these last few weeks of the year to make something of these ORDINARY DAYS at the end of the year! It might mean building in some time to close the door and play some of your favorite music (calming? energizing? whatever you need!). Or maybe you dive in and spend one solid hour with a big pile of STUFF--no phone calls or emails or distractions--just FOCUS!. Do what you have to do to hang in there: you can do it!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.47: Ripples of THANK-FULL!

Ripples v8.47: Ripples of THANK-FULL!
11/20/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Just for today, give thanks!
Put the THANKS back in your day and you will be FULL!
Those who give are thankful - while those who are thankful give.
-Sark, submitted by Sarah H., DeKalb IL

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

If you had read the front-page story of the SF Chronicle on Thursday, Dec.14, 2005, you would have read about a female humpback whale that had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines.

Hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat weighted her down. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail and her torso, and a a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an Environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her, a very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around and thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The person who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the entire time, and he will never ever be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate----to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude and love.

-submitted by Kasie M., Bowie MD

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

For all our members, both long-time and recent,
for all the quote submissions, and
for all the kind messages I have received over the past 8 years:

THANKS!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.46: Ripples of ECHOES & BOOMERANGS!

Ripples v8.46: Ripples of ECHOES & BOOMERANGS!
11/13/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
14,797 subscribers

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

Life is like an echo.
What you give out is what you get in return.
-Elsie (last name forgotten), submitted by Terri L., Cranford NJ

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

The game of life is the game of boomerangs.
Our thoughts, deeds and words
return to us sooner or later,
with astounding accuracy.
-Florence Shinn, submitted by Dani S, Eugene OR

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

I spent the early part of the week with a group of folks who do the very challenging and important work of helping people at the end of life. These hospice, nursing home, home health, and hospital staff provide an enormous source of support to those who are dying as well as their loved ones. By the end of the week I was out in Phoenix to spend a few days with my good friends at the U.S. Tennis Association who develop and promote the growth of tennis.

These are obviously different groups facing different challenges and opportunities in fulfilling their mission, but the people I met at both meetings were filled with dedicated and talented professionals who are making life better for others. While my topics varied for each group, it was easy to convince them all that what you get out of life depends a great deal on what you are willing to put in.

I dare you to practice the art of ECHOES & BOOMERANGS this week by putting out a little more of what you want and trust that it will come back. If you wish the world had more peace than it does now, go out and make peace with someone you are currently in conflict with. If you need more money, try giving a few bucks away. If happiness is what you seek, then spend some time making someone else happy. I believe that some will come back your way soon!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.45: Ripples of VOTING!

Ripples v8.45: Ripples of VOTING!
11/6/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
14,606 subscribers

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

You do not have to be superhuman
to do what you believe in.
-Debbie Fields, submitted by Linda H., Manhattan KS

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

Live your life
so that your children
can tell their children
that you not only stood
for something wonderful-
-you acted on it.
-Dan Zadra, submitted by Kathy P., Osseo WI

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

You may be tired of the election-related commercials and the phone calls and the mail....AND remember that our democracy works best when we all participate! If you are eligible to vote, DO IT! If you are not eligible to vote, motivate your eligible family, friends, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors to take time this week to DO WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN!

Speaking of voting, we need you to VOTE FOR RIPPLES this month! During November, we are asking each Ripples subscriber to choose one action in support of Ripples:
- submit a really great quote for an upcoming issue (see below for instructions)
- convince one co-worker or friend to join Ripples (see below for instructions)

We lost several hundred subscribers because of our software glitches earlier this year, and we would really like to end the year above 15,000 subscribers. We need just 400 new subscribers to get there, so PLEASE consider helping us find one or two more!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.44: Ripples of REMARKABLE PEOPLE!

Ripples v8.44: Ripples of REMARKABLE PEOPLE!
10/30/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Not a day passes over the earth
but men and women of no note
do great deeds, speak great words
and suffer noble sorrows.
-Charles Reade, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

In the rush of daily living it's easy to forget
all the remarkable people, real or fictional,
who have been a part of your life.

But if you just imagine they are near for a moment,
you will realize that anyone who ever
touched your heart is always with you,
patiently waiting to emanate warmth and support
whenever you remember to think of them.
-Barbara Sher, submitted by Laura H., Appleton WI

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

This week I had the honor of spending time with a remarkable team from the California region of the U.S. Forest Service. Because I am an avid hiker, it was not difficult for me to sincerely thank them for their commitment to creating and maintaining such a diverse array of incredible places that all of us are able to access to enjoy nature.

I returned to my hotel room after two days of presentations only to learn on the evening news about a forest fire in southern California that transformed quite suddenly in size from less than seven acres to thousands of acres. By now most of you know that a crew of four U.S. Forest Service employees lost their lives fighting the blaze, and a fifth crew member remains in critical condition.

Spending a few days learning about the challenges they face in their work and then quickly learning how high the risks are has made me appreciate their dedication even more. As we welcome several U.S. Forest Service Employees to to our Ripples community, please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Perhaps we can all make some powerful ripples this week by taking a moment to acknowledge someone in our lives who we consider REMARKABLE!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.43: Ripples of BREEZES!

Ripples v8.43: Ripples of BREEZES!
10/23/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

To be quite oneself, one must first waste a little time.
-Elizabeth Bowen, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL

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

We spend most of our time and energy
in a kind of horizontal thinking.
We move along the surface of things...
[but] there are times when we stop.
We sit still.
We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves or its memory.
We listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.
-James Carroll, submitted by Julie T., Eugene OR

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

This week I was in Denver to make some new friends at the Central Association of College & University Business Officers. I enjoyed my time at their conference, and as an added bonus I was able to sneak west into the Colorado Rockies for some late fall hiking. On one particularly scenic hike in the shadow of Mt. Evans, I found a quiet spot among several piles of leaves (some of which were already tinted with snow) to rest and reflect. The James Carroll quote above sums up my experience: as the brief pause in my hike unexpectedly evolved into an hour of solitude, some creative breezes began stirring and whispering. Soon my mind was whirling with exciting possibilities for my work and my life (including some for The Ripples Project!) and my return hike was considerably shortened by an enthusiastic pace. It was just what I needed to feel recommitted to my personal and professional goals.

Before the fall leaves disappear for the season, I hope you can take a walk this week and let your spirit be moved by a fresh BREEZE!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.42: Ripples of IMAGINATION!

Ripples v8.42: Ripples of IMAGINATION!
10/16/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Logic will be you from A to B.
Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL

Use your imagination, not to scare yourself to death
but to inspire yourself to life.
-Adele Brookman, submitted by Linda V., Ames IA

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

Imagination does not
become great
until human beings,
given the courage and strength,
use it to create.
-Maria Montessori, submitted by Justin K., Cottage Grove WI

Most of the good things civilization has achieved
are the result of somebody's seeing, in his mind's eye,
how to do something better, or make something better.
Without imagination an executive cannot foresee
the good things the future may hold.
-Cason Callaway, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA

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

I strive to ensure that Ripples takes only one minute to read each Monday morning, and since I couldn't decide between all the above quotes, I only have a few seconds left....

So do this: close your eyes for the next 60 seconds and use your IMAGINATION to create something realistic and really exciting that could happen today. Then open your eyes and spend another 60 minutes doing something to make it more likely that it could happen!

GO!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.41: Ripples of UNIQUENESS!

