Ripples #762: Improving The World!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
30 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
The most profound choice in life
is to either accept things as they exist
or to accept the responsibility for changing them.
-from The Universal Traveler by Don Koberg and Jim Bagnall, shared by Isaac in Sedona, AZ
BOULDER:
Don't spend your precious time asking
"Why isn't the world a better place?"
It will only be time wasted.
The question to ask is
"How can I make it better?"
To that there is an answer.
-Leo Buscaglia, submitted by Pete in Ouray, CO
PONDER:
As we take our last few breaths of the past year and get ready to plunge into the new one, I'm curious about what possibilities exist for you in 2014. Even if you're not someone who regularly sets resolutions, perhaps you can ponder what actions you could take that would improve your life and/or the world.
Just imagine if all 30,000 of us followed through on a few specific, concrete actions. More than a ripple....we'd create a big fat wave of Improving The World!
Let's do this, 2014. LET'S DO THIS!
Peace,
Paul
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Ripples #761: Gifts from Within!
Ripples #761: Gifts from Within!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
23 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
Anything that has real and lasting value
is always a gift from within.
-Franz Kafka, shared by Josh in Sheboygan, WI
BOULDER:
A thousand candles
can be lit from a single candle
and the life of the candle
will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases
by being shared.
-Buddha, shared by Angela in Madison, WI
PONDER:
As many of our Ripplers gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and enjoy each other's company, I want to gently remind us all that in addition to joy and merriment, for some this can be a time of sadness or frustration.
If you or those around you sometimes create unrealistically high expectations, taking a few deep breaths and going with whatever is happening might be a wonderful gift to yourself and those you spend time with this week.
If you don't particularly enjoy this time of year for whatever reason, perhaps you can acknowledge that for other people it IS an important time of year but not one that needs to be a big deal for you. Treat yourself to some quiet time, diving into a book or a movie or a bath or whatever. Gifts to yourself can help you bring your best self to others, and giving to others can infuse a feeling of generosity within that feels as warm as a toasty fire on a cold winter's day.
Happy Christmas and/or
Seasons Greetings and/or
Merry End of 2013!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Here is my Holiday Greeting to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL7WFrKrs4Q
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
23 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
Anything that has real and lasting value
is always a gift from within.
-Franz Kafka, shared by Josh in Sheboygan, WI
BOULDER:
A thousand candles
can be lit from a single candle
and the life of the candle
will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases
by being shared.
-Buddha, shared by Angela in Madison, WI
PONDER:
As many of our Ripplers gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and enjoy each other's company, I want to gently remind us all that in addition to joy and merriment, for some this can be a time of sadness or frustration.
If you or those around you sometimes create unrealistically high expectations, taking a few deep breaths and going with whatever is happening might be a wonderful gift to yourself and those you spend time with this week.
If you don't particularly enjoy this time of year for whatever reason, perhaps you can acknowledge that for other people it IS an important time of year but not one that needs to be a big deal for you. Treat yourself to some quiet time, diving into a book or a movie or a bath or whatever. Gifts to yourself can help you bring your best self to others, and giving to others can infuse a feeling of generosity within that feels as warm as a toasty fire on a cold winter's day.
Happy Christmas and/or
Seasons Greetings and/or
Merry End of 2013!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Here is my Holiday Greeting to you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL7WFrKrs4Q
Monday, December 16, 2013
Ripples #760: Falling Into Fabulous!
Ripples #760: Falling Into Fabulous!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
16 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
The bad news is you are falling through the air;
nothing to hang on to, no parachute.
The good news is there is no ground.
-Chogyam Trungpa, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
BOULDER:
Today I learned in class that
if light and sound did not travel as waves,
we would not be able to perceive them;
no grandeur color or sounds of nature.
If you were to view this
as a metaphor of your own life,
you might recognize that life's ups and downs
are just the natural price we pay
for the experience of each breath.
-written and shared by Zach Koop in La Crosse, WI
PONDER:
Life is *not* always easy. At various times there might be really frustrating stuff happening with work, school, relationships, chores, and other aspects of life. I never want to be that shmarmy dude on stage (or in these Ripples posts) with a plastic smile suggesting that all you have to do is "think positive" or "follow my easy advice" to have a magical and wonderful existence. Life is, in my experience, sometimes really messy. Poopy, even. And while I don't WISH any crappity crap on you, I do know that the inevitable difficulties that arise in the course of a lifetime often leave us tougher, wiser, and more compassionate. On the downside, they can also lead us into the temptation of bitter, meaner, and more crusty. The next time you find yourself falling, I hope you'll fall into fabulous.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
16 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
The bad news is you are falling through the air;
nothing to hang on to, no parachute.
The good news is there is no ground.
-Chogyam Trungpa, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
BOULDER:
Today I learned in class that
if light and sound did not travel as waves,
we would not be able to perceive them;
no grandeur color or sounds of nature.
If you were to view this
as a metaphor of your own life,
you might recognize that life's ups and downs
are just the natural price we pay
for the experience of each breath.
-written and shared by Zach Koop in La Crosse, WI
PONDER:
Life is *not* always easy. At various times there might be really frustrating stuff happening with work, school, relationships, chores, and other aspects of life. I never want to be that shmarmy dude on stage (or in these Ripples posts) with a plastic smile suggesting that all you have to do is "think positive" or "follow my easy advice" to have a magical and wonderful existence. Life is, in my experience, sometimes really messy. Poopy, even. And while I don't WISH any crappity crap on you, I do know that the inevitable difficulties that arise in the course of a lifetime often leave us tougher, wiser, and more compassionate. On the downside, they can also lead us into the temptation of bitter, meaner, and more crusty. The next time you find yourself falling, I hope you'll fall into fabulous.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, December 9, 2013
Ripples #759: Ripples for Madiba.
Ripples #759: Ripples for Madiba.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
9 Dec 2013
PEBBLES:
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains,
but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
-Nelson Mandela
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.
-Nelson Mandela
BOULDERS:
Mr. Mandela was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.
-Muhammad Ali
He transcended race and class in his personal actions, through his warmth and through his willingness to listen and to empathize with others. He taught us that to respect those with whom we are politically or socially or culturally at odds is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of self-respect.
-Desmond Tutu
PONDER:
Nelson Mandela chose to leave behind 27 years of bitterness when he regained his freedom after almost three decades of imprisonment; a choice that revealed remarkable courage and determination. South Africa was transformed because of his leadership and because he inspired others to collaborate instead of compete with their adversaries. People around the world revere this Nobel Peace Prize winner, and I'm confident he will endure as one of the most respected political leaders of our time. I think unfortunately there have been many missed opportunities to follow his remarkable example. Our reactions to social crises (terrorism, crime, poverty, political unrest, natural disasters, etc.) both at home and abroad might all improve significantly if we more stridently commit to the difficult work of focusing on our shared humanity.
I believe Nelson Mandela would be much less interested in our veneration of him and much more interested in our renewed commitment to magnify our empathy, compassion and the persistent pursuit of peace in both our personal and public lives. I challenge us all to seek concrete ways to honor his passing, whether that be making peace with someone nearby (colleague, neighbor, etc.), working harder to understand the perspective of those who disagree with you, or renewing your determination to accomplish something for the greater good.
Don't just mourn Nelson Mandela;
decide to honor him with change.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
9 Dec 2013
PEBBLES:
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains,
but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
-Nelson Mandela
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.
-Nelson Mandela
BOULDERS:
Mr. Mandela was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.
-Muhammad Ali
He transcended race and class in his personal actions, through his warmth and through his willingness to listen and to empathize with others. He taught us that to respect those with whom we are politically or socially or culturally at odds is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of self-respect.
-Desmond Tutu
PONDER:
Nelson Mandela chose to leave behind 27 years of bitterness when he regained his freedom after almost three decades of imprisonment; a choice that revealed remarkable courage and determination. South Africa was transformed because of his leadership and because he inspired others to collaborate instead of compete with their adversaries. People around the world revere this Nobel Peace Prize winner, and I'm confident he will endure as one of the most respected political leaders of our time. I think unfortunately there have been many missed opportunities to follow his remarkable example. Our reactions to social crises (terrorism, crime, poverty, political unrest, natural disasters, etc.) both at home and abroad might all improve significantly if we more stridently commit to the difficult work of focusing on our shared humanity.
I believe Nelson Mandela would be much less interested in our veneration of him and much more interested in our renewed commitment to magnify our empathy, compassion and the persistent pursuit of peace in both our personal and public lives. I challenge us all to seek concrete ways to honor his passing, whether that be making peace with someone nearby (colleague, neighbor, etc.), working harder to understand the perspective of those who disagree with you, or renewing your determination to accomplish something for the greater good.
Don't just mourn Nelson Mandela;
decide to honor him with change.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, December 2, 2013
Ripples #758: Sacred Idleness.
Ripples #758: Sacred Idleness.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
2 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
Work is not always required...
there is such a thing as sacred idleness,
the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.
–George MacDonald
BOULDER:
In the attitude of silence
the soul finds the path
in a clearer light,
and what is elusive and deceptive
resolves itself into crystal clearness.
Our life is a long and
arduous quest after Truth.
-Mahatma Gandhi
PONDER:
Now that the winter holidays are fully activated, this becomes for many a time of joy AND joyous insanity: end of the semester exams for some, end of year work stuff for others, and the traveling and packing and parties and ooh just lots of STUFF to get done.
