Ripples #588: Lose to Win!

Ripples #588: Lose to Win!
For our tribe of 25,801 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
8/30/2010

PEBBLE:
When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
-Lao Tzu, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

BOULDER:
There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss;
and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some
kind: You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new. We fear
these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn
out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar.
-Rick Warren, submitted by Rachel K., LaBelle FL

PONDER:
It is holding you back more than you realize. It might be a belief, a
routine, a perspective, a pattern. That was the way it has always been,
that was the way you were taught by your elders. It may have been the right
way AND it might be time for a new way. If the idea of letting it go is
really scary, then perhaps dare yourself just to set it aside for a few
months to see what new possibilities might open up when you clear out the
spaces in your heart, your mind, and/or your schedule which currently hold
"the old way." Gently remind yourself that you can always go back and
retrieve it if "the new way" doesn't produce the results you desire.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples #587: Choose Joy!

Ripples #587: Choose Joy!
For our tribe of 25,813 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
8/23/2010

PEBBLE: We choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them.
-Kahlil Gibran, submitted by Rebecca W., Chicago IL

BOULDER: It's a choice you can make: to have joy, to find joy and to
spread joy. -Natalie Portman, submitted by Maureen O., Shawano WI

PONDER: Friday found me in one of my favorite Madison spots: the UW
Arboretum where the UW Medical Foundation Clinic Managers held their annual
retreat. It really was a joy to spend the day with them, and we spent part
of our time together discussing the choices we have in our work and lives.

We don't always get to choose what happens in our day, we don't always get
to choose the people we are around. We can always choose how we respond to
these events and people, and we can choose joy even when that isn't our
first reaction. Anger is the right choice sometimes and so is sadness, and
all the other emotions as well. Just remember that joy is also available to
you, waiting for you to choose her. She can transform any ordinary moment
into a miracle.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples #586: Voyage of Discovery!

Ripples #586: Voyage of Discovery!
For 25,880 busy people who make time for kindness.

PEBBLE: Freedom lies in being bold.
-Robert Frost, submitted by Mari M, Sturgeon Bay WI

BOULDER: We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery,
guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is
all gates, all opportunities.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Nathalie H., San Antonio TX

PONDER: Many ripplers are preparing to head back to school, hopefully with
grand visions of new possibilities and new directions. Even if your heart
and soul doesn't operate on an academic calendar, we are all students of
life. This could be a fine week to invent, to discover, and then to boldy
go where you have you have not gone before. You go, Ripplers, YOU GO!

Peace,
Paul
August 16, 2010

Ripples #585: Silence.

Ripples #585: Silence.
For 25,867 busy people who make time for kindness.

PEBBLE: True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what
sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. -William Penn, submitted
by Lois B., Calumet MI

BOULDER: In the beginning we have to force ourselves to be silent. But
then from our very silence is born something that draws us into deeper
silence. May God give you an experience of this "something" that is born of
silence. -Issac of Nineveh, 7th c. Syrian monk, submitted by Maggie J.,
Newburg OR

PONDER: Shhhhhhhh. I dare you to find some time and some place to be
silent for longer than usual. A few moments, a few minutes, a few hours.
Listen to your heart, listen to your soul, and most importantly: listen to
the silence to see what it sounds like and how it speaks to you. Shhhhhhh.

Peace,
Paul
August 9, 2010

Ripples #584: Keep On Moving!

Ripples #584: Keep On Moving! [2 Aug 2010]
The Ripples Project: 25,847 busy people who make time for kindness.

PEBBLE:
You will never reach your destination if you
stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.
-Winston Churchill, submitted by Nick P., NJ

BOULDER:
Leaders must be tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry, human enough
to make mistakes, humble enough to admit them, strong enough to absorb the
pain, and resilient enough to bounce back and keep on moving.
-Jesse Jackson, submitted by Kalea A., Chico CA

PONDER:
Life for me has been crazy and loud lately. Lots of stuff going on, lots
of background noise, lots of "dogs barking" (not Grendel, of course). Some
of you know I'm not shy about extroverting one of my favorite mantras, "Let
It Go!" or "L.I.G." for short.

I've been pondering and loving the Churchill quote in this week's Pebble
for several weeks because it reminds me that being RIGHT about something
doesn't necessarily I should let someone or something linger in my soul if
it is frustrating me. Life is full, life is crazy full, right? So let's
strive this week to move past the barking dogs and focus on the fun stuff.

I'm in. Are you?

Peace,
Paul