Ripples v8.41: Ripples of UNIQUENESS!
10/09/06: a FREE weekly splash from The Ripples Project

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

I want all my senses engaged.
Let me absorb the world's variety and uniqueness.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

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

As human beings, our job in life
is to help people realize
how rare and valuable each one of us really is,
that each of us has something
that no one else has,
or ever will have,
something inside that is unique to all time.

It's our job to encourage each other
to discover that uniqueness
and to provide ways of developing its expression.
-Fred Rogers, submitted by Jennifer R., Madison WI

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

While I was travelling to Indianapolis this week to visit Eli Lilly Federal Credit Union and IUPUI, I faced a series of weather-related travel delays that required some patience as I sat at more than one airport gate wondering "When will the plane get here? When will we board? Will I ever make it to Indy?" In a last-ditch effort to distract myself, I looked around at my fellow weary travelers and began to imagine what their personalities and lives might be like. In a few minutes, I was entranced by the sea of UNIQUENESS I was swimming in.

It was fairly easy to slot my fellow fliers into categories: business people, students, families on vacation, etc. As I more carefully pondered a specific person's features, clothes, and actions, I realized the categories were far too limiting. I reminded myself that each of these magnificent beings has a purpose for being here today, and having arrived here from a specific set of life experiences, they were each just so, er, well, UNIQUE!

By the time I arrived in Indianapolis I was less concerned about what time it was, and more excited to continue reminding myself to pause as often as possible to be more mindful of others around me. Of course, just like other distinct moments of insight and clarity I have experienced in my life, the awareness faded and I soon became absorbed in the tasks at hand: finding my bags, getting to the hotel, finding some dinner, etc.

I hope you will join me as I strive this week to spend a few moments here and there pressing PAUSE on the VCR/TiVo of life to notice how UNIQUENESS is thriving all around us. And then press PLAY and continue on!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.40: Ripples of JOURNEYS!

Ripples v8.40: Ripples of JOURNEYS!
10/02/06: a FREE weekly splash from The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.
We are spiritual beings on a human journey.
-Stephen Covey, submitted by Beth L., Baltimore MD

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

Our life's journey
is an ever-unfolding work of art
that tells the story of where we have been
and with whom we have traveled.
-Iyanla Van Zant, submitted by Linda H., Manhattan KS

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

Hello my fellow Ripply adventurers!

I have returned from several weeks of rest, including a wonderful retreat into northern Minnesota (with great thanks to my friends Brian and Rob for letting me hide out in their cabin!). I feel well rested, and excited to jump back into my work as a trainer AND The Ripples Project too!

For the past few months I have been pondering about how we can be more intentional and more effective at encouraging ourselves and others to be more Ripply. I am not even sure exactly what I mean by "Ripply," although it seems to have something to do with kindness and joy and love and helping and compassion and empathy.

So many of you have sent emails to say how much you enjoy receiving Ripples, and it seems obvious that you are also the type of people who send all kinds of good ripples out into the community and into the universe. I cannot help but wonder if we should attempt to harness this energy and focus it more purposely. How would that work? I do not know, and I am wondering if you might be interested in helping me explore possibilities. Maybe we could gather some people together to hold a Ripply town meeting and explore what it means to nurture and create ripples. Maybe a series of town meetings around the country?

What do YOU think could happen if a few dozen (hundred?) members of The Ripples Project community came together for a few hours or few days? You may email me, but an even more useful way would be to post a message on our discussion board. It may seem a little tricky at first because you have to create a username/password, but it would allow the entire community to be inspired by our collective vision.
Click here to start:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=187.0

Please join me on this exciting new JOURNEY!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.39: Ripples of RESPONSIBILITY!

Ripples v8.39: Ripples of RESPONSIBILITY!
9/25/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Feel gratitude that you have made it to this point
and take responsibility for what comes next.
-Dr. Sonya Friedman, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

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

I am responsible.

Although I may not be able
to prevent the worst from happening,
I am responsible for my attitude
toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life.

Bad things do happen;
how I respond to them
defines my character
and the quality of my life.
I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness,
immobilized by the gravity of my loss,
or I can choose to rise from the pain
and treasure the most precious gift I have:
life itself.
-Walter Anderson, submitted by Debra E., Ohio

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

If some big or small "bad thing" has happened to you recently, you certainly deserve to take time to do what you need to do: scream, cry, journal, complain, grunt, whine, drink (milk), eat (oreos), pout, moan, etc. Then it is time to stand up, brush the dust off, and ask what (fictional) president Jed Bartlett used to ask his White House staff on the TV Series "West Wing: "What's next?"

I don't mean to over-simply the healing/recovery part of dealing with the "bad things." I am here to testify that sometimes it can take weeks, months, or even years to do the first part. Just make sure you know when it is time to take RESPONSIBILITY and move on!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. I am returning from my retreat this week and will be wading through the pile of correspondence from the last few weeks. I will have stories to share I'm sure!
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Ripples v8.38: Ripples of COURAGEOUS STEPS!

Ripples v8.38: Ripples of COURAGEOUS STEPS!
9/18/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Many of our fears are tissue paper thin,
and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.
-Brendan Francis, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

Whatever you do,
you need courage.
Whatever course you decide upon,
there is always someone
to tell you you are wrong.
There are always difficulties arising
which tempt you to believe
that your critics are right.
To map out a course of action
and follow it to the end,
requires some of the same courage
which a soldier needs.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

What are you afraid of?

Think of some fear that is holding you back from action: Is there something you want to say to someone and you are worried about their response? Have you been hesitating to move forward with a plan because you might fail? Or perhaps you hold some generalized "fear of the unknown" that prevents personal or professional growth?

I dare you to spend some time this week imagining what your future could hold if you shed this fear completely or at least diminished its impact considerably. Then, If you can muster even a tiny drop of bravery, I hope you can take some COURAGEOUS STEPS!

Peace,
Paul
P.S. Remember that I am on retreat and will reply to messages in a few weeks!

Ripples v8.37: Ripples of ADAPTATION!

Ripples v8.37: Ripples of ADAPTATION!
9/11/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

I can be changed by what happens to me.
I refuse to be reduced by it.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Deb W, Portland OR

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

It is not
the strongest of the species
that survives,
nor the most intelligent.
It is the one
most adaptable to change.
-Charles Darwin, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI

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

Something has happened recently that may be stressing you out.

You just received a big assignment, some unexpected news, or you found out that plans (for work, school or life) will need to shift because of an unanticipated event. You may be trying to figure out whether this is going to be GOOD or BAD, and that may not be the most useful thing to ponder right now!

Instead, you may want to accept that this change is here (or approaching) and jump into ADAPTATION mode and ask yourself "How can I arrive on the other side of this transition a more effective person?

Peace,
Paul
P.S. Remember that I am on retreat and will reply to messages in a few weeks!

Ripples v8.36: Ripples of REST!

Ripples v8.36: Ripples of REST!
9/5/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
-Ovid, submitted by Judy A., Carbondale IL

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

To look backward for a while
is to refresh the eye, to restore it,
and to render it the more fit
for its prime function of looking forward.
-Margaret Fairless Barber, submitted by Donna B., Indianapolis IN

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

I have some good news, and some more good news. Which do you want first?

Well the first good news is that I have carved out some time this month to escape work and many of the routine chores and patterns that have gradually become my life. My goal is mostly to REST: to sleep and stroll and read and relax and walk and play with my dog. I also intend to to let my heart, mind, and soul meander through all the brainstorms and ponderings I have had about The Ripples Project over the past 8 years. I hope to emerge from this sabbatical with a fresh perspective and some new possibilities to share with you.