I hope you can create some precious moments to pause, catch your breath, and just rest a bit amidst all the madness.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Many of you know I slow down for a few weeks of rest and restoration at the end of the year. I have queued up Ripples to send out during the next few Mondays, and I promise to return soon with a renewed spirit.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
2 Dec 2013
PEBBLE:
Work is not always required...
there is such a thing as sacred idleness,
the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected.
–George MacDonald
BOULDER:
In the attitude of silence
the soul finds the path
in a clearer light,
and what is elusive and deceptive
resolves itself into crystal clearness.
Our life is a long and
arduous quest after Truth.
-Mahatma Gandhi
PONDER:
Now that the winter holidays are fully activated, this becomes for many a time of joy AND joyous insanity: end of the semester exams for some, end of year work stuff for others, and the traveling and packing and parties and ooh just lots of STUFF to get done.
I hope you can create some precious moments to pause, catch your breath, and just rest a bit amidst all the madness.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Many of you know I slow down for a few weeks of rest and restoration at the end of the year. I have queued up Ripples to send out during the next few Mondays, and I promise to return soon with a renewed spirit.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Ripples #757: Gratitude!
Ripples #757: Gratitude!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
25 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
Every once in awhile God allows you to stub your toe
as a kind reminder to be grateful
for the miraculous body attached to it.
-Richelle E. Goodrich, shared by Suzan in Lincoln, NE
BOULDER:
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
-Ralph Marston, shared by Bev in Madison, WI
PONDER:
In just a few days, those of us here in the USA arrive at our Thanksgiving holiday which kicks off our winter holiday season. For the past 13 years (!), we've focused one issue on gratitude (and in case you missed it last week, a list of *all* the previous Thanksgiving quotes is available by sending a blank email to: Thanks@TheRipplesGuy.com).
I recently challenged some of my Facebook buddies to try expressing gratitude for the less pleasant parts of their lives to see if it might amplify the effectiveness of gratitude. The results astounded me, as people were able to find some thanks-worthy nuggets amidst even the really blechy stuff. Several courageous people reported that reserves of inner strength, external support, and unexpected benefits were hidden within what was initially perceived as "no good can possibly come from something this awful."
I'll be happy if you can take note and find gratitude withing the good stuff in your life, but I dare you this week to sample from the buffet of "gratitude for the tough stuff" and see if it might be worth experiencing.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Please know that I am beyond grateful for your quote submissions, your testimonials, and your companionship through 757 weeks of unleashing Ripples. You are the gravy that has made this buffet so delicious, so delightful.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
25 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
Every once in awhile God allows you to stub your toe
as a kind reminder to be grateful
for the miraculous body attached to it.
-Richelle E. Goodrich, shared by Suzan in Lincoln, NE
BOULDER:
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
-Ralph Marston, shared by Bev in Madison, WI
PONDER:
In just a few days, those of us here in the USA arrive at our Thanksgiving holiday which kicks off our winter holiday season. For the past 13 years (!), we've focused one issue on gratitude (and in case you missed it last week, a list of *all* the previous Thanksgiving quotes is available by sending a blank email to: Thanks@TheRipplesGuy.com).
I recently challenged some of my Facebook buddies to try expressing gratitude for the less pleasant parts of their lives to see if it might amplify the effectiveness of gratitude. The results astounded me, as people were able to find some thanks-worthy nuggets amidst even the really blechy stuff. Several courageous people reported that reserves of inner strength, external support, and unexpected benefits were hidden within what was initially perceived as "no good can possibly come from something this awful."
I'll be happy if you can take note and find gratitude withing the good stuff in your life, but I dare you this week to sample from the buffet of "gratitude for the tough stuff" and see if it might be worth experiencing.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Please know that I am beyond grateful for your quote submissions, your testimonials, and your companionship through 757 weeks of unleashing Ripples. You are the gravy that has made this buffet so delicious, so delightful.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Ripples #756: Renewable Dreams!
Ripples #756: Renewable Dreams!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
18 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
be passionate about your dreams
don't sway off the intended course
you may run out of gas at times
let hope be your driving force
-written and shared by Marie Toole in Delray Beach, FL
BOULDER:
Dreams are renewable.
No matter what our age
or condition,
there are still
untapped possibilities within us
and new beauty waiting to be born.
-Dr. Dale Turner, shared by Pete in Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
Do you have any persistent daydreams that you haven't taken any action on? Have you discarded any dreams because they seemed too big or too unlikely or too difficult or just too *something* for you to believe and act on them?
I think we all need to review our past dreams and check for any new sparks of inspiration or energy that could renew a dream, and perhaps upgrade it to a dare.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Can you believe that next week is Thanksgiving? If you'd like to prepare with a sampling of all the gratitude-themed quotes we've used over the past 13 years, you can send a blank email to Thanks@TheRipplesGuy.com
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
18 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
be passionate about your dreams
don't sway off the intended course
you may run out of gas at times
let hope be your driving force
-written and shared by Marie Toole in Delray Beach, FL
BOULDER:
Dreams are renewable.
No matter what our age
or condition,
there are still
untapped possibilities within us
and new beauty waiting to be born.
-Dr. Dale Turner, shared by Pete in Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
Do you have any persistent daydreams that you haven't taken any action on? Have you discarded any dreams because they seemed too big or too unlikely or too difficult or just too *something* for you to believe and act on them?
I think we all need to review our past dreams and check for any new sparks of inspiration or energy that could renew a dream, and perhaps upgrade it to a dare.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Can you believe that next week is Thanksgiving? If you'd like to prepare with a sampling of all the gratitude-themed quotes we've used over the past 13 years, you can send a blank email to Thanks@TheRipplesGuy.com
Monday, November 11, 2013
Ripples #755: Sparks!
Ripples #755: Sparks!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
11 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
You have to find what sparks a light in you
so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.
-Oprah Winfrey, shared by Sheri in Lincoln, NE
BOULDER:
Motivation is a fire from within.
If someone else tries to light that fire under you,
chances are it will burn very briefly.
-Steven Covey, shared by Brett in Madison, WI
PONDER:
Have you noticed any topics or ideas or people that have especially sparked your interest lately? Concepts or projects that especially intrigue you *could* be trying to nudge you in a new direction. Perhaps we can all commit to being curious about any sparks that could catch fire. If you're *not* feeling much motivation lately, maybe you can shake things up with fresh routines? Remember that to have a different outcome you almost certainly need to DO things differently.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
11 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
You have to find what sparks a light in you
so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.
-Oprah Winfrey, shared by Sheri in Lincoln, NE
BOULDER:
Motivation is a fire from within.
If someone else tries to light that fire under you,
chances are it will burn very briefly.
-Steven Covey, shared by Brett in Madison, WI
PONDER:
Have you noticed any topics or ideas or people that have especially sparked your interest lately? Concepts or projects that especially intrigue you *could* be trying to nudge you in a new direction. Perhaps we can all commit to being curious about any sparks that could catch fire. If you're *not* feeling much motivation lately, maybe you can shake things up with fresh routines? Remember that to have a different outcome you almost certainly need to DO things differently.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 4, 2013
Ripples #754: Better!
Ripples #754: Better!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
4 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better.
-Maya Angelou, shared by Jen from Mississauga, Canada
BOULDER:
The real winners in life
are the people who look
at every situation
with an expectation
that they can make it work
or make it better.
-Barbara Pletcher, shared by Isaac from Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
If you are facing small or significant challenges right now, I hope you can dig deep to drum up the energy and inspiration to make things BETTER. Rest when you need to, but as often as possible seek the smallest changes that could have the biggest impact on improving the situation. Every. Step. Counts.
On the other hand, CONGRATS if everything is going just fine in your world. Especially if you've recently endured some ups and downs, coasting along for a while can feel sooooo good. At some point, though, I dare you to ask yourself: "So, how can I make things even BETTER??" Listen, dream, ponder, and then take action. Even the baby steps can transform good to better, and better to awesome. Are you in? Please, be in.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
4 Nov 2013
PEBBLE:
Do the best you can until you know better.
Then when you know better, do better.
-Maya Angelou, shared by Jen from Mississauga, Canada
BOULDER:
The real winners in life
are the people who look
at every situation
with an expectation
that they can make it work
or make it better.
-Barbara Pletcher, shared by Isaac from Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
If you are facing small or significant challenges right now, I hope you can dig deep to drum up the energy and inspiration to make things BETTER. Rest when you need to, but as often as possible seek the smallest changes that could have the biggest impact on improving the situation. Every. Step. Counts.
On the other hand, CONGRATS if everything is going just fine in your world. Especially if you've recently endured some ups and downs, coasting along for a while can feel sooooo good. At some point, though, I dare you to ask yourself: "So, how can I make things even BETTER??" Listen, dream, ponder, and then take action. Even the baby steps can transform good to better, and better to awesome. Are you in? Please, be in.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, October 28, 2013
Ripples #753: Here, Now.
Ripples #753: Here, Now.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
28 Oct 2013
PEBBLE:
Wherever you are, be all there.
-Jim Elliot, shared by Melissa from Cal Poly SLO, CA
BOULDER:
Once you have decided you want the present moment to be your friend, it is up to you to make the first move: Become friendly toward it, welcome it no matter in what disguise it comes, and soon you will see the results. Life becomes friendly toward you; people become helpful, circumstances cooperative. One decision changes your entire reality. But that one decision you have to make again and again--until it becomes natural to live in such a way.
-Eckhart Tolle
PONDER:
I hope you recognize the sacred gift that is hidden within today: the possibility of fully embracing the only place and the only time you have to live: Here, Now. What can you do to embrace this particular day in this particular week of your particular life?
