Ripples v11.51: Fun!

Ripples v11.51: Fun!
28 Dec 2009
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,000
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE
It's better to get laugh wrinkles than worry worts!
-unknown, submitted by Kathleen L., New Mexico

________
BOULDER
Playfulness cultivates an attitude
which joyfully bridges and enhances
our work and personal lives.
-Jeanne Basis, submitted by Leslie S., Madison WI
_______
PONDER
If you can squeeze a ton of FUN into your last days of 2009, it is possible
that unprecedented possibilities will await you in the first precious days
of 2010.

We'll see you next year with a fresh batch of Ripples for the new decade!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v11.50: Solitude!

Ripples v11.50: Solitude!
21 Dec 2009
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,064
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE
Loneliness is the poverty of self.
Solitude is the richness of self.
-May Sarton, submitted by Stella R., Groton MA

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BOULDER
Language has created
the word loneliness
to express the pain
of being alone,
and the word solitude
to express the glory of being alone.
-Paul Tillich, submitted by Carol L. N., LaCrosse WI

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PONDER
As the year winds down and many of us begin to gather our friends and/or
family together to celebrate the holidays, be sure to find some precious
time alone to relax, reflect, and rejoice. It is easy to forget that solo
time can balance as well as enrich the time you spend with others.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v11.49: Knock Knock!

Ripples v11.49: Knock Knock!
14 Dec 2009
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,092
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE
With everyday is a new challenge, and
with every new challenge is a new you.
-written/submitted by Mary Marshall, Mission KS

________
BOULDER
Perseverance is a great element of success.
If you only knock long enough
and loud enough at the gate,
you are sure to wake up somebody.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, submitted by Amy P., Covington KY

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PONDER
Knock knock. (Who's there.)
You. (You who?)
Yoohoo, I just wanted to gently whisper in your ear that you CAN make it
through these last few days and weeks of 2009! Whether you are trying to
get through finals, year-end projects, or the holidays, hang in there and do
your best. You have it in you, I know you do!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v11.48: Heroes!

Ripples v11.48: Heroes!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 24,107
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, December 7, 2009

_______
PEBBLE
The task ahead of you is never as great as the power behind you!
-unknown, submitted by Karen C., Indianapolis IN

________
BOULDER
Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman
of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry. Each
person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search
for it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need. ...[T]he hero
in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above
yourself and be happy to serve...you are the change that you dream, as I am
the change that I dream, and collectively we are the change that this world
needs to be.
-Efren Peñaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year, submitted by Cody K.,
Houghton MI

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PONDER
I received an email last week from a Rippler whose mom is facing
significant health challenges and she asked about resources to help the
family face the many unknowns. This was my reply:

"I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family, and
while I don't have any specific suggestions on resources to 'face the
unknown' I can tell you that right now, in hospital rooms and offices with
layoffs and homes in foreclosures and food pantries and lots of other
corners, there are many people facing the unknown in its various scary and
frustrating and awful forms. It turns out that we have enormous capacity
for bravery and strength and sticking together when times are tough, and
while there might be some books or articles or websites with some nuggets,
the most powerful support you have might be gathering your family and
friends together in a huddle and saying, "this is poopy, this isn't what we
hoped/planned for, this isn't fun, this isn't easy, but WE CAN GET THROUGH
THIS and we can come out on the other side CLOSER, STRONGER, WISER, and
BRAVER."

I needed to gather my tribe this week to help me face some difficulties,
and while they couldn't take away the pain, they did an extraordinary job in
helping me feel loved and cared for. I hope this week you can either be a
hero or find a hero, or both!

Peace,
Paul
p.s. Thank you for your many supportive comments about our friend Aaron;
he is still in ICU with some improvement and a long way to go.