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