Work as hard as you need to, play as much as you can, and be joyfully present through all of it. It won't likely be a PERFECT day, and you may be dealing with some significant challenges. Embrace it all. In fact, pause right now, take three deep breaths and whisper "Here" on the inhale and "Now" on the exhale.
I hope that makes a difference today, and I hope YOU make a difference today.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Thank you for reading Ripples today. It really matters to me.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
28 Oct 2013
PEBBLE:
Wherever you are, be all there.
-Jim Elliot, shared by Melissa from Cal Poly SLO, CA
BOULDER:
Once you have decided you want the present moment to be your friend, it is up to you to make the first move: Become friendly toward it, welcome it no matter in what disguise it comes, and soon you will see the results. Life becomes friendly toward you; people become helpful, circumstances cooperative. One decision changes your entire reality. But that one decision you have to make again and again--until it becomes natural to live in such a way.
-Eckhart Tolle
PONDER:
I hope you recognize the sacred gift that is hidden within today: the possibility of fully embracing the only place and the only time you have to live: Here, Now. What can you do to embrace this particular day in this particular week of your particular life?
Work as hard as you need to, play as much as you can, and be joyfully present through all of it. It won't likely be a PERFECT day, and you may be dealing with some significant challenges. Embrace it all. In fact, pause right now, take three deep breaths and whisper "Here" on the inhale and "Now" on the exhale.
I hope that makes a difference today, and I hope YOU make a difference today.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Thank you for reading Ripples today. It really matters to me.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Ripples #752: Opening Doors.
Ripples #752: Opening Doors.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
21 Oct 2013
PEBBLE:
Not knowing when the dawn will come,
I open every door.
-Emily Dickinson, shared by Janice in Cincinnati, OH
BOULDER:
For all I am
And still hope to be
You were my guide
You were the key
That opened the door
To the feast of ideas.
-Evelyn Kandel, shared by Kathleen in Oshkosh, WI
PONDER:
If you're feeling stuck or trapped or limited in any way, let's make this week about opening doors. Sample the thing you've been afraid of, or attempt something you've never tried before. Whether it becomes a habit or just an experiment, it's possible you could transform an ordinary day into an adventure. Knock, Knock... who's there?
Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
21 Oct 2013
PEBBLE:
Not knowing when the dawn will come,
I open every door.
-Emily Dickinson, shared by Janice in Cincinnati, OH
BOULDER:
For all I am
And still hope to be
You were my guide
You were the key
That opened the door
To the feast of ideas.
-Evelyn Kandel, shared by Kathleen in Oshkosh, WI
PONDER:
If you're feeling stuck or trapped or limited in any way, let's make this week about opening doors. Sample the thing you've been afraid of, or attempt something you've never tried before. Whether it becomes a habit or just an experiment, it's possible you could transform an ordinary day into an adventure. Knock, Knock... who's there?
Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Ripples #751: Pressure!
Ripples #751: Pressure!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
14 Oct 2013
PEBBLE:
Pressure can burst a pipe or pressure can make a diamond.
-Robert Horry, shared by Leila in San Luis Obispo, CA
BOULDER:
When we long for life without difficulties,
remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds
and diamonds are made under pressure.
-Peter Marshall, shared by Sevy in Albuquerque, NM
and Angela in Hollandale, WI
PONDER:
Growing up is a difficult enough task by itself, and it is made even more challenging because STUFF inevitably happens. Stuff that is neither expected nor enjoyable: promising opportunities fall apart, friends and family choose different directions than ours, and sometimes it gets even worse when people turn on us for following the path we feel is best for us at this time.
The bad news is that the list of STUFF goes on and on (and on);
the good news is that so does life!
Life isn't designed to be easy, of course. If you're like me, you remember this on most days and are not surprised when an occasional setback throws a wrench into "the plan." Of course, it becomes easier to lose our perspective when a few blechy things happen in a row, or a significantly unpleasant turn of events gets in the way of how you anticipated your day/week/life was supposed to unfold.
Remember that pressure can BUILD us up or MESS us up depending on how we respond; take a deep breath, holler for help when necessary, and go out there and make some diamonds this week!
Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy
Monday, October 7, 2013
Ripples #750: Connections!
Ripples #750: Connections!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
7 Oct 2013
PEBBLE:
The people who matter will recognize who you are.
-Alan Cohen, shared by Carl in Terre Haute, IN
BOULDER:
Somewhere there are people
to whom we can speak with passion
without having the words catch in our throats.
Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us,
eyes will light up when we enter,
voices will celebrate with us
whenever we come into our own power.
Community means strength to join our strength
to do the work that needs to be done.
Arms to hold us when we falter...
a circle of friends.
Someplace where we can be free.
-Starhawk, shared by Terry in Oak Creek, WI
PONDER:
I invite you this week to notice the connections in your life, and remember that you can choose to find meaning in *everyone* (and everything) you encounter. The interesting, the frustrating, even the bewildering! It might help to suspend your judgment a bit and avoid your initial impulse to categorize as "good" or "bad." Instead, just observe it all. In a few days, you can decide to deepen the connections you find helpful, and perhaps keep some distance between yourself from those which are not helpful.
Peace 2u!
Paul
The Ripples Guy
Monday, September 30, 2013
Ripples #749: Have Your Say.
Ripples #749: Have Your Say.
For our tribe of 29,616 busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
30 Sep 2013
PEBBLE:
You can have your say,
but you can’t always have your way.
-source unknown, shared by Liz in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
With the story of your life,
you don't get to
write the whole book,
just your character.
-Olivia Munn, shared by Tami in Madison, WI
PONDER:
Sometimes when I'm getting overwhelmed with all the STUFF I have going on, my best friend gently reminds me to create a list of everything on my to do list. Many of the things on my list involve attempts to manage the minutiae of everything unfolding around me, as if I really had the ability to control every outcome. Trying to control everything can be exceedingly frustrating. And exhausting. And impossible. Eventually, I'm reminded that I am at my best when I concentrate my energy and focus on the few projects that can most impact my effectiveness and enjoyment. As for all the rest of it? Well, I strive to L.I.G.: Let. It. Go.
I hope you can focus YOUR time and energy this week, and have your say about what matters most. And with everything else? L.I.G. I dare you!
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Ripples #748: Harvesting Success!
Ripples #748: Harvesting Success!
For our tribe of 29,521 busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
23 Sep 2013
PEBBLE:
Striving for success
without hard work
is like trying to harvest
where you haven't planted.
-David Bly, shared by Courtney in Durand, MI
BOULDER:
Nature, by example,
shows us anything worthwhile
comes over time.
Anything worthwhile
grows methodically,
building on a strong foundation.
Develop a willingness
to carry on despite roadblocks.
-Jaren L. Davis
PONDER:
Students and educators have begun their fall terms and many others are working hard as we head toward the the last quarter of the year. Now is a great time to commit to persevere through the difficulties that inevitably arise in school, work, and or life.
Remember that facing and embracing the challenges isn't always EASY, but it is always WORTH IT. Do what you can to make sure you'll have a bountiful harvest of success this week, this year, and this lifetime.
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Monday, September 16, 2013
Ripples #747: Sheer Delight!
Ripples #747: Sheer Delight!
For our tribe of 29,532 busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
16 Sep 2013
PEBBLE:
Sheer delight is hidden everywhere
for those who care to see.
-Mark Hierholzer, shared by Julia in Blanchardville, WI
BOULDER:
When you recover or discover something
that nourishes your soul and brings joy,
care enough about yourself
to make room for it in your life.
-Jean Shinoda Bolen
PONDER:
Whether you're savoring a stretch of "everything is awesome," stuck in a quagmire of "OMG my life is sooo poopy," or even enduring a really mediocre "meh, is this all there is?"; this issue of Ripples is being unleashed for the purpose of encouraging you to keep your eyes, ears, and heart open for the "sheer delight" that Mr. Hierholzer reminds us about in the pebble above.
It isn't always easy to find the delight;
it is, in my experience usually worth it.
Peace!
Paul
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Ripples #746: Stepping Back.
Ripples #746: Stepping Back.
For our tribe of 29,559 busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
9 Sep 2013
PEBBLE:
It is not a daily increase,
but a daily decrease.
Hack away at the inessentials.
-Bruce Lee, shared by Tony in Missoula, MT
BOULDER:
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people's approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back-
-the only path to serenity.
-Lao Tzu, shared by Helen in Memphis, TN
PONDER:
I am so often encouraging you to think about what you could add to increase your effectiveness and enjoyment with work, school, and/or life. Today I invite you to be curious about stepping back, observing and perhaps removing something (or someone?) from your life that no longer nourishes your spirit. Imagine a doctor calling back with results from recent lab work: "The good news is that everything looks fine; however, I think you should remove 1 or 2 projects from your full plate so you can maintain a proper balance and thrive for many years to come."
What might you remove, and would would it take to make the call?
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Ripples #745: Unleashing You!
Ripples #745: Unleashing You!
For our tribe of 29,576 busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
2 Sep 2013
PEBBLE:
If you are always trying to be normal,
you will never know how amazing you can be....
-Maya Angelou, shared by Bruce in Gotham City
BOULDER:
Never forget
that you are one of a kind.
Never forget
that if there weren't any need
for you in all your uniqueness
to be on this earth,
you wouldn't be here
in the first place.