The other good news: thanks to our updated newsletter software and our new, larger home base on the internet, I will be able to take some REST while you still receive Ripples! Over the past few weeks, I have created several fresh issues and loaded them up to be sent out automatically over the next few Mondays.

Enjoy the next few weeks, and I will be back soon with stories of my adventures!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.35: Ripples of MATTERING!

Ripples v8.35: Ripples of MATTERING!
8/28/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

What will you do today that will matter tomorrow?
-Ralph Marston, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI

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

In this world of ours,
that which matters most
is not what happens to the outside of things,
but what happens to the inside of people.
-Walter Russell Bowie submitted by Katie M., Cedarville, IL

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

Do you have lots of STUFF on your plate right now? Work stuff, school stuff (already!), community service stuff, life stuff?

Many of us feel as though there are so many things on our "to do" lists that we hardly know where to start. My suggestion for this week is to start with a "mattering" test. Which item on your "to do" list could have the biggest positive impact on tomorrow? Is there an action you could take that if you do it WELL and you do it NOW, it could make tomorrow better for you and/or others around you?

Start with that action, and see if that helps create some momentum that will make even more MATTERING possible!

Have a good week, and remember that next Monday is a holiday so look for Ripples first thing on Tuesday morning, September 5.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.34: Ripples of LISTENING!

Ripples v8.34: Ripples of LISTENING!
8/21/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Hearing is one of the body's five senses.
But listening is an art.
-Frank Tyger, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

One of the most valuable things
we can do to heal one another
is listen to each other's stories.
-Courtney Campbell, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI

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

Most people today just listen,
but don't deeply listen.

There are some people in the world
who are blessed to be exceptional listeners.

When someone deeply listens to us,
that enables us to deeply listen to ourselves.
-Rabbi Aryeh Ben David, submitted by Jennifer S.,

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

I wrapped up my August travels with visits to Central Michigan Universisty & UNC-Asheville (and HELLO to the big batch of Ripplers from both of these campuses, some of whom have been a part of The Ripples Project since day one!). My adventures as a leadership trainer have certainly allowed me to hone my performance skills over the years and many of you have witnessed how much I enjoy wandering around a classroom or stage telling stories and being goofy. One of the skills I didn't expect to pick up along the way is this week's theme: LISTENING.

The first step in designing a presentation for an audience is to listen to a client describe the event, the participants, and her or his hopes for the part I am helping with. Then I listen to what others are saying about the topics I have been asked to speak on (my peers, the media, etc.). The next step includes time to let this information simmer in my mind for a few weeks or months and listen carefully to what my own soul has to say. Even when I arrive on site to deliver the presentation, there is often still time to ask participant questions and listen to what is currently going on in their lives. Who knew that a career based on TALKING required so much LISTENING? I did not know this going in, but the more listening I do up front, the better my talking is in the end!

I hope you can take a moment to deepen your listening skills this week. I am confident it could help with school, work, and life in general!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.33: Ripples of STARTING!

Ripples v8.33: Ripples of STARTING!
8/14/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Don't be afraid your life will end;
be afraid that it will never begin.
- Grace Hansen, submitted by Amelia V., Wisconsin

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

Winners outrun defeat
by not stopping;
losers give in to defeat
by not starting.
-source unknown, submitted by Judy A., Carbondale IL

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

This is the time of year when many of our fellow ripplers are gearing up for another academic year. Students and educators alike are enjoying a few more vacation adventures, purchasing supplies (and clothes!), and preparing themselves mentally for the start of fall.

I am down in the heart (and heat!) of the south at Mississippi University for Women (which happens to be co-ed, thank you very much!!) to spend some time with current student leaders and also parents of new students; tomorrow I will be helping kick off the orientation program for the new students themselves. Being around all this campus energy makes it easy for me to catch the "let's get started" bug, and I want to ripple that energy out to you! Receive this enthusiasm for initiation and get started on something grand you have been dreaming about: A big project, a personal fitness goal, a job search, or maybe just a book you have longed to tackle. On your mark, get set......Go!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.32: Ripples of WILD!

Ripples v8.32: Ripples of WILD!
8/7/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

You were once wild here. Don't let them tame you.
-Isadora Duncan, submitted by Kristin K., Salisbury, MD

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

If I had one gift that I could give you, my friend,
it would be the ability to see yourself
as others see you,
because only then would you know
how extremely special you are.
-B.A. Billingsly, submitted by P.S. Patti, Cedar Rapids IA

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

Hello, dear wild and special ripplers!

Your challenge this week is simple:
spend just a quick moment thinking about how "wild and special" you are.
Recall a specific memory that conjures up your wildness, or
think of some special gift you possess that those around you admire.
You don't have to do anything with it other than this: enjoy your WILD and SPECIAL self!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.31: Ripples of SECURE SOULS!

Ripples v8.31: Ripples of SECURE SOULS!
7/31/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

I believe that in our constant search for security,
we can never gain any peace of mind until we secure our own soul.
-Margaret Chase Smith

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

The soul is dyed
the color of its thoughts.
Think only on those things
that are in line with your principles
and can bear the full light of day.
The content of your character
is your choice.

Day by day,
what you choose,
what you think, and
what you do
is who you become.
-Heraclitus

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

Quick, secure your soul!

How? Well, that depends on you. Today's pebble states that in order to feel "secure" we must begin with our soul. The boulder suggests that we need to begin with our thoughts, and move on to our choices and actions. I am going to spend this week "securing my soul" by posting positive words around my office. Words like ASTOUNDING and MOMENTOUS and VIBRANT. Even creating the list was, well, momentous! Perhaps you can create your own list of words to ponder? If that doesn't sound interesting then brainstorm some other activity to help you focus your thoughts and choices so your SOUL will be more SECURE by the end of the week!

If you want to see my list, I posted them quickly here:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/h/Soul.html

Have a SPECTACULAR and PROVOCATIVE week!

Peace,
Paul

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Ripples v8.30: Ripples of THE BEST WE CAN!

Ripples v8.30: Ripples of THE BEST WE CAN!
7/24/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The real winners in life are the people who look at every situation
with an expectation that they can make it work or make it better.
-Barbara Pletcher, submitted by Joycelyn F., Reedsburg WI

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

Some days, doing
THE BEST WE CAN
may still fall short of what
we would like to be able to do,
but life isn't perfect--on any front--
and doing what we can with what we have
is the most we should expect
of ourselves
or anyone else.
-Mr. Rogers, submitted by Cindy S., West Bend WI

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

Thanks to several hundred new Ripplers who joined us this week after attending time and stress management workshops on at S.P. Richards' fantastic Las Vegas extravaganza, we are back over 15,000 subscribers! Woohoo!

After exploring many practical techniques, the major hurdle they face is returning home and IMPLEMENTING the strategies they were most excited about. I want this to be a reminder that ANY attempt at experimenting with one small improvement this week could have a big impact on their life and/or work.

I think all 15,000 of us should take a moment right now to close our eyes, take a deep breath, and promise ourselves to do THE BEST WE CAN this week and be proud of our best efforts!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.29: Ripples of OUR COMMUNITY!

