Ripples v9.40: Enrich The World!
10/1/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
NEVER make excuses for doing something you know is right.
-source unknown, submitted by Sarah W., NJ/PA
____________________BOULDER ____________________
You are here
to enable the world
to live more amply,
with greater vision,
and with a finer spirit
of hope and achievement.
You are here to enrich the world.
-Woodrow Wilson, submitted by Casey B.
____________________PONDER ____________________
On Saturday, I spent the day with a few hundred students from several Indiana universities who mentor other college students. Even though TIME is a most valuable and scarce commodity for students, they spend some of it helping others. They inspired me.
On the flight home, I was reading the latest issue of Newsweek which focused on "Global Giving" and mentioned an extremely successful fund raising effort to prevent Malaria in Africa. $10 buys a mosquito net, and gets it delivered and explained to a family in Africa. Ten bucks saves a life. That inspired me, too.
Take a deep breath, and read on.
I want The Ripples Project to buy 1,000 nets
and I will pay half.
If I can convince 1,000 people,
6% of our 16,000+ subscribers
to donate FIVE BUCKS,
I will match that so
$5 actually buys a $10 net.
Are you in?
Learn the details here:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/resources/NBN
One month: 10,000 nets.
Let's ENRICH THE WORLD!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. The UN Foundation is coordinating, every nickel goes to Africa, and I'll post updates every week in October. Please take action!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Ripples v9.39: Authentic Living!
Ripples v9.39: Authentic Living!
9/24/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
True religion is the life we lead,
not the creed we profess.
-source unknown, Flory, India
____________________BOULDER ____________________
As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget
that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
-John F. Kennedy, submitted by Michelle P., St. Louis MO
____________________PONDER ____________________
Authenticity is one of the most challenging and rewarding strategies for developing and maintaining strong relationships. In order to develop respect, trust, and positive regard with another person you need to practice what you preach.
This isn't difficult because we lack the desire to live honest, ethical lives of helping others. The challenge lies in the fact that it is much easier to SAY something is important than to consistently take ACTION on that value. For example, you may wish for more peace in the world while still finding it difficult to make peace with a co-worker or neighbor whom you dislike. Or perhaps you believe patience is important and yet are easily annoyed by slow drivers or people in line at the store who have extra questions or concerns.
Let's each choose one character trait (here is a great list:
http://www.character-in-action.com/character-traits.htm ).
and spend some extra energy and time making sure that we are authentically implementing that trait in our lives.
Peace,
Paul
9/24/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
True religion is the life we lead,
not the creed we profess.
-source unknown, Flory, India
____________________BOULDER ____________________
As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget
that the highest appreciation
is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
-John F. Kennedy, submitted by Michelle P., St. Louis MO
____________________PONDER ____________________
Authenticity is one of the most challenging and rewarding strategies for developing and maintaining strong relationships. In order to develop respect, trust, and positive regard with another person you need to practice what you preach.
This isn't difficult because we lack the desire to live honest, ethical lives of helping others. The challenge lies in the fact that it is much easier to SAY something is important than to consistently take ACTION on that value. For example, you may wish for more peace in the world while still finding it difficult to make peace with a co-worker or neighbor whom you dislike. Or perhaps you believe patience is important and yet are easily annoyed by slow drivers or people in line at the store who have extra questions or concerns.
Let's each choose one character trait (here is a great list:
http://www.character-in-action.com/character-traits.htm ).
and spend some extra energy and time making sure that we are authentically implementing that trait in our lives.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Ripples v9.38: Optimism!
Ripples v9.38: Optimism!
9/17/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
Optimism is essential to achievement,
and it is also the foundation of courage and of true progress.
-Nicholas Murray Butler, submitted by Joycelyn F., Reedsburg WI
____________________BOULDER ____________________
No pessimist ever discovered
the secrets of the stars,
or sailed to an uncharted land,
or opened a new heaven
to the human spirit.
-Hellen Keller, submitted by Lori W.