-R. Buckminster Fuller, shared by Isaac in Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
As I make my way home after a whirlwind of campus visits (greetings to our new Ripplers from CMU, Salisbury, Lakeland, Marian, NWTC, and Rowan!), I'll remind you what I told this year's batch of new students embarking on their college adventures: so much of success is about recognizing your awesomeness, and then finding the courage to share it with the world. The things that make you "not normal" are precisely the same gifts the world desperately needs, so please do what you can this week to identify, embrace, and unleash your best you!
Peace!
Paul,
P.S. Excuse me while I hibernate for a bit. I'm exhausted. :)
Monday, August 26, 2013
Ripples #744: One Choice.
Ripples #744: One Choice.
For our tribe of 29,379 busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
26 Aug 2013
PEBBLE:
What might I now invent,
that I haven't yet invented,
that would give me other choices?
-R. & B. Zander (The Art of Possibility), shared by Sarah in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
One...
One tree can start a forest,
One smile can begin a friendship,
One hand can lift a soul,
One word can frame the goal,
One candle can wipe out darkness,
One laugh can conquer gloom,
One hope can raise our spirits,'
And...one choice can change your life.
-Mac Anderson, submitted by Lorene in North Royalton, OH
PONDER:
True story....
There are plenty of people in our lives that we didn't invite.
There are plenty of events that happen without our consent.
There are plenty of things on our to do list that we didn't add.
And face it: Poop happens, people. That is for reals.
When the crap does get spread out in front of us, we tend to get so caught up in how little say we had that we forget to look around at the choices we still DO have, the people and events and things that we can and have purposely sprinkled onto the cupcakes of our lives. Of course it is okay to feel frustrated, depressed, overwhelmed by the "I didn't vote on this" stuff. When you are ready to improve your life, to move upward and onward, we've got to slip on our grown up pants (mine are overalls, actually, but you know what I mean).
And you know how to get started? I'll give you a hint:
One Choice.
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Ripples #743: The Heaviness of Things.
Ripples #743: The Heaviness of Things.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
19 Aug 2013
PEBBLE:
If you weren't so afraid of letting go,
you wouldn't feel so free when you do it.
-source unknown, shared by Nikki in Oxford, UK
BOULDER:
You will find
that it is necessary
to let things go;
simply for the reason
that they are heavy.
So let them go,
let go of them.
-C. JoyBell C.
PONDER:
Has something been weighing you down lately? Perhaps it was a missed opportunity, or someone you were counting on let you down, or maybe an inconvenient and frustrating turn of events has left you anxious or depressed.
Regardless of the size of the "thing" that you're dealing with right now, it might be useful to acknowledge its impact on you, grieve the loss of how you thought it would turn on, and then you can finally lighten your load: take a few breaths and say goodbye. Let. It. Go.
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
19 Aug 2013
PEBBLE:
If you weren't so afraid of letting go,
you wouldn't feel so free when you do it.
-source unknown, shared by Nikki in Oxford, UK
BOULDER:
You will find
that it is necessary
to let things go;
simply for the reason
that they are heavy.
So let them go,
let go of them.
-C. JoyBell C.
PONDER:
Has something been weighing you down lately? Perhaps it was a missed opportunity, or someone you were counting on let you down, or maybe an inconvenient and frustrating turn of events has left you anxious or depressed.
Regardless of the size of the "thing" that you're dealing with right now, it might be useful to acknowledge its impact on you, grieve the loss of how you thought it would turn on, and then you can finally lighten your load: take a few breaths and say goodbye. Let. It. Go.
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Monday, August 12, 2013
Ripples #742: In This Moment.
Ripples #742: In This Moment.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
12 Aug 2013
PEBBLE:
The butterfly counts not months but moments,
and has time enough.
-Rabindranath Tagore, shared by Brett in Madison
BOULDER:
In this moment,
there is plenty of time.
In this moment,
you are precisely as you should be.
In this moment,
there is infinite potential.
-Victoria Moran
PONDER:
We are so busy. So, so busy. There are errands and chores and jobs and classes and hobbies and work outs and volunteering and family and friends and FaceTweetInstaPinning. Oh and sleeping if there is any time left over.
This I know: you can embrace all of it more effectively and more enjoyably if you snatch a few moments to pause, breathe deeply, and create opportunities to step into the very moment of here now, here now, here now.
Breathe, then be, then......GO!
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Ripples #741: Belonging To Each Other.
Ripples #741: Belonging To Each Other.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in the power of uRock:
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness
5 Aug 2013
PEBBLE:
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
-Mother Theresa
BOULDER:
Extend to each person,
no matter how trivial the contact,
all the care and kindness and
understanding and love that you can muster,
and do it with no thought of any reward.
Your life will never be the same again.
-Og Mandino
PONDER:
You're busy, I know. You have lots on your plate and you are just juggling all kinds of stuff. And I feel confident that at least some of the STUFF you're juggling involves meeting the needs of others. I get that, I really do.
And.
What if we mustered all the care and kindness and understanding and love as Mr. Mandino describes above, and unleashed it as widely and often as possible. Do everything you can, and see what happens.
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Ripples #740: Embrace Life!
Ripples #740: Embrace Life!
For our tribe of busy people who believe in the power of uRock!:
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness!
29 July 2013
PEBBLE:
As is a tale, so is life:
not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.
-J.K. Rowling, shared by Stephanie in St. Louis, MO
BOULDER:
Somebody should tell us,
right at the start of our lives,
that we are dying.
Then we might live life to the limit,
every minute of every day.
"Do it!" I say.
Whatever you want to do, do it now.
There are only so many tomorrows.
-Michael Landon, shared by Stephanie in West Des Moines, IA
PONDER:
I have two pieces of good news for you:
1. You're living! I hope you can work extra diligently this week at taking deep breaths and noticing how all the good stuff in your life can help you enjoy life, and all the blechy stuff can help you grow.
2. You're dying! It turns out that we are (wait for it....) mortal beings. And even though we don't know precisely when we're going to finish our earth-time....every day that passes is one day closer to our last day here.
If you're all, "That doesn't sound exactly like good news to me, Mr. Ripples Dude,"--well now, just hesh up and go back and re-read this week's quotes. I believe that we are living our best lives when we are living in the moment AND at the same time there is a bit of urgency that we only have so many days to live out our adventures here.
So if you have something that you've dreamed about doing, GET TO IT, SISTER!!
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of busy people who believe in the power of uRock!:
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness!
29 July 2013
PEBBLE:
As is a tale, so is life:
not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.
-J.K. Rowling, shared by Stephanie in St. Louis, MO
BOULDER:
Somebody should tell us,
right at the start of our lives,
that we are dying.
Then we might live life to the limit,
every minute of every day.
"Do it!" I say.
Whatever you want to do, do it now.
There are only so many tomorrows.
-Michael Landon, shared by Stephanie in West Des Moines, IA
PONDER:
I have two pieces of good news for you:
1. You're living! I hope you can work extra diligently this week at taking deep breaths and noticing how all the good stuff in your life can help you enjoy life, and all the blechy stuff can help you grow.
2. You're dying! It turns out that we are (wait for it....) mortal beings. And even though we don't know precisely when we're going to finish our earth-time....every day that passes is one day closer to our last day here.
If you're all, "That doesn't sound exactly like good news to me, Mr. Ripples Dude,"--well now, just hesh up and go back and re-read this week's quotes. I believe that we are living our best lives when we are living in the moment AND at the same time there is a bit of urgency that we only have so many days to live out our adventures here.
So if you have something that you've dreamed about doing, GET TO IT, SISTER!!
Peace!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Ripples #739: What Makes Us?
Ripples #739: What Makes Us?
For our tribe of busy people who believe in the power of uRock!:
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness!
22 July 2013
PEBBLE:
Under constant revision is the poem that I be.
-Blue Scholars, shared by Paul in San Luis Obispo, CA
BOULDER:
It's not what we eat
but what we digest
that makes us strong;
not what we gain
but what we save
that makes us rich;
not what we read
but what we remember
that makes us learned; and
not what we profess
but what we practice
that gives us integrity.
-Francis Bacon, shared by Jeremiah in Saginaw, MI
PONDER:
I know the week is just beginning and yours might be really hectic and such....but I've been doing a bit of pondering lately about how to ensure that this brief email splash we've been sending out for for a while moves beyond encouraging you to *feel* better about yourself and your world.....and inspire you to *do* better for yourself and your world.
How we think and how we feel are both important components of our identity, yet I believe it may be that how we *act* remains the most crucial opportunity we have to demonstrate WHAT MAKES US. So the question I have for you today, my friend and fellow rippler: What actions might reveal your best self this week? On your mark, get set, GO!
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
p.s. There are 2 actions that would help RIPPLES:
1. Submitting fresh and fabulous quotes--along with your name and location so we get a sense of our Ripply Reach;
2. Encouraging others to subscribe. Submissions and subscribers are the only "payment" I seek for coordinating Ripples. Have you paid your dues?
For our tribe of busy people who believe in the power of uRock!:
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness!
22 July 2013
PEBBLE:
Under constant revision is the poem that I be.
-Blue Scholars, shared by Paul in San Luis Obispo, CA
BOULDER:
It's not what we eat
but what we digest
that makes us strong;
not what we gain
but what we save
that makes us rich;
not what we read
but what we remember
that makes us learned; and
not what we profess
but what we practice
that gives us integrity.
-Francis Bacon, shared by Jeremiah in Saginaw, MI
PONDER:
I know the week is just beginning and yours might be really hectic and such....but I've been doing a bit of pondering lately about how to ensure that this brief email splash we've been sending out for for a while moves beyond encouraging you to *feel* better about yourself and your world.....and inspire you to *do* better for yourself and your world.
How we think and how we feel are both important components of our identity, yet I believe it may be that how we *act* remains the most crucial opportunity we have to demonstrate WHAT MAKES US. So the question I have for you today, my friend and fellow rippler: What actions might reveal your best self this week? On your mark, get set, GO!
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
p.s. There are 2 actions that would help RIPPLES:
1. Submitting fresh and fabulous quotes--along with your name and location so we get a sense of our Ripply Reach;
2. Encouraging others to subscribe. Submissions and subscribers are the only "payment" I seek for coordinating Ripples. Have you paid your dues?
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Ripples #738: Imagine Better.
Ripples #738: Imagine Better.
For our tribe of busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
15 July 2013
PEBBLE:
We do not need magic to change the world,
we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already:
we have the power to imagine better.
-J.K. Rowling, shared by Sarah in Fond du Lac, WI
BOULDER:
True change doesn't emerge just from action;
it emerges from genuine understanding.
Action that stems from shallow understanding
turns out to be shallow action.
Action that flows from deeply felt consciousness
is action that can change the world.
-Marianne Williamson, shared by Douglas in Salt Lake City, UT
PONDER:
If you recently received some bad news or things didn't turn out as you hoped they would, perhaps you can take a few deep breaths and give yourself some time to grieve the loss of how you hoped things would turn out. These frustrating yet inevitable setbacks are part of progress because we often grow stronger from the heaviest loads.
When you are ready to improve your life and/or the world, you'll need to dust yourself off and get back in the game. Do what you can this week to understand and accept the world as it is, and then.....IMAGINE BETTER!
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
15 July 2013
PEBBLE:
We do not need magic to change the world,
we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already:
we have the power to imagine better.
-J.K. Rowling, shared by Sarah in Fond du Lac, WI
BOULDER:
True change doesn't emerge just from action;
it emerges from genuine understanding.
Action that stems from shallow understanding
turns out to be shallow action.
Action that flows from deeply felt consciousness
is action that can change the world.
-Marianne Williamson, shared by Douglas in Salt Lake City, UT
PONDER:
If you recently received some bad news or things didn't turn out as you hoped they would, perhaps you can take a few deep breaths and give yourself some time to grieve the loss of how you hoped things would turn out. These frustrating yet inevitable setbacks are part of progress because we often grow stronger from the heaviest loads.
When you are ready to improve your life and/or the world, you'll need to dust yourself off and get back in the game. Do what you can this week to understand and accept the world as it is, and then.....IMAGINE BETTER!
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Ripples #737: The Achievement of Solitude.
Ripples #737: The Achievement of Solitude.
For our tribe of busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
8 July 2013
PEBBLE:
The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass
of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds.
-Thomas Merton
BOULDER:
Being solitary is being alone well:
being alone luxuriously immersed
in doings of your own choice,
aware of the fullness of your own presence
rather than of the absence of others.
Because solitude is an achievement.
-Alice Koller
PONDER:
I have slipped into the altitude of the Colorado Rockies to recover from my spring adventures and prepare for the craziness of the fall. I'll have Ripples queued up for you to receive while I'm away, and I promise to return soon with a replenished spirit.
In the meantime, I invite you to carve out a few minutes in your schedule this week to enjoy some solitude of your own; it so often improves my enjoyment and effectiveness of work and life and I feel certain it could help you, too.
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
8 July 2013
PEBBLE:
The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass
of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds.
-Thomas Merton
BOULDER:
Being solitary is being alone well:
being alone luxuriously immersed
in doings of your own choice,
aware of the fullness of your own presence
rather than of the absence of others.
Because solitude is an achievement.
-Alice Koller
PONDER:
I have slipped into the altitude of the Colorado Rockies to recover from my spring adventures and prepare for the craziness of the fall. I'll have Ripples queued up for you to receive while I'm away, and I promise to return soon with a replenished spirit.
In the meantime, I invite you to carve out a few minutes in your schedule this week to enjoy some solitude of your own; it so often improves my enjoyment and effectiveness of work and life and I feel certain it could help you, too.
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Ripples #736: Freedom's Responsibility.
Ripples #736: Freedom's Responsibility.
For our tribe of busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
1 July 2013
PEBBLE:
Responsibility is the price of freedom.
-Elbert Hubbard
BOULDER:
For to be free
is not merely to cast off one's chains,
but to live in a way
that respects and enhances
the freedom of others.
-Nelson Mandela
PONDER:
This week we in the USA celebrate our country's Independence Day (and Happy Canada Day to our friends to the north!). How about we ALL spend a few moments savoring the RIGHTS granted to us through our civic/cultural freedoms? This week's quotes remind us to also ponder the RESPONSIBILITIES that come along with freedom. Whether these gifts were handed to us or earned, I believe that the whole world improves when we each take on a piece of the responsibility to help those who have less than us. Think about it...and if you can find a way to ACT that will enhance the freedom of others this week, I think you'll enjoy your own freedom even more.
Peace to you...and Freedom, too!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
1 July 2013
PEBBLE:
Responsibility is the price of freedom.
-Elbert Hubbard
BOULDER:
For to be free
is not merely to cast off one's chains,
but to live in a way
that respects and enhances
the freedom of others.
-Nelson Mandela
PONDER:
This week we in the USA celebrate our country's Independence Day (and Happy Canada Day to our friends to the north!). How about we ALL spend a few moments savoring the RIGHTS granted to us through our civic/cultural freedoms? This week's quotes remind us to also ponder the RESPONSIBILITIES that come along with freedom. Whether these gifts were handed to us or earned, I believe that the whole world improves when we each take on a piece of the responsibility to help those who have less than us. Think about it...and if you can find a way to ACT that will enhance the freedom of others this week, I think you'll enjoy your own freedom even more.
Peace to you...and Freedom, too!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Ripples #735: Happiness Revealed.
Ripples #735: Happiness Revealed.
For our tribe of 30,208 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
24 June 2013
PEBBLE:
There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, shared by Heather in Anchorage, AK
BOULDER:
The more clarity we have about what
will reveal happiness in our lives,
the less time we spend
waiting for it to find us.
-Hal Tipper, via his Facebook Page:
http://theripplesproject.org/12all/lt.php?c=532&m=903&nl=13&s=dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13&lid=2890&l=-http--www.facebook.com/PositivePeople1
PONDER:
Are you happy? Right now, in this very moment, can you tell whether happiness is within or around you? Your response to this question is likely influenced by the latest happenings in your life and the people you have most recently spent time with. Happiness just seems more bountiful when things are going your way in work/school/life and when you get to spend time with your favorite people.
It can be tempting to conclude that certain events and/or people are the *cause* of happiness, and without which joy remains elusive. I suspect that waiting for happiness to arrive is mostly futile, especially since she is often sitting patiently nearby just waiting to be noticed, embraced, and shared.
Regardless of how happy you feel right now, I invite you to take a few deep breaths so you can savor the GOOD STUFF in your life as evidence of joy, and embrace the HARD STUFF as opportunities to grow.
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of 30,208 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
24 June 2013
PEBBLE:
There is no way to happiness; happiness is the way.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, shared by Heather in Anchorage, AK
BOULDER:
The more clarity we have about what
will reveal happiness in our lives,
the less time we spend
waiting for it to find us.
-Hal Tipper, via his Facebook Page:
http://theripplesproject.org/12all/lt.php?c=532&m=903&nl=13&s=dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13&lid=2890&l=-http--www.facebook.com/PositivePeople1
PONDER:
Are you happy? Right now, in this very moment, can you tell whether happiness is within or around you? Your response to this question is likely influenced by the latest happenings in your life and the people you have most recently spent time with. Happiness just seems more bountiful when things are going your way in work/school/life and when you get to spend time with your favorite people.
It can be tempting to conclude that certain events and/or people are the *cause* of happiness, and without which joy remains elusive. I suspect that waiting for happiness to arrive is mostly futile, especially since she is often sitting patiently nearby just waiting to be noticed, embraced, and shared.
Regardless of how happy you feel right now, I invite you to take a few deep breaths so you can savor the GOOD STUFF in your life as evidence of joy, and embrace the HARD STUFF as opportunities to grow.
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Ripples #734: Liking Me.
Ripples #734: Liking Me.
For our tribe of 30,316 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
17 June 2013
PEBBLE:
Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets.
-Clark Moustakas, shared by Paul in North Weymouth, MA
BOULDER:
Remove those
'I want you to like me'
stickers from your forehead,
and instead place them where
they truly will do the most good:
on your mirror.
-Susan Jeffers, shared by Amy in Charlotte, NC
PONDER:
We do not need you to be perfect (whew).
We do, however, need you to be amazing (you are).
This requires embracing your fabulousness, and it also requires embracing your quirks and limitations and setbacks. All of them! Remember that it is possible to like yourself just as you are AND recognize you also possess a few "opportunities for improvement." It is more than possible, actually; self acceptance an essential precursor to self improvement.
I enacted the suggestion above literally and placed a Post-It note with "I want you to like me." on my bathroom mirror just to see what it would be like. I invite you to join me (not in my bathroom, of course--but actually posting the note on a mirror somewhere).
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
*****
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The Ripples Guy is eager to provide this free splash of inspiration to whomever needs it, so please share if you like it (yay, karma!).
For our tribe of 30,316 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
17 June 2013
PEBBLE:
Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets.
-Clark Moustakas, shared by Paul in North Weymouth, MA
BOULDER:
Remove those
'I want you to like me'
stickers from your forehead,
and instead place them where
they truly will do the most good:
on your mirror.
-Susan Jeffers, shared by Amy in Charlotte, NC
PONDER:
We do not need you to be perfect (whew).
We do, however, need you to be amazing (you are).
This requires embracing your fabulousness, and it also requires embracing your quirks and limitations and setbacks. All of them! Remember that it is possible to like yourself just as you are AND recognize you also possess a few "opportunities for improvement." It is more than possible, actually; self acceptance an essential precursor to self improvement.
I enacted the suggestion above literally and placed a Post-It note with "I want you to like me." on my bathroom mirror just to see what it would be like. I invite you to join me (not in my bathroom, of course--but actually posting the note on a mirror somewhere).
Peace 2u!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
*****
To SUBSCRIBE:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php
To CHANGE EMAIL:
http://theripplesproject.org/12all/lt.php?c=531&m=902&nl=13&s=dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13&lid=2874&l=-http--theripplesproject.org/12all/p_m.php--Q-nl--E-13--A-c--E-531--A-m--E-902--A-s--E-dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13
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Twitter: http://Twitter.com/UnleashRipples
If you have trouble unsubscribing,
reply to this message and I will
personally assist you OR you can mail us at:
The Ripples Project,
1360 Regent St, Madison WI 53715
The Ripples Guy is eager to provide this free splash of inspiration to whomever needs it, so please share if you like it (yay, karma!).
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Ripples #733: An Original Life.
Ripples #733: An Original Life.
For our tribe of 30,501 people who share encouragement and gratitude
06/11/2013
PEBBLE
An original life
is unexplored territory.
You don't get there by taking a taxi-
you get there by carrying a canoe.
-Alan Alda
BOULDER
The night sky is dotted with stars.
One star may not seem significant
but as more appear,
the true art of the nighttime
is fully realized.
It takes time and patience
to see that realization,
but in the end is worth it.
-written and submitted by Nathan Moreau in Manchy, NH
PONDER
Let today unfold as a reminder that YOU are in charge of creating a
rich life full of possibility. Out of the billions of people who have
walked this planet, there has never been, nor ever will be, another
person with your particular set of experiences, perspectives, talents,
and desires. You have an opportunity, and I daresay an obligation, to
carve out an original life at the intersection of your deep passions and
our world's deep longing.
Every thought you have, every action you take today is like the stars
that my friend Nathan described above. Each one may seem small and
insignificant by itself, but together they create a vast constellation
of possibility. Get to it!
Peace!
Paul, The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of 30,501 people who share encouragement and gratitude
06/11/2013
PEBBLE
An original life
is unexplored territory.
You don't get there by taking a taxi-
you get there by carrying a canoe.
-Alan Alda
BOULDER
The night sky is dotted with stars.
One star may not seem significant
but as more appear,
the true art of the nighttime
is fully realized.
It takes time and patience
to see that realization,
but in the end is worth it.
-written and submitted by Nathan Moreau in Manchy, NH
PONDER
Let today unfold as a reminder that YOU are in charge of creating a
rich life full of possibility. Out of the billions of people who have
walked this planet, there has never been, nor ever will be, another
person with your particular set of experiences, perspectives, talents,
and desires. You have an opportunity, and I daresay an obligation, to
carve out an original life at the intersection of your deep passions and
our world's deep longing.
Every thought you have, every action you take today is like the stars
that my friend Nathan described above. Each one may seem small and
insignificant by itself, but together they create a vast constellation
of possibility. Get to it!
Peace!
Paul, The Ripples Guy
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Ripples #732: Responding.
Ripples #732: Responding.
For our tribe of 30,501 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
Jun 3, 2013
PEBBLE:
Are you reacting rashly,
or responding rationally?
-The Ripples Guy
BOULDER:
Between stimulus and response there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
-Viktor Frankl, shared by Lisa in Vernon Hills, IL
PONDER:
How often has someone said or done something that whipped you into a frenzy of frustration or produced a lighting rod of anger before you've had a chance to take a breath and really assess the situation? Do you ever regret the drama of the overheated moment and wish you had waited a few moments (or months) to respond in a more compassionate, measured way?
Here is yet another chance to remember that our FIRST REACTION is not always our BEST RESPONSE. I hope you can take a time out when necessary this week, and don't be afraid to reach out and apologize to someone who received your BRASH self instead of your BEST self.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of 30,501 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
Jun 3, 2013
PEBBLE:
Are you reacting rashly,
or responding rationally?
-The Ripples Guy
BOULDER:
Between stimulus and response there is a space.
In that space is our power to choose our response.
In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
-Viktor Frankl, shared by Lisa in Vernon Hills, IL
PONDER:
How often has someone said or done something that whipped you into a frenzy of frustration or produced a lighting rod of anger before you've had a chance to take a breath and really assess the situation? Do you ever regret the drama of the overheated moment and wish you had waited a few moments (or months) to respond in a more compassionate, measured way?
Here is yet another chance to remember that our FIRST REACTION is not always our BEST RESPONSE. I hope you can take a time out when necessary this week, and don't be afraid to reach out and apologize to someone who received your BRASH self instead of your BEST self.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Ripples #731: Embrace The Adventure!
Ripples #731: Embrace The Adventure!
For our tribe of 30,505 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 27, 2013
PEBBLE:
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon,
but that we wait so long to begin it.
-W.M. Lewis, shared by Nick in New Jersey (soon to be Indiana!)
BOULDER:
Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure.
You have no security unless you can live
bravely, excitingly, imaginatively;
unless you can choose a challenge
instead of competence.
-Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted by Pete in Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
Many of us here in the U.S. are enjoying a holiday weekend that kicks off the summer season. In between the road trips and the picnics and other fun activities, I dare you to spend a few moments daydreaming about how your "work" (job, school, chores, etc.) would be more fun and/or meaningful if you embraced it as an opportunity for adventure. Of course parts of it are less interesting than others; is there a possibility for joy hiding in there somewhere and waiting for you to find it? Seek it, create it, embrace it!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
p.s. I also invite you to spend a moment or two of this Memorial Day acknowledging those who gave their lives during active military service.
For our tribe of 30,505 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 27, 2013
PEBBLE:
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon,
but that we wait so long to begin it.
-W.M. Lewis, shared by Nick in New Jersey (soon to be Indiana!)
BOULDER:
Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure.
You have no security unless you can live
bravely, excitingly, imaginatively;
unless you can choose a challenge
instead of competence.
-Eleanor Roosevelt, submitted by Pete in Sedona, AZ
PONDER:
Many of us here in the U.S. are enjoying a holiday weekend that kicks off the summer season. In between the road trips and the picnics and other fun activities, I dare you to spend a few moments daydreaming about how your "work" (job, school, chores, etc.) would be more fun and/or meaningful if you embraced it as an opportunity for adventure. Of course parts of it are less interesting than others; is there a possibility for joy hiding in there somewhere and waiting for you to find it? Seek it, create it, embrace it!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
p.s. I also invite you to spend a moment or two of this Memorial Day acknowledging those who gave their lives during active military service.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Ripples #730: Lost and Found!
Ripples #730: Lost and Found!
For our tribe of 30,432 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 20, 2013
PEBBLE:
It's the times you feel like you've lost everything
that you find everything you didn't know you had.
-source unknown, shared by Zack W. via Facebook
BOULDER:
Adversity is like a strong wind.
It tears away from us all
but the things that cannot be torn,
so that we see ourselves as we really are.
-Arthur Golden, shared by Sarah in Fond du Lac, WI
PONDER:
It often seems like my #1 job on this planet is to remind us all to hang in there during inevitable challenges that we encounter. I've learned from experience and from supporting others that the tougher challenges often yield larger opportunities for growth. The toughest races offer the biggest prizes, right? Life can be exceedingly difficult, and we sometimes have to get to the finish line to find what we lost and what we gained.
To my peeps that are facing difficulties right now, HANG IN THERE! Remember to BREATHE, remember to ask for help when necessary, and remember that we often fail to realize how TOUGH we are until we're tested. YOU'VE GOT THIS!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
p.s. If life is going fairly well for you right now, keep an eye out for others who are currently struggling. They might need a hand or a hug or both.
For our tribe of 30,432 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 20, 2013
PEBBLE:
It's the times you feel like you've lost everything
that you find everything you didn't know you had.
-source unknown, shared by Zack W. via Facebook
BOULDER:
Adversity is like a strong wind.
It tears away from us all
but the things that cannot be torn,
so that we see ourselves as we really are.
-Arthur Golden, shared by Sarah in Fond du Lac, WI
PONDER:
It often seems like my #1 job on this planet is to remind us all to hang in there during inevitable challenges that we encounter. I've learned from experience and from supporting others that the tougher challenges often yield larger opportunities for growth. The toughest races offer the biggest prizes, right? Life can be exceedingly difficult, and we sometimes have to get to the finish line to find what we lost and what we gained.
To my peeps that are facing difficulties right now, HANG IN THERE! Remember to BREATHE, remember to ask for help when necessary, and remember that we often fail to realize how TOUGH we are until we're tested. YOU'VE GOT THIS!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
p.s. If life is going fairly well for you right now, keep an eye out for others who are currently struggling. They might need a hand or a hug or both.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Ripples #729: Jumping!
Ripples #729: Jumping!
For our tribe of 30,433 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 13, 2013
PEBBLE:
A comfort zone is a beautiful place,
but nothing ever grows there.
-S.L. Todd, shared by Jenn at University of Nebraska
BOULDER:
If following your heart's desire seems crazy
but not following it is becoming more and more difficult
with every passing week or month or year,
your choices come down to taking a leap of faith
or living with the regret of never having tried.
Wouldn't you rather jump?
-Martha Beck, shared by Nick in New Jersey
PONDER:
A year ago I pulled up my life by the roots, shook off the dirt and transplanted myself to Ohio. I wasn't 100% sure why it felt like the right adventure, and I wasn't 100% confident I would stay very long. Within just a few months of arriving, however, a number of new and deepened connections confirmed that following my heart's desire was a worthy pursuit. This weekend I made it official and moved into a more permanent residence.
While I am getting settled in my new digs, I invite you to listen carefully within and see if there are whispers of your own that could reveal your next adventure. Happy jumping!
Peace to you!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
For our tribe of 30,433 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 13, 2013
PEBBLE:
A comfort zone is a beautiful place,
but nothing ever grows there.
-S.L. Todd, shared by Jenn at University of Nebraska
BOULDER:
If following your heart's desire seems crazy
but not following it is becoming more and more difficult
with every passing week or month or year,
your choices come down to taking a leap of faith
or living with the regret of never having tried.
Wouldn't you rather jump?
-Martha Beck, shared by Nick in New Jersey
PONDER:
A year ago I pulled up my life by the roots, shook off the dirt and transplanted myself to Ohio. I wasn't 100% sure why it felt like the right adventure, and I wasn't 100% confident I would stay very long. Within just a few months of arriving, however, a number of new and deepened connections confirmed that following my heart's desire was a worthy pursuit. This weekend I made it official and moved into a more permanent residence.
While I am getting settled in my new digs, I invite you to listen carefully within and see if there are whispers of your own that could reveal your next adventure. Happy jumping!
Peace to you!
Paul,
The Ripples Guy
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Ripples #728: Better Than Perfect.
Ripples #728: Better Than Perfect.
For our tribe of 30,496 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 6, 2013
PEBBLE:
Believe with all of your heart
that you will do what you were made to do.
-Orison Swett Marden, submitted by Jenny at Lakeland College, WI
BOULDER:
The thing that is really hard,
and really amazing,
is giving up on being perfect,
and beginning the work
of becoming yourself.
-Anna Quindlen, shared by Lauren in Ferdinand, IN
PONDER:
If you or someone you care about has been struggling to figure out what to do next in work, school, or life, here comes the answer. Are you ready? Get ready, because the next paragraph begins with the secret you have been waiting for....
Okay, I fibbed. I don't have the answer about what you're supposed to do next, nor am I withholding the secret to life satisfaction. I haven't found any miracle solutions, other than to keep plugging away at the important work of becoming the best possible you. That might mean cramming for a final or pouring your soul into a big project. On the flip side, it might mean taking a much-needed break: a long walk in nature, a few deep breaths, or perhaps an ice cream cone with sprinkles.
Work hard, rest deeply, and let go of striving for perfection; the world desperately needs you to be something better than perfect....we need you to be *you.*
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 30,496 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
May 6, 2013
PEBBLE:
Believe with all of your heart
that you will do what you were made to do.
-Orison Swett Marden, submitted by Jenny at Lakeland College, WI
BOULDER:
The thing that is really hard,
and really amazing,
is giving up on being perfect,
and beginning the work
of becoming yourself.
-Anna Quindlen, shared by Lauren in Ferdinand, IN
PONDER:
If you or someone you care about has been struggling to figure out what to do next in work, school, or life, here comes the answer. Are you ready? Get ready, because the next paragraph begins with the secret you have been waiting for....
Okay, I fibbed. I don't have the answer about what you're supposed to do next, nor am I withholding the secret to life satisfaction. I haven't found any miracle solutions, other than to keep plugging away at the important work of becoming the best possible you. That might mean cramming for a final or pouring your soul into a big project. On the flip side, it might mean taking a much-needed break: a long walk in nature, a few deep breaths, or perhaps an ice cream cone with sprinkles.
Work hard, rest deeply, and let go of striving for perfection; the world desperately needs you to be something better than perfect....we need you to be *you.*
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Ripples #727: Leading by Serving.
Ripples #727: Leading by Serving.
For our tribe of 30,767 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 29, 2013
PEBBLE:
You can't lead people
if you don't love people.
You can't save people
if you don't serve people.
-Congresswoman Julia Carson, shared by Karla in Indianapolis, IN
BOULDER:
We must be silent before we can listen.
We must listen before we can learn.
We must learn before we can prepare.
We must prepare before we can serve.
We must serve before we can lead.
-William Arthur Ward, shared by Bruce in Milwaukee, WI
PONDER:
It can be tempting to view leadership simply as being in charge or in control. From my earliest leadership roles in scouting to my current work as a leadership trainer, I have learned from countless role models that effective leaders usually earn the respect and trust of their teams by demonstrating authenticity, compassion, and a willingness to work as hard or harder than they expect others to. Is there anything you could do this week to extend your leadership capacity through compassionate service to others?
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Speaking of scouting: I am proud to be a gay Eagle Scout who believes our world is improved whenever we bring our FULL and BEST selves to work, school, and life. Some of my fellow Eagle Scouts and I have teamed up to raise awareness and funds to end discrimination in scouting. Please watch this video (especially if you're a Zach Wahls fan) and consider pitching in to create more ripples of leadership. Let me know if you donate because Zach and I intend to match it! http://youtu.be/pMmKNYjBlUc
For our tribe of 30,767 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 29, 2013
PEBBLE:
You can't lead people
if you don't love people.
You can't save people
if you don't serve people.
-Congresswoman Julia Carson, shared by Karla in Indianapolis, IN
BOULDER:
We must be silent before we can listen.
We must listen before we can learn.
We must learn before we can prepare.
We must prepare before we can serve.
We must serve before we can lead.
-William Arthur Ward, shared by Bruce in Milwaukee, WI
PONDER:
It can be tempting to view leadership simply as being in charge or in control. From my earliest leadership roles in scouting to my current work as a leadership trainer, I have learned from countless role models that effective leaders usually earn the respect and trust of their teams by demonstrating authenticity, compassion, and a willingness to work as hard or harder than they expect others to. Is there anything you could do this week to extend your leadership capacity through compassionate service to others?
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Speaking of scouting: I am proud to be a gay Eagle Scout who believes our world is improved whenever we bring our FULL and BEST selves to work, school, and life. Some of my fellow Eagle Scouts and I have teamed up to raise awareness and funds to end discrimination in scouting. Please watch this video (especially if you're a Zach Wahls fan) and consider pitching in to create more ripples of leadership. Let me know if you donate because Zach and I intend to match it! http://youtu.be/pMmKNYjBlUc
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Ripples #726: Sorrow & Joy.
Ripples #726: Sorrow & Joy.
For our tribe of 30,740 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 22, 2013
PEBBLE:
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being,
the more joy you can contain.
-Kahlil Gibran, shared by Hannah in Madison
BOULDER:
Know that joy
is rare,
more difficult,
and more beautiful
than sadness.
Once you make this
all-important discovery,
you must embrace joy
as a moral obligation.
-Andre Gide, shared by Terry in Oak Creek, WI
PONDER:
There are good days, and there are bad days. If you're like most people, you've had plenty of both. If life is joyful for you right now, I hope you can take action to both SAVOR and SHARE the joy with those around you. If sorrow is visiting right now, may I gently encourage you to honor the sadness, make peace with it to seek the lessons it has to offer, and keep both your eyes and your heart open, ready to receive the joy that often makes an appearance as you move past a difficult period.
Oh, and a grateful nod to my friends at Marian University, the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, and UW-La Crosse who welcomed me to their events this week. Even though I now live in Ohio, it always feels good to return to Wisconsin.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 30,740 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 22, 2013
PEBBLE:
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being,
the more joy you can contain.
-Kahlil Gibran, shared by Hannah in Madison
BOULDER:
Know that joy
is rare,
more difficult,
and more beautiful
than sadness.
Once you make this
all-important discovery,
you must embrace joy
as a moral obligation.
-Andre Gide, shared by Terry in Oak Creek, WI
PONDER:
There are good days, and there are bad days. If you're like most people, you've had plenty of both. If life is joyful for you right now, I hope you can take action to both SAVOR and SHARE the joy with those around you. If sorrow is visiting right now, may I gently encourage you to honor the sadness, make peace with it to seek the lessons it has to offer, and keep both your eyes and your heart open, ready to receive the joy that often makes an appearance as you move past a difficult period.
Oh, and a grateful nod to my friends at Marian University, the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, and UW-La Crosse who welcomed me to their events this week. Even though I now live in Ohio, it always feels good to return to Wisconsin.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, April 15, 2013
Ripples #725: Choose to Act!
Ripples #725: Choose to Act!
For our tribe of 30,697 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 15, 2013
PEBBLE:
Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does.
-unknown, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
BOULDER:
Cinderella may have been given
the dress, the shoes and the ride,
but she was the one who made
the choice to go to the ball.
You are given opportunities every day,
make your choice to do something with them.
-written & submitted by Jennifer M. at Cal Poly SLO, CA
PONDER:
Of course how you feel and what you think about are important pieces of the puzzle, but your actions remain the single most important factor in defining your success in school, work, and life. Sometimes we're laying around waiting to feel better or think more positively about things when the most useful strategy would be to take action.
Use this week to make conscious choices about which actions will increase your effectiveness and enjoyment of school, work, and life. Choose wisely, and then GO FOR IT!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 30,697 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 15, 2013
PEBBLE:
Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does.
-unknown, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
BOULDER:
Cinderella may have been given
the dress, the shoes and the ride,
but she was the one who made
the choice to go to the ball.
You are given opportunities every day,
make your choice to do something with them.
-written & submitted by Jennifer M. at Cal Poly SLO, CA
PONDER:
Of course how you feel and what you think about are important pieces of the puzzle, but your actions remain the single most important factor in defining your success in school, work, and life. Sometimes we're laying around waiting to feel better or think more positively about things when the most useful strategy would be to take action.
Use this week to make conscious choices about which actions will increase your effectiveness and enjoyment of school, work, and life. Choose wisely, and then GO FOR IT!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, April 8, 2013
Ripples #724: Journey of Today!
Ripples #724: Journey of Today!
For our tribe of 30,838 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 8, 2013
PEBBLE:
Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment,
and quit worrying about winning or losing.
-Matt Biondi, submitted by Brett in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
This is the beginning of a new day.
You have been given this day
to use as you will.
What you do today is important
because you are exchanging
a new day of your life for it.
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever
leaving in its place whatever
you have traded for it.
Pledge to yourself that
it shall be for
GAIN, GOOD, and SUCCESS
so you will never regret
the price you paid for this day.
-Anita Reed Seminars, shared by Vicki in Madison, WI
PONDER:
In the time management workshops I frequently give at leadership conferences, I begin with the point that TIME is, in many ways, a more valuable currency than money. It is a precious non-renewable resource: you have 1,440 minutes to spend in a day but once they are gone, THEY ARE GONE! The more careful we are with how we spend today, the more we can enjoy the journey.
I invite you to take a few minutes to breathe deeply and consider the possibilities, and then jump in and enjoy every remaining moment of today. Make it the journey of a lifetime!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 30,838 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 8, 2013
PEBBLE:
Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment,
and quit worrying about winning or losing.
-Matt Biondi, submitted by Brett in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
This is the beginning of a new day.
You have been given this day
to use as you will.
What you do today is important
because you are exchanging
a new day of your life for it.
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever
leaving in its place whatever
you have traded for it.
Pledge to yourself that
it shall be for
GAIN, GOOD, and SUCCESS
so you will never regret
the price you paid for this day.
-Anita Reed Seminars, shared by Vicki in Madison, WI
PONDER:
In the time management workshops I frequently give at leadership conferences, I begin with the point that TIME is, in many ways, a more valuable currency than money. It is a precious non-renewable resource: you have 1,440 minutes to spend in a day but once they are gone, THEY ARE GONE! The more careful we are with how we spend today, the more we can enjoy the journey.
I invite you to take a few minutes to breathe deeply and consider the possibilities, and then jump in and enjoy every remaining moment of today. Make it the journey of a lifetime!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Ripples #723: Whoops!
Ripples #723: Whoops!
For our tribe of 31,240 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 1, 2013
PEBBLE:
Flops are a part of life's menu
and I've never been a girl
to miss out on any of the courses.
-Rosalind Russell, shared by Josh in Fremont, NH
BOULDER:
After all these years,
I am still involved
in the process of self-discovery.
It's better to explore life
and make mistakes
than to play it safe.
Mistakes are part of the dues
one pays for a full life.
-Sophia Loren
PONDER:
What could happen this week for you and those around you if you made a conscious choice to either to FORGIVE yourself for a recent mistake or PREPARE yourself for an upcoming mistake that will inevitably present itself? What if you did BOTH?
Mistakes are inevitable, the are helpful, and they are rarely as disastrous as we fear they'll be.
Do yourself and your team a favor and practice one of my favorite mantras: L.I.G. (Let. It. Go.).
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,240 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 1, 2013
PEBBLE:
Flops are a part of life's menu
and I've never been a girl
to miss out on any of the courses.
-Rosalind Russell, shared by Josh in Fremont, NH
BOULDER:
After all these years,
I am still involved
in the process of self-discovery.
It's better to explore life
and make mistakes
than to play it safe.
Mistakes are part of the dues
one pays for a full life.
-Sophia Loren
PONDER:
What could happen this week for you and those around you if you made a conscious choice to either to FORGIVE yourself for a recent mistake or PREPARE yourself for an upcoming mistake that will inevitably present itself? What if you did BOTH?
Mistakes are inevitable, the are helpful, and they are rarely as disastrous as we fear they'll be.
Do yourself and your team a favor and practice one of my favorite mantras: L.I.G. (Let. It. Go.).
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Ripples #722: Create Yourself Anew!
Ripples #722: Create Yourself Anew!
For our tribe of 31,242 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
March 25, 2013
PEBBLE:
You are doing something very sacred here,
during your life upon the earth.
You are creating yourself anew,
in each golden moment of Now.
-Neale Donald Walsch, shared by Isaac in Sedona, AZ
BOULDER:
May I become at all times, both now and forever,
a protector for those without protection,
a guide for those who have lost their way,
a ship for those with oceans to cross,
a bridge for those with rivers to cross,
a sanctuary for those in danger,
a lamp for those without light,
a place of refuge for those who lack shelter, and
a servant to all in need.
-Dalai Lama, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
PONDER:
Even if it doesn't feel like spring on the outside, I nominate this week as a verdant opportunity to do some spring cleaning on the inside. Rummage through your mind, your heart and your soul, looking for outdated beliefs about yourself that can be discarded to make room for fresh perspectives and a renewed outlook. You might be surprised how just a few minutes of contemplation could have a significant impact on yourself and those around you. Are you in?
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,242 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
March 25, 2013
PEBBLE:
You are doing something very sacred here,
during your life upon the earth.
You are creating yourself anew,
in each golden moment of Now.
-Neale Donald Walsch, shared by Isaac in Sedona, AZ
BOULDER:
May I become at all times, both now and forever,
a protector for those without protection,
a guide for those who have lost their way,
a ship for those with oceans to cross,
a bridge for those with rivers to cross,
a sanctuary for those in danger,
a lamp for those without light,
a place of refuge for those who lack shelter, and
a servant to all in need.
-Dalai Lama, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
PONDER:
Even if it doesn't feel like spring on the outside, I nominate this week as a verdant opportunity to do some spring cleaning on the inside. Rummage through your mind, your heart and your soul, looking for outdated beliefs about yourself that can be discarded to make room for fresh perspectives and a renewed outlook. You might be surprised how just a few minutes of contemplation could have a significant impact on yourself and those around you. Are you in?
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Ripples #721: Crazy Good!
Ripples #721: Crazy Good!
For our tribe of 31,276 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
March 18, 2013
PEBBLE:
All of us are crazy good in one way or another.
-Yiddish Proverb, shared by Mia in Greensboro, NC
BOULDER:
Face new challenges,
seize new opportunities,
test your resources against the unknown
and in the process, discover
your own unique potential.
-John Amatt, shared by Mary in Mississippi
PONDER:
Of course there are going to be days when you feel like a big pile of crazy, overwhelmed by the stack of stuff in your "to do" pile and unable to make sense of anything. At some point, though, you need to splash some water on your face and look in the mirror to recognize that hidden within your complicated, kooky, imperfect self is a perfectly awesome you. You need to see this soon, because the world is waiting to improve and it desperately needs your contribution.
Sound crazy? It is....and it is also CRAZY GOOD!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,276 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
March 18, 2013
PEBBLE:
All of us are crazy good in one way or another.
-Yiddish Proverb, shared by Mia in Greensboro, NC
BOULDER:
Face new challenges,
seize new opportunities,
test your resources against the unknown
and in the process, discover
your own unique potential.
-John Amatt, shared by Mary in Mississippi
PONDER:
Of course there are going to be days when you feel like a big pile of crazy, overwhelmed by the stack of stuff in your "to do" pile and unable to make sense of anything. At some point, though, you need to splash some water on your face and look in the mirror to recognize that hidden within your complicated, kooky, imperfect self is a perfectly awesome you. You need to see this soon, because the world is waiting to improve and it desperately needs your contribution.
Sound crazy? It is....and it is also CRAZY GOOD!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, March 11, 2013
Ripples #720: Winter to Spring.
Ripples #720: Winter to Spring.
For our tribe of 31,189 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/13/2013
PEBBLE:
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.
If we did not sometimes taste of adversity,
prosperity would not be so welcome.
-Anne Bradstreet
BOULDER:
one step / one step
i stop / i take
one breath / one breath
warm sun / above
winter snow / below
i breathe / i take /
one step / one step
-Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, shared by Mary in Madison WI
PONDER:
Despite the predictions of several groundhogs, winter seems unwilling to relinquish its reign to make way for spring. We may not be able to control the weather, but we luckily have strength and persistence to endure until the buds appear. Similarly, you may be dealing with some sort of blechiness that continues to linger stubbornly. I hope you can take a few deep breaths and hang tough. Spring is approaching, and she brings a fresh breeze and bright sunshine!
On a technical note, my fingers are crossed that this issue arrives on Monday to all 31,000 subscribers. The last two weeks have been bumpy to say the least! For those of you who missed the news about how to apply for Ripples Grants, please watch this video:
http://youtu.be/3hFMsc4jRuU
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,189 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
03/13/2013
PEBBLE:
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.
If we did not sometimes taste of adversity,
prosperity would not be so welcome.
-Anne Bradstreet
BOULDER:
one step / one step
i stop / i take
one breath / one breath
warm sun