Ripples v8.29: Ripples of OUR COMMUNITY!
7/17/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Our belief in one another
is what unites us and encourages us to be our best.
-Sarah McLachlan, submitted by Cathie M., Madison WI

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

There can be no vulnerability without risk;
There can be no community without vulnerability;
There can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.
-M. Scott Peck, submitted by Katie M., Cedarville IL

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

Welcome back to our community! While some of you have always been receiving Ripples each week, I was ASTONISHED to learn how many folks have been either sporadically receiving or completely missing their weekly splash. Last week we moved our site to a host recommended by the folks at Active Campaign (who make the software we use to send out Ripples) and sent out a test message. So far I have received over 1,100 responses, many people saying "oh, you're back!" I am truly sorry that we temporarily lost touch AND I am deeply grateful to have you back as a part of the Ripples community.

I thought of the perfect way to celebrate our "community reunion:" Can you think of someone that you have lost track of over the past few years? Perhaps it is a former colleague, a distant relative, or maybe a friend who gradually disappeared from your radar. Reach out to them today with an email or phone call or (gasp!) a handwritten note and welcome them back into your life!

Ooh, and we need EVERYONE to send a big dose of peace out into the universe this week because so many spots in our world are in danger of forgetting what peace feels like or sounds like. This whole world is our community and any time one part is in pain, we ALL suffer for it!

I am sending you all hugs and high fives and of course,

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.28: Ripples of WADING IN!

Ripples v8.28: Ripples of WADING IN!
7/10/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

When we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade
into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen.
- Arland Gilbert, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

Despite the success cult,
men are most deeply moved
not by the reaching of the goal,
but by the grandness of the effort involved in getting there.
-Max Leaner, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

We are not giving up yet!!

We have been sending out this fun little splash of inspiration every Monday morning for over eight years now, and honestly have faced more challenges in the past 4 weeks than in the first 8 years combined! I hope you can hang out just a little bit longer while we move our website to a different host.

While we are busy facing these challenges on this end, I dare YOU to tackle some challenge on your end by WADING IN and taking some action right now!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.27: Ripples of JUMPING IN!

Ripples v8.27: Ripples of JUMPING IN!
7/5/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them.
You will find that they haven't half the strength you think they have.
-Norman Vincent Peale

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

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing,
we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger,
but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.
-Robert Cushing, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

You may have missed your Ripples last week, and you may have emailed me to say "What Happened?" and had your email bounce back to you as undeliverable. I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but our poor website is still having a tough go of it. As of today (Wednesday, 7/5) the site is up and our emails should be getting through.

Hopefully this issue will reach you (and you can peek at our archives to see last week's excellent issue:
http://theripplesproject.org/newsletter.php)

Please send a prayer or positive thought into the universe asking for help as we JUMP IN and try to repair and restore The Ripples Project!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.26: Ripples of ARTFUL LIVING!

Ripples v8.26: Ripples of ARTFUL LIVING!
6/26/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Live to the point of tears.
-Albert Camus, submitted by Katie P., Minneapolis MN

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

Choice by choice,
moment by moment,
I string together the necklace of my day,
stringing together the choices that form
artful living.
-Julia Cameron, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL

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

The last few weeks have been adventure-filled for me; besides addressing the challenges of our website and related technology (it seems we have them largely resolved--thanks for helping me thank both teams last week!), I have spent some time giving presentations in New Hampshire as well as several leadership conferences around Wisconsin. This weekend included a sublime reunion with my buddies from graduate school and their growing families: hours of chit chat and laughter and goofiness that will linger in my soul for a long time.

As I continue to learn and grow from a bounty of people and experiences (including both wildly fun times and gritty hard stuff), it seems easy to forget (and just as easy to recall!) that even the truly difficult challenges are more easily faced when I string together some really good times after I have faced a string of blechy times. Perhaps you could take a quick assessment of your upcoming week to see if there is room for more ARTFUL LIVING, even with all the crazy, unpredictable, frustrating, and delicious ups and downs.

Life isn't always easy, my ripply friend, but I believe it is always worth it!

Ripple On!

Paul

Ripples v8.25: HOPEFUL Ripples!

Ripples v8.25: HOPEFUL Ripples!
6/19/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts,
liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.
-Andrew Carnegie, submitted by Lora K.

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

Hope is a garden of seeds sown with tears,
Planted with love amidst present fears.

Hope is a rainbow of butterfly wings,
Gently it beckons, lightly it sings.

Hope is a present of future each day,
A voice from our heart to show us the way.

Hope is not passive, it is real and alive,
Hope is a strength to guide choices made wise.

Yes, hope is a garden grown from love and from tears,
And hope which is nurtured survives throughout years.
-Mattie T. J. Stepanek, submitted by Mary G., Brookings SD

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

My HOPE for you this week: that you receive this issue of Ripples!

Many of you have not received Ripples for several weeks, and most of our recent subscribers have not yet received their first issue. I humbly apologize for this and I am hoping those challenges are behind us. The folks that make the software we use to send out Ripples along with the good people that host our website have spent an ENORMOUS amount of time in the past few weeks trying to identify and solve myriad problems. I HOPE we have them largely resolved and that issue makes its way to all 14,000+ members by Monday morning!

Whether you have enjoyed receiving Ripples for a few weeks or many years (or somewhere in between), I would tremendously appreciate your assistance in thanking these two companies who both provide quality services at reasonable rates. Wouldn't it be Ripply to shower a few hundred postcards on both of these companies from members all over the U.S. (you global Ripplers don't need to spend extra postage on this effort!!)? If at all possible, please take a moment from your day to scribble a postcard saying "Thank you for helping us with Ripples & The Ripples Project!" and put your first name and where you live and depending upon which side of the Mississippi you live, send it to:

EAST of Mississippi: Active Campaign, 75 E. Wacker Drive # 820, Chicago, IL 60601 (web: http://ActiveCampaign.com )
WEST of Mississippi: Global Servers, 1253 N. Research Way Suite Q-2500 , Orem, UT 84097 (web: http://GlobalServers.com )

Technical Support staffs put up with lots and lots of nagging and whining and complaining and very rarely hear THANK YOU. Thousands of you will THINK about doing this, and I am counting on many of you to TAKE ACTION!

Thank you so much for taking a minute to follow through, and I hope we can create some unique ripples!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.24: Ripples of SHORT RACES!

Ripples v8.24: Ripples of SHORT RACES!
6/12/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project (more info below)

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

You can become blind
by seeing each day as a similar one.
Each day is a different one,
each day brings a miracle of its own.
It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Cathie M., Madison WI

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

Are you feeling overwhelmed by some huge project that is going on in work or school or life? Or maybe there is a burden you have been carrying around with you, something that has been worrying or frustrating or sad. I would like to suggest that you shift your perspective: instead of thinking of it as one big ole yucky, blechy thing, it is possible to view it as a set of small challenges. This week you could focus on just one part, and view it as a SHORT RACE that you can finish and finish soon!

As you cross your finish line, I hope that there is a small prize to accept (lunch with a friend, an hour of mindless tv or video game, your favorite dessert, etc.) and a sense of satisfaction in knowing that even if there are many more short races to run, you finished one.

On your mark,
get set,
GO!

-Paul

Ripples v8.23: Ripples of FRIENDPRINTS!

Ripples v8.23: Ripples of FRIENDPRINTS!
6/5/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Life without friendship is like the sky without sun.
-source unknown, submitted by Noel R., Milwaukee WI

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

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime,
so let me say before we part:
So much of me is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart,
and now whatever way our stories end,
I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend.
-from the Broadway musical "Wicked", submitted by Samantha T., Green Bay WI

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

I enjoy being able to tell all of you about my fun adventures in life and I appreciate that I can also share the challenges.

Well, last week was completely blechy. And let me be clear: by blechy I mean painful, scary, exhausting, draining, awful. I will spare you the gory details; instead I want to describe how magnificent it was to have a set of friends who provided such warm support. Several of my friends changed their schedules to spend time with me, and others who lived far away lent support with phone calls and good energy. A few people I connected briefly with didn't even know I was facing a difficult time; the serendipity of our paths crossing was powerful just the same.

With all of that powerful assistance, I had the courage to face these challenges and I am so happy to report that I already feel more like my old self again. I am composing this week's issue on a Sunday afternoon sitting on my deck beneath a sky that most definitely includes a beautiful, bright sun. I am deeply grateful that my friends left many FRIENDPRINTS on my healing heart just when they were needed most.

Please take a quick moment this week to either thank a friend of yours for their FRIENDPRINTS, or take action to leave some on a friend in need. Whichever you do, I'm guessing it will bring you a bit more....

...Peace,

Paul

Ripples v8.22: Ripples of INVENTING YOU!

Ripples v8.22: Ripples of INVENTING YOU!
5/30/06: 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

If you didn't exist, would someone invent you?
-source unknown, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI

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

The truth is that our finest moments
are most likely to occur when
we are feeling deeply uncomfortable,
unhappy, or unfulfilled.

For it is only in such moments,
propelled by our discomfort,
that we are likely to step out of our ruts and
start searching for different ways or truer answers.
-source unknown, submitted by Anne C-W, Wisconsin

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

First of all, I need to shout I AM SORRY to all of our subscribers and even more importantly last week's "unsubscribes."  We recently upgraded our web-based software that is used to send out Ripples, and have encountered a few problems. The most troublesome glitch was that the unsubscribe links did not work in last week's issue. I believe they are fixed in this issue, but if you have ANY troubles unsubscribing please let me know and I will manually remove your email address from our database with my deepest apologies.

Secondly, I am hoping you can take some small or big steps this week in the process of INVENTING YOU. Start by thinking about how a friend or colleague might describe you to someone who asked "Can you tell me about that person over there?" What quality or attribute do you hope they include in their description? Perhaps there is something you can do to enhance that quality further? Another strategy would be to ponder what you hope they might say next year at this time that would not be included in a current description.....and then take some action this week to work on that invention!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.21: Ripples of SPARKS & MAGIC!

Ripples v8.21: Ripples of SPARKS & MAGIC!
5/22/06: 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

Our brightest blazes of gladness
are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.
-Samuel Johnson, submitted by Cris D., Madison WI

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

I have always been delighted
at the prospect of a new day,
a fresh try,
one more start,
with perhaps a bit of magic
waiting somewhere behind the morning.
-J.B. Priestly, submitted by Pat H., Valpraiso IN

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

Hey friend, did you notice any sparks or magic yet today?

It could be that in the rush to dive in to your busy, crazy week, you passed by a chance to deepen a relationship or pursue a new opportunity. Or perhaps the magical spark might happen just after lunch, or later this week.

Whenever it arrives, be on the look out and be ready to embrace what comes next!

Peace,

Paul

Ripples v8.20: Ripples of MEANINGFUL WORK!

Ripples v8.20: Ripples of MEANINGFUL WORK!
5/15/06: 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

Three rules of work:
out of clutter, find simplicity;
from discord, find harmony;
in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Lisa B., Monona Grove WI & Nikki B., Madison WI

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

It is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life.
And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.
Perhaps, then, you might gain that rare tranquility
that comes from knowing that you have had a hand
in creating something of intrinsic excellence that makes a contribution.

Indeed, you might even gain that deepest of all satisfactions:
knowing that your short time here on this earth
has been well spent, and that it mattered.
-Jim Collins, submitted by Laura A., Michigan

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

This week included more bonding with credit union leaders, this time at CUNA's Women's Leadership Conference in San Francisco. While our topic was diversity, I spent a few minutes thanking them for their important work and reminding them that they help their members with one of the scariest parts of many people\'s lives: money. A few participants individually shared with me how satisfying their work can be when opportunities arise to help a colleague overcome an obstacle or assist a member in facing a significant challenge.

I am hoping that SOMEWHERE in your life you are finding meaning in your work. And do not forget that MEANINGFUL WORK may not be at your job! It could be a class you\'re taking, a hobby you\'re pursuing, community service efforts, or even some part of your life at home. (While I love my "job" as a leadership trainer, some of you have heard me say that I find The Ripples Project to provide the most meaning in my life!) If you HAVE found your MEANINGFUL WORK, celebrate that today! If it seems you\'re still seeking it (or had it once but have lost it), hang in there! Maybe your goal today could be to make a list of what aspects of your life provide the MOST meaning and jot down a few thoughts about what seems significant about them. Just ponder it a bit, and perhaps you can seek similar opportunities.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.19: Ripples of NOTICING JOY!

Ripples v8.19: Ripples of NOTICING JOY!
5/8/06: 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

Joy is not in things; it is in us.
-Richard Wagner, submitted by Tina O., Northridge CA

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

We may miss a great deal of joy
because we expect it to be
unusual, dramatic, and spectacular.
We are waiting for lights to flash and bells to ring.
But the truth is that joy is here,
right now,
waiting for us to notice it.
-Veronica Ray, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

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

Okay, I'll admit it: I AM a fan of the "unusual, dramatic and spectacular" joy mentioned in today's boulder. For those of you who have seen me jump around a training room or auditorium, it will not come as any big surprise that flashing lights and ringing bells are both a part of my personality. In addition to enjoying the huge, loud, bright joy, I also strive to cultivate an appreciation for the quiet whispers that joy deposits much more frequently than the crazy big stuff. Spring is a great time to practice because there are so many little pockets of joy to experience in flowering apple trees, exploding lilac bushes, and the exuberant twitterings of all kinds of birds. Even a simple warm breeze is a nice treat for those of us living in northern parts where the month of May tempts us with spring while gently reminding us that chilly nights and gloomy cold rains can still visit for a few more weeks.

My challenge for you right now is to stop, look around, and find ONE thing that holds some quiet joy for you to experience. It could be a photo or memento that has been sitting on your desk so long it has faded into the background, or possibly an email in your in box from a trusted friend that you have been taking for granted. It may be a quick peek out the window or even a jog down memory lane to re-visit a recent moment of simple joy in the past few days. Do it. Now. And then jump back in to your crazy life!

Peace,
Paul

--------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe, please click here:
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Ripples v8.18: Ripples of QUALITY YOU!

Ripples v8.18: Ripples of QUALITY YOU!
5/1/06: 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

Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI

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

What the world does not tell you
–because it doesn’t know-
is that you cannot become successful.
You can only BE successful.
Don’t let a mad world tell you that success
is anything other than a successful present moment.
And what is that?
There is a sense of quality in what you do, even the most simple action.
Quality implies care and attention, which come with awareness.
Quality requires your Presence.
-Eckhart Tolle, submitted by Carol K., Bloomington IN

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

I had some really fun travels this week, first in Green Bay with an enthusiastic crew of high school students at the Wisconsin Association of School Council\'s annual convention and then in Washington D.C. at a summit of credit union human resource and training professionals (fabulously) organized by my buddies at CUNA. It surprised me a bit when I realized that my core message for both groups was quite similar: keep doing your remarkable work and keep being your remarkable self! I suppose it isn\'t that surprising when you think about it. After all, there may be many barriers that keep us from enjoying our lives more fully and the most challenging ones to face are the INTERNAL barriers: low esteem and poor attitude. These prevent us from making the most of ourselves AND they prevent us from doing our best work to help others too.

Give yourself and those around you a gift this week by accepting that you are pretty darn awesome AND making sure to use that awesome-ness (ok, just go with it for a moment!) to its fullest extent.

Peace,
Paul


TO SUBMIT A QUOTE
send quote with the source (if known) and
your first name, last initial and where you live
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Ripples v8.17: Ripples of REALITY!

Ripples v8.17: Ripples of REALITY!
4/24/06: 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

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Terry D., Appleton WI

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

You need to claim the events of your life to make yourself yours.
When you truly possess all you have been and done,
which may take some time,
you are fierce with reality.
-Florida Scott-Maxwell, submitted by Rebecca E.

Each of us experiences life in our own context,
but for all of us there is a struggle to balance
the reality of life with our needs and our dreams.
Perhaps the most difficult thing of all
is to value our life and who we are,
and to direct our life in a manner that honors it...\"
-Lauri Harper, submitted by Maggie J., Newberg OR

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

This week I hopped down to Chicago to help the Illinois Credit Union League wrap up their conference (and it was certainly a WILD event!). We touched on attitude adjusting, and I think sometimes we forget how much control we have over our attitude. Similarly, we tend to view REALITY as a concrete and fixed entity. With just a bit of a nudge, we can remember that much of reality is perception; if we slightly adjust our attitude or tweak our perspective, our reality can substantially shift. If you are having trouble understanding (or believing) me, try this crazy experiment: choose a color other than your favorite color (do not read any more until you have chosen a color).

For the next 24 hours, I want you to accept that you subconsciously chose a color that holds special power in your life. Any time you encounter a substantial presence of this color, you will receive useful information to improve your life. Pay particular attention to people who are wearing the color you chose as they may have an important message or idea for you. My hypothesis is that your reality will shift because of what you choose to focus on. If you decline to participate, that is 100% okay AND I hope you can notice that your reality might shift precisely because you ignored this invitation to experiment with reality. If nothing particularly noteworthy happens, well, then I guess I need to shift MY reality!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.16: Ripples of CRYSTAL CLEAR!

Ripples v8.16: Ripples of CRYSTAL CLEAR!
4/17/06: 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

May you have:
the hindsight to know where you've been,
the foresight to know where you're going, and
the insight to know when you're going too far.
-Irish Toast, submitted by Colleen M., Wauwatosa WI

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

If you truly become crystal clear
on how you would love your life...
to such a degree that you
can't see anything BUT that...
it's almost IMPOSSIBLE for you not to get it.
-Dr. John F. Demartini, submitted by Angie S., Stevens Point WI

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

This week I spent some time with Forward Service Corporation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They help people around the state of Wisconsin who are facing a variety of challenges to move forward with their lives, and we spent a few hours at the Brett Favre Steakhouse (and no, we didn't find out whether #4 is coming back for another season with the Packers!) focusing on renewal. One of the topics we explored was the importance of having purpose in your life. I know many people who have a general sense of direction when it comes to their work or life, while others feel like they are meandering around a bit. Every once in a while I cross paths with someone who has a laser beam focus; a CRYSTAL CLEAR notion of what they are supposed to be doing in life and how they intend to implement that purpose. Sometimes it is their work that defines them, while others have a hobby or community service effort or family-oriented mission that fuels their passion. Whatever and wherever it is, they seem to thrive from having defined or uncovered their purpose.

I dare you to spend a few minutes this week focusing on your direction. Wherever you are at in the process, it is possible to take the next step. If you are in the meandering phase, you could make a list of possible options from which you could choose. Perhaps it may be time to be more specific in your direction and commit to taking action on a few things. If you already have a well-defined mission, perhaps you could do a quick audit of your calendar to see if you have any projects or tasks that are pulling you off track.

Whichever direction you choose, I do hope it includes a heaping helping of...

Peace!
Paul

Ripples v8.15: Ripples of OAKS and DIAMONDS!

Ripples v8.15:  Ripples of OAKS and DIAMONDS!
4/10/06: 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

Sleep, riches, and health to be truly enjoyed must be interrupted.
-Johann Paul Friedrich Richter, submitted by Linda T.

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

When we long for life without difficulties,
remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds
and diamonds are made under pressure.
-Peter Marshall, submitted by Nikki M, Wrightstown WI

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

Oh WOW do I feel good today!

Last week I sent out "Quick Ripples" from Greensboro, North Carolina where I was visiting my sister and her family. I woke up Sunday just as sick as could be and ended up cancelling my Sunday afternoon flight and staying in bed. On Monday morning everyone left for work and school so I was left to myself. I was already feeling better but no flights were available until Tuesday so I had a full day just to relax and more deeply recover. By the time I arrived home on Tuesday I was back up to about 90%, and received many well wishes from Ripplers along with the above quotes that needed to be shared with all of you!

I spent the rest of the week truly appreciating my health and recognizing that every time I get sick my body bounces back a little bit stronger and more prepared to fend off future illness. If you are currently facing or recovering from a sickness or other similar challenge, I hope you can take just a moment to ponder how it could make you more STURDY like an oak tree or PRECIOUS like a diamond!

Thanks for the many kind thoughts....I'm sending YOU healthy energy this week!

Paul

Ripples v8.14: Quick Ripples!

Ripples v8.14: Quick Ripples!
4/3/06: 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

Self-help must precede help from others.
Even for making certain of help from heaven, one has to help oneself.
-Moraji R. Desai


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

I\'m a bit under the weather so I'm sending out this quick ripples a bit later than usual just so you will have something ripply in your mailbox this Monday morning. Have a good week and I\'ll be back next week with a full issue for you I promise!

Ripples v8.13: Ripples of PERSONAL FREEDOM!

Ripples v8.13: Ripples of PERSONAL FREEDOM!
3/27/06: your 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 takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.
-e.e. cummings, submitted by Lindsay B., New Berlin WI

The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.
-Carl Jung, also submitted by Lindsay B., New Berlin WI

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

If you do your best
in the search for personal freedom,
in the search for self-love,
you will discover that it's just a matter of time
before you find what you are looking for.
-Don Miguel Ruiz, submitted by Sharri d.S., Eugene OR

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

I enjoyed crazy travel adventures this week, first visiting managers at a Procter & Gamble plant in Louisiana (have YOU tried Apple Mango Tango Gain yet??) and then travelling to Moscow, Idaho where I participated in a human rights conference called "Finding the Center 2006." I had a great time in both places AND I cannot wait to arrive back home to see Grendel (for recent subscribers, Grendel is my new puppy that Ripples readers helped me name!).

Among the big batch of quote submissions we received last week (and thanks to ALL who submitted quotes because a constant stream of quotes helps make a better splash of Ripples!!), were the above quotes about personal freedom. Please note that I could not decide between two awesome quotes that Lindsay sent in so I exercised my own PERSONAL FREEDOM and included them both!

For me, personal freedom involves having a variety of options to consider and exercising the responsibility to making good choices and brave choices. It means being free not only of unreasonable restrictions from others but also being free from internal restrictions; having the courage to take positive action despite any fears or limiting beliefs. That is my definition; what does it mean to you? Would you please consider sharing your opinion about what PERSONAL FREEDOM means to you at our community discussion board:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=179.0 ?

I'm wishing you a week filled with Freedom & Peace,

Paul

Ripples v8.12: Ripples of LAUGHTER!

Ripples v8.12: Ripples of LAUGHTER!
3/20/06: 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

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.
-Jean Houston, submitted by Gail H., Portland OR

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

A sense of humor can help you
overlook the unattractive,
tolerate the unpleasant,
cope with the unexpected,
and smile through the unbearable.
-source unknown, submitted by Chris P.

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

Two guys walk into a bar.....

Ok, I'm no good at telling jokes so I won't even try. However, I think laughter is one of the healthiest exercises one can perform. It may not burn a ton of calories (which I need to do because last week I picked up my Girl Scout cookie order and I have been stuffing my face all weekend!), but it burns a ton of stress!

Here is a challenge for this week: think of the person with whom you laugh the hardest and make it a point to talk with them in the next few days. Share a joke, tell a story, make a goofy face, or if you have known each other many years, you may just need to start with "Remember that time we...." and let the chuckles commence!

My friend Kristen in Lansing will be getting a call this week from me....so stop reading this and go laugh with someone!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.11: Ripples of SPEAKING LOUDLY!

Ripples v8.11: Ripples of SPEAKING LOUDLY!
3/13/06: 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

Who you are speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you're saying.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI

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

The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing,
we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger,
but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.
-Robert Cushing, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

Next week I will be heading to Moscow, Idaho, home of the University of Idaho. The city and the university are hosting a special event along with their neighbors across the border, Pullman, Washington and Washington State University. \"Finding the Center: An Action Oriented Human Rights Conference\" is sure to be a full weekend of speaking loudly and listening clearly. I have been charged with kicking off the event and I hope to remind them that the most effective way to \"speak loudly\" is through their actions that encourage an appreciation of diversity. This is where I need some help from YOU!

The Ripples Project is about the gigantic power of tiny acts, so in addition to giving each attendee a Ripple card with an inspirational quote, I wanted to inspire them with YOUR stories of "speaking loudly." Can you take just 2 minutes to ponder and respond to just one set of these questions:

A. Can you think of a time when you said or did something to speak up for another person or group?
What did you do? Why did you do it? How did it turn out?

OR

B. Can you think of a time when someone said or did something to speak up for YOU?
What happened? Why was that important to you?

OR

C. Can you think of a time when you WISH someone had spoken up for you or another person/group?
What happened? What could the person have said or done?

You can post your response on our community discussion board:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=177.0
OR just hit reply and send us an email.

Thanks in advance for sharing your voice, and as always I\'m sending you a bounty of....

Peace,

Paul

Ripples v8.10: Ripples of HAPPY RIGHT NOW!

Ripples v8.10: Ripples of HAPPY RIGHT NOW!
3/6/06: 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

Without happiness we cannot be a refuge for others.
Ask yourself, What am I waiting for to make me happy?
Why am I not happy right now?
-Thich Nhat Hanh, submitted by Kalea B., Chico CA

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

There is a story told about a dog who discovered that happiness was in his tail.
He kept trying over and over to get it, but all he could do was run around in circles.
Exhausted and frustrated with this endless pursuit, he eventually stopped.
And then he discovered that if he would just go on about his life,
it would follow him wherever he went.
-altered from unknown source, submitted by Jen M., Mt. Pleasant MI

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

I send a huge thank you to the dozens of members of The Ripples Project who weighed in on the naming of my new puppy. It was such a blast to have your input! If you are curious about which name I chose, I encourage you to visit the "Streams of Consciousness" section at our community discussion board: http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php.

On the subject of this week\'s theme, HAPPY RIGHT NOW!: I hope that you can do take a moment right now to pause and ask yourself Thich Nhat Hanh\'s question: \"Why am I not happy right now?\" It may be tempting to respond that you\'re not happy because of some situation you\'re in or a problem you have or a certain person you have recently argued with. Even if they are truly yucky, events or people are not causing your unhappiness. With a little effort you can remember that happiness is a choice. Of course there are extreme situations of crisis or distress where happiness is nearly impossible to experience; I am more interested for you to experience happiness in your daily crazy merry-go-round of deadlines and to-do lists and meetings and errands. Give it a try!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.09: Ripples of LIFETIME CHANCES!

Ripples v8.09: Ripples of LIFETIME CHANCES!
2/27/06: 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

Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.
-David Starr Jordan, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

A day dawns, quite like other days;
in it, a single hour comes,
quite like other hours;
but in that day and in that hour
the chance of a lifetime faces us.
-Maltbie Babcock, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

I started the week with a trip to Milwaukee on President's Day to help Educators Credit Union with their"Now to Wow" training day, and on Friday was able to present a few workshops here in Madison for a teacher inservice day created by SWEIO (and the keynote speaker, Henry Winkler, was awesome!). My week ended with the adoption of a new puppy, and after 24 hours I'm exhausted and exhilarated at the process of helping my new roommate adjust to life in a condo.

I chose this week's quotes because presentations I gave for both the credit union staff AND the K-12 educators included messages of learning how to take care of YOURSELF as well as you take care of your best "members" or "students" that you serve. Many of the "professional helpers" I spend time with each year are naturally drawn to server OTHERS, and many of them perceive self care skills as "selfish." I think we ALL need a constant reminder that it is up to US to take good care of ourselves so that we can serve others in outstanding ways. This weeks quotes remind us of the power in the "chance of a lifetime," and I hope that in whatever capacity you serve others, I hope you can take the extraordinary step of taking good care of YOURSELF this week so you can ultimately take good care of others! Awesome things can happen when you dare yourself to value self care skills. Do it, I say, and enjoy the outcome!


Oooh, and if you have a second, I'd appreciate it if you could peek at our community forum section to see photos of my new puppy along with a few names I'm considering...I set up a poll so you could weigh in if you have an opinion!

Peace,
Paul

http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=173.0

TO SUBMIT A QUOTE
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Ripples v8.08: Ripples of BRIGHT CORNERS!

Ripples v8.08: Ripples of BRIGHT CORNERS!
2/20/06: 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

Do not wait for some greatness you may do.
Simply brighten the corner where you are.
-source unknown, submitted by: Paul P., Plainfield NJ

=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

Welcome to the start of another busy, crazy week! I bet you have a TON of stuff to do, and probably feel like you\'re behind on a few projects. So how in the WORLD could you make time to brighten someone else\'s corner? It turns out there is a way!!

A few years ago, I was in a consulting session with a team who works together in Austin, Texas. The four of them were saying that they really wanted to help each other out but each had so much STUFF on his own plate that it was difficult to imagine adding MORE stuff.

I grabbed a bag of MnM\'s and used them as props to explain a point. I placed four plates on the table and put five MnM\'s on each plate and said, \"Imagine that each of these MnM\'s represents one unit of work; perhaps an hour of time or one small project. Each of you has lots of work on your plate, and the idea of taking on more units may seem overwhelming.\"

I picked up an MnM from the first plate and put it on the second plate. \"If you take on one unit of work from someone else\'s plate, you will certainly be adding to your plate. But if you know that someone else is going to be helping YOU out (at which point I took an MnM from the second plate and put it onto the third plate) then it really isn\'t going to add anything to your plate in the long run.

It takes a certain amount of planning for the system to work out evenly AND it begins with a heaping dose of trust that pitching in to help out someone will result in receiving future help from that person (or someone else on the team). Does it work? Well, I recently ran into a member of that team who reported that not only did it work for the four of them, they were able to spread the concept to others throughout the organization and it was being embraced as a way to manage your workload while being a good team player.

Of course there may be challenges, and a few bad apples in a team could take advantage of others and ruin the system. AND, it might just work out in the long run if you keep tweaking the concept to fit your group, family, department, class, etc. C\'mon, do something this week to brighten someone\'s corner and trust that another corner will be brightened sometime soon!

Peace,
Paul



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Ripples v8.07: Ripples of PERSISTENT LOVE!

Ripples v8.07: Ripples of PERSISTENT LOVE!
2/13/06: 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

...That\'s the only purpose grand enough for human life.
Not just to love – but to persist in love.
-Sue Monk Kidd, submitted by Megan H., Prairie Farm WI

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

True love cannot be found where it does not truly exist,
Nor can it be hidden where it truly does.
Love is magic.
The more we hide it, the more it shows,
the more you suppress it, the more it grows.
-source unknown, submitted by Cynthia G. Las Cruces, NM

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

I have been asking several Ripples subscribers how they \"digest\" their weekly splash of Ripples and have enjoyed the diversity of responses. It seems that some of you read and savor each section slowly while others just focus on one piece. Several of you report simply reading the quotes submitted by fellow Ripplers, while others admit they hardly ever notice the theme or quotes but always head down here to the Ponder to \"read where Paul has been travelling or what he has been thinking about.\"

I must confess to you that while there are many parts of my work and life that I like, there is no single task on my plate that I find more deeply enjoyable than the time spent putting together each issue and then receiving back the ripples of PERSISTENT LOVE. Sometimes the love comes in the form of quote submissions (and we can always use more!), other times it is a quick \"I love Ripples because....\" note. A few times a month I am delighted with \"Paul how did you KNOW I needed this message just today?\" Of course, I did not know that because I am not really creating the Ripples.....I am just part of the cycle! All kinds of magical and wonderful forces are at work, the most important of which we honor with St. Valentine\'s Day: LOVE!

I wish you much peace and lots of love,
Paul
P.S. If you LOVE giving or receiving chocolate as a gift, you may be interested in an online article my sister shared. She believes dark chocolate is the best food ever, and it is apparently healthy too: http://www.webmd.com/content/article/73/81921.htm

Ripples v8.06: Ripples of DREAMING INTO ACTION!

Ripples v8.06: Ripples of DREAMING INTO ACTION!
2/6/06: 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

It\'s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Trevor M. San Luis Obispo CA

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

The life that conquers is the life that moves
with a steady resolution and persistence
toward a predetermined goal.
Those who succeed are those who have thoroughly
learned the immense importance of plan in life,
and the tragic brevity of time.
- W.J. Davison, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

I am sending this issue of Ripples out from Hollywood, California where I spent the weekend at the U.S. Tennis Association\'s Community Tennis Development Workshop. The event was held in the same complex as the Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards show. My closing session (that was held in the same room that occupies the Governor\'s Ball which takes place after the Oscars are handed out!) included an opportunity to have the workshop participants look through handouts and notes they collected throughout the weekend of presentations and meetings to identify a few specific items they wanted to follow up with. I believe that actually taking the time to jot some notes and setting a goal or two can transform a meeting or conference into a valuable opportunity for growth.

Can you take a few minutes today to think back on a recent session you attended and perhaps review your notes or at least your memory to identify some follow up actions you could take? Perhaps you will want to send an email to someone you chatted with, or try to implement an innovative technique you learned of. Maybe it is as simple as a lunchtime conversation with a friend to talk through what you liked about the presentation or meeting so you could bring the topic back into your consciousness. From there you might DREAM something big and then take ACTION on it! Who knows, perhaps you could win an award (sorry, I\'ve got Oscars in my brain)!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.05: Ripples of being VITALLY ALIVE!

Ripples v8.05: Ripples of being VITALLY ALIVE!
1/30/06: 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

While we have the gift of life,
it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die-
whether it is our spirit, our creativity, or our glorious uniqueness.
-Gilda Radner, submitted by Dani S., Eugene OR

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

Seek out that particular mental attribute
which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive,
along with which comes the inner voice which says,
"This is the real me,"
and when you have found that attitude, follow it.
-William James, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

You may have noticed a postscript last week asking for some help with an audio version of Ripples that we hope to launch in a few weeks. I have spent several months pondering and researching and processing and chatting about this concept and I have become intrigued by the possibilities of having a weekly audio splash of inspiration to complement this email. I admit I have also been somewhat intimidated and unsure about whether I could commit the time and energy to create something worthwhile.

Thanks to some new goodies released from Apple just this month, the process of creating and publishing a podcast* has been streamlined and simplified. I installed the software and then received some fantastic assistance in the form of cheery voicemails from a few Ripply Volunteers. Suddenly this project seems not only worthwhile but also FUN. Instead of dreading the many steps we still need to take in order to publish our first episode, I am enthusiastically engaged in the process. It is helping me feel more VITALLY ALIVE!

I truly hope you can seek out a task in your work or school or life this week that could help YOU feel more VITALLY ALIVE. It might be a new activity you attempt or it could be a fresh spin on something you have already done many times; experiment with your passion!

Vitally yours,
Paul

Ripples v8.04: Ripples of TRUE ACHIEVEMENT!

Ripples v8.04: Ripples of TRUE ACHIEVEMENT!
1/23/06: 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 roots of true achievement lie in the will to
become the best that you can become.
-Harold Taylor, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

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

My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success.
She said that achievement is the knowledge that you have
studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you.
Success is being praised by others.
That is nice, but not as important or satisfying.
Always aim for achievement and forget about success.
-Helen Hayes, submitted by Sharon S.

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

This week I enjoyed a visit to Michigan to help Community Financial CU with their annual staff training. They spent some time celebrating their 2005 success, while most of their energy was directed towards the exciting opportunities that 2006 holds for them. I like the Helen Hayes quote above about focusing on achievement, although I think my suggestion would be to focus on achievement MORE THAN success rather than to completely 'forget" about success.

If you have not yet taken time for this task, spend a few minutes today acknowledging all your 2005 successes. Then it is time to ask yourself, "What could I do this week to help me evolve as the best that I can become?"

And then, my friend, DO IT!!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.03: Ripples of DR. KING!

Ripples v8.03: Ripples of DR. KING!
1/16/06: 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

Make a career of humanity...and you will make a greater person of yourself,
a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Carrie S.

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

Many people fear nothing more terribly
than to take a position which stands out
sharply and clearly from the prevailing opinion.

The tendency of most is to adopt a view
that is so ambiguous that it will include everything,
and so popular that it will include everybody.

Not a few men who cherish lofty and noble ideals
hide them under a bushel for fear of being called different.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Harriet B.


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

Each year we strive to dedicate our "third Monday in January" issue to the amazing ripples of Dr. King. This day does not exist simply to remember one of our planet's most important leaders. We have a responsibility to ask ourselves how we are keeping Dr. King's dream(s) alive. It is essential to remember that Dr. King often stressed in his speeches that it is our everyday actions that are the keys to ending oppression and spreading peace. In an earlier issue we were reminded that Dr. King thought that "Life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?" Answer that question this week by taking some ACTION on behalf of others (co-workers, classmates, neighbors, family, friends, strangers, etc.). And if they offer a thanks, say "These ripples were brought to you by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!"

Peace,
Paul