____________________PONDER ____________________
Many of you have heard me jokingly say that another word for "optimistic" is "delusional."
Studies have shown that optimistic people tend to overestimate their intelligence, skill level, attractiveness, and the outcome of certain events. They are inaccurate, and yet they remain optimistic that "everything will turn out just fine!" Pessimists (who I think sometimes cower under the label of "realist" even if that doesn't quite accurately describe their common state of mind), like to relish the truth in statements such as "If you don't want to be disappointed, lower your expectations."
Which is better? I suppose it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to be RIGHT most of the time, it is probably better to be pessimistic; if you want to be HAPPY, perhaps an extra dose of optimism might be a great prescription to try. Of course, that assessment doesn't include the issue of self fulfilling prophecies. Those of us with high expectations for ourselves and others may not find those expectations filled, but since people tend to rise to meet those expectations we are far better off when we and those around us get CLOSE! If you want your expand your team, you could shoot for 2-3 new members and probably meet your goal OR you could be wildly optimistic and try for 20 new members. You may only get half way there with 10 new members, but that is many more smiling faces than with the pessimistic goal.
C'mon, try it this week and see how it goes! I OPTIMISTICALLY believe that all 16,000 of us can go out there and be more OPTIMISTIC this week!
Peace,
Paul
9/17/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
Optimism is essential to achievement,
and it is also the foundation of courage and of true progress.
-Nicholas Murray Butler, submitted by Joycelyn F., Reedsburg WI
____________________BOULDER ____________________
No pessimist ever discovered
the secrets of the stars,
or sailed to an uncharted land,
or opened a new heaven
to the human spirit.
-Hellen Keller, submitted by Lori W.
____________________PONDER ____________________
Many of you have heard me jokingly say that another word for "optimistic" is "delusional."
Studies have shown that optimistic people tend to overestimate their intelligence, skill level, attractiveness, and the outcome of certain events. They are inaccurate, and yet they remain optimistic that "everything will turn out just fine!" Pessimists (who I think sometimes cower under the label of "realist" even if that doesn't quite accurately describe their common state of mind), like to relish the truth in statements such as "If you don't want to be disappointed, lower your expectations."
Which is better? I suppose it depends on what you are looking for. If you want to be RIGHT most of the time, it is probably better to be pessimistic; if you want to be HAPPY, perhaps an extra dose of optimism might be a great prescription to try. Of course, that assessment doesn't include the issue of self fulfilling prophecies. Those of us with high expectations for ourselves and others may not find those expectations filled, but since people tend to rise to meet those expectations we are far better off when we and those around us get CLOSE! If you want your expand your team, you could shoot for 2-3 new members and probably meet your goal OR you could be wildly optimistic and try for 20 new members. You may only get half way there with 10 new members, but that is many more smiling faces than with the pessimistic goal.
C'mon, try it this week and see how it goes! I OPTIMISTICALLY believe that all 16,000 of us can go out there and be more OPTIMISTIC this week!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Ripples v9.37: Hugs!
Ripples v9.37: Hugs!
9/10/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Kelley G., Chester IL
____________________BOULDER ____________________
Millions and millions of years
would still not give me half enough time
to describe that tiny instant of all eternity
when you put your arms around me
and I put my arms around you.
-Jacques Prevert
____________________PONDER ____________________
I mentioned last week that Monday, September 10 has been declared FREE HUGS DAY and is being celebrated on campuses and in communities around the world. FREE HUGS evolved from a single person who arrived home on a flight and watched as the other passengers were greeted with warm hugs from family and friends while there was no one to greet and hug him. This situation motivated him to create a large sign offering "FREE HUGS" and held it proudly above his head in a public place. The reactions varied from annoyance and suspicion to tears and laughter. Many hugs were given. I encourage you to view the origional YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4.
