Ripples #670: The Happiness Mindset.
For our tribe of 30,375 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/26/2012
PEBBLE:
Happiness is a mindset for your journey,
not the result of your destination.
-submitted by Swati from CA, inspired by Shawn Achor's TED talk
http://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work.html
BOULDER:
We tend to forget that happiness
doesn't come as a result of getting
something we don't have,
but rather of recognizing
and appreciating
what we do have.
-Frederick Keonig, submitted by Nick in New Jersey & Mary in Arizona
PONDER:
Despite what you might think, happiness is not simply a personality trait that you're either born with or "oh well." Nor is it an elusive goal only achieved if you unlock a secret door or discover the hidden treasure. Research over the past 40 years suggests that while some people seem to have a higher "happiness set point," the concept of happiness is more accurately viewed as a SKILL that we can improve with training. We can "practice" happy by helping others, expressing gratitude, finding fresh ways to exercise, etc. I picked up these tidbits from a fantastic documentary called, simply enough, "Happy." http://www.thehappymovie.com/ It is a fast-paced 75-minute film that is definitely worth a peek.
Happiness isn't about painting a smile on your face and gritting your teeth through the inevitable difficulties that life hands us. Instead, it is about getting to know ourselves better and finding the courage to see if changing how we look at the world might actually change the world.
If you can easily identify a few people or activities in your life that consistently make you happy, be sure to enjoy them this week. If you'd like to be happier next week than you are today, I dare you to experiment: try a new food, strike up a conversation with a potential new friend, or find a new route to arrive at your usual destination.
It also helps to follow the advice that Bobby McFerrin planted in some of our heads a few decades ago: Don't worry, be happy!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Ripples #669: One Day!
Ripples #669: One Day!
For our tribe of 30,320 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/20/2012
PEBBLE:
Don't let yesterday
use up too much of today.
-Cherokee Proverb, submitted by Lindsay at Lakeland College
BOULDER:
To dwell in the here and now does not mean you never think about the past or responsibly plan for the future. The idea is simply to not allow yourself to get lost in regret about the past or worries about the future.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, shared via Facebook by Gina Sue in Lincoln, NE
PONDER:
If you had exactly ONE DAY to live, who would you touch base with? What activities would you enjoy? What would you eat? I have some great news that might scare you: You do, in fact, have exactly one day to live...TODAY! You cannot live yesterday, it is already done and gone. You cannot live tomorrow because it hasn't arrived yet. Our pebble cautions against using too much of today on yesterday, and our boulder invites you to worry less about the future. That leaves us with making this day your one awesome chance: maximize it, savor it, live it!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Do you know that besides this weekly email blast, I also shoot out a DAILY quote via Facebook? Just it the LIKE button on my page and I'll do the rest! http://Facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
For our tribe of 30,320 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/20/2012
PEBBLE:
Don't let yesterday
use up too much of today.
-Cherokee Proverb, submitted by Lindsay at Lakeland College
BOULDER:
To dwell in the here and now does not mean you never think about the past or responsibly plan for the future. The idea is simply to not allow yourself to get lost in regret about the past or worries about the future.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, shared via Facebook by Gina Sue in Lincoln, NE
PONDER:
If you had exactly ONE DAY to live, who would you touch base with? What activities would you enjoy? What would you eat? I have some great news that might scare you: You do, in fact, have exactly one day to live...TODAY! You cannot live yesterday, it is already done and gone. You cannot live tomorrow because it hasn't arrived yet. Our pebble cautions against using too much of today on yesterday, and our boulder invites you to worry less about the future. That leaves us with making this day your one awesome chance: maximize it, savor it, live it!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Do you know that besides this weekly email blast, I also shoot out a DAILY quote via Facebook? Just it the LIKE button on my page and I'll do the rest! http://Facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Ripples #668: Make Mistakes.
Ripples #668: Make Mistakes.
For our tribe of 30,211 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/12/2012
PEBBLE:
Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.
