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