More info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
HUGS are warm gestures filled with love and I hope you can share some today. If you are not a particularly touchy-feely person, perhaps you can take your handshake to the next level and make it a "hand hug" by grasping with both hands. Even some "handwritten hugs" could be an option--just a short personalized note to someone that needs to hear from you.
As for me, I will spend the day in San Luis Obispo pumping up the orientation leaders and new students at Cal Poly. I am therefore sending you FREE HUGS sprinkled with mountain strength, ocean serenity, and sunshiney smiles!
Peace,
Paul
9/10/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
-Maya Angelou, submitted by Kelley G., Chester IL
____________________BOULDER ____________________
Millions and millions of years
would still not give me half enough time
to describe that tiny instant of all eternity
when you put your arms around me
and I put my arms around you.
-Jacques Prevert
____________________PONDER ____________________
I mentioned last week that Monday, September 10 has been declared FREE HUGS DAY and is being celebrated on campuses and in communities around the world. FREE HUGS evolved from a single person who arrived home on a flight and watched as the other passengers were greeted with warm hugs from family and friends while there was no one to greet and hug him. This situation motivated him to create a large sign offering "FREE HUGS" and held it proudly above his head in a public place. The reactions varied from annoyance and suspicion to tears and laughter. Many hugs were given. I encourage you to view the origional YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4.
More info here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign
HUGS are warm gestures filled with love and I hope you can share some today. If you are not a particularly touchy-feely person, perhaps you can take your handshake to the next level and make it a "hand hug" by grasping with both hands. Even some "handwritten hugs" could be an option--just a short personalized note to someone that needs to hear from you.
As for me, I will spend the day in San Luis Obispo pumping up the orientation leaders and new students at Cal Poly. I am therefore sending you FREE HUGS sprinkled with mountain strength, ocean serenity, and sunshiney smiles!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Ripples v9.36: Hard Work!
Ripples v9.36: Hard Work!
9/3/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
Just because you work hard doesn't mean you're going to win.
But if you stop working hard, you don't have a shot of winning.
-Jim "Jimmy V" Valvano, submitted by Dave B., La Crosse,WI
____________________BOULDER ____________________
I know the price of success:
dedication,
hard work
and an unremitting devotion
to the things you want to see happen.
-Frank Lloyd Wright, submitted by Kim W., Racine WI
____________________PONDER ____________________
Welcome to a few hundred new HARD WORKING Ripplers from University of Hartford and University of Wisconsin - River Falls. WOOHOO!
Monday is Labor Day here in the U.S., a holiday originally created in 1882 "to exhibit to the public 'the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations' of the community" (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_day ). Now it serves as a last hurrah of summer vacation before we all jump into the fall "work" season whether that is school-work or work-work. So take a moment today to appreciate all the HARD WORK you have completed recently!
Ooh, and get ready because next Monday, September 10, is FREE HUGS Day and hopefully many of us will participate! Read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign. If you're on Facebook, join this group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2211771066
Peace,
Paul
9/3/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
Just because you work hard doesn't mean you're going to win.
But if you stop working hard, you don't have a shot of winning.
-Jim "Jimmy V" Valvano, submitted by Dave B., La Crosse,WI
____________________BOULDER ____________________
I know the price of success:
dedication,
hard work
and an unremitting devotion
to the things you want to see happen.
-Frank Lloyd Wright, submitted by Kim W., Racine WI
____________________PONDER ____________________
Welcome to a few hundred new HARD WORKING Ripplers from University of Hartford and University of Wisconsin - River Falls. WOOHOO!
Monday is Labor Day here in the U.S., a holiday originally created in 1882 "to exhibit to the public 'the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations' of the community" (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_day ). Now it serves as a last hurrah of summer vacation before we all jump into the fall "work" season whether that is school-work or work-work. So take a moment today to appreciate all the HARD WORK you have completed recently!
Ooh, and get ready because next Monday, September 10, is FREE HUGS Day and hopefully many of us will participate! Read more about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign. If you're on Facebook, join this group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2211771066
Peace,
Paul
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