-Yogi Berra, submitted by Amanda in Two Rivers, WI
BOULDER:
You have to make mistakes
to find out who you aren't.
You take the action,
and the insight follows:
You don't think your way
into becoming yourself.
-Anne Lamott, submitted by Brett in Madison, WI
PONDER:
It takes a bit of courage to forgive yourself when you make a mistake. Sometimes it is even braver to go forth *knowing* you are going to get some things wrong. In the laboratory of life, the art of intentionally making mistakes allows you to quickly learn how NOT to do something. That moves you closer to knowing how you CAN do it. Wisdom grows from errors. Of course there are some things you cannot afford to get wrong, so don't carelessly plow into a final exam or the most important meeting of the year! Assess the situation, and seek opportunities to make some mistakes that will help you grow into the person you want to be.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Welcome to our new peeps from Metro State College of Denver and Edmonds Community College. Thanks for letting me hang out with you all!
For our tribe of 30,211 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/12/2012
PEBBLE:
Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back.
-Yogi Berra, submitted by Amanda in Two Rivers, WI
BOULDER:
You have to make mistakes
to find out who you aren't.
You take the action,
and the insight follows:
You don't think your way
into becoming yourself.
-Anne Lamott, submitted by Brett in Madison, WI
PONDER:
It takes a bit of courage to forgive yourself when you make a mistake. Sometimes it is even braver to go forth *knowing* you are going to get some things wrong. In the laboratory of life, the art of intentionally making mistakes allows you to quickly learn how NOT to do something. That moves you closer to knowing how you CAN do it. Wisdom grows from errors. Of course there are some things you cannot afford to get wrong, so don't carelessly plow into a final exam or the most important meeting of the year! Assess the situation, and seek opportunities to make some mistakes that will help you grow into the person you want to be.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Welcome to our new peeps from Metro State College of Denver and Edmonds Community College. Thanks for letting me hang out with you all!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Ripples #667: Your Team!
Ripples #667: Your Team!
For our tribe of 30,134 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/05/2012
PEBBLE:
If you wish to go quickly, go alone.
If you wish to go far, go together.
-African Proverb, submitted by Shelly at Oregon State University
BOULDER:
There is no such thing as a "self-made" person.
We are made up of thousands of others.
Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us,
or spoken one word of encouragement to us,
has entered into the make-up of our character
and of our thoughts, as well as our success.
-George Matthew Adams, submitted by Micole H. in Omaha, NE
PONDER:
Who is on your TEAM?
Which of your friends, family, and colleagues are you especially grateful to have in your life AND whom consistently have your back when necessary? Have you told them lately that you appreciate being able to count on them?
Since our very first issue back in 1999, the success of Ripples has relied on an evolving TEAM of remarkable people who contribute fantastic quotes, invite others to subscribe, and occasionally share feedback about how these Ripples matter. I hope that each of you recognize your valuable role in TEAM RIPPLES, even if it is to simply pause for 60 seconds every Monday and glance at the latest issue.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 30,134 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/05/2012
PEBBLE:
If you wish to go quickly, go alone.
If you wish to go far, go together.
-African Proverb, submitted by Shelly at Oregon State University
BOULDER:
There is no such thing as a "self-made" person.
We are made up of thousands of others.
Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us,
or spoken one word of encouragement to us,
has entered into the make-up of our character
and of our thoughts, as well as our success.
-George Matthew Adams, submitted by Micole H. in Omaha, NE
PONDER:
Who is on your TEAM?
Which of your friends, family, and colleagues are you especially grateful to have in your life AND whom consistently have your back when necessary? Have you told them lately that you appreciate being able to count on them?
Since our very first issue back in 1999, the success of Ripples has relied on an evolving TEAM of remarkable people who contribute fantastic quotes, invite others to subscribe, and occasionally share feedback about how these Ripples matter. I hope that each of you recognize your valuable role in TEAM RIPPLES, even if it is to simply pause for 60 seconds every Monday and glance at the latest issue.
Peace,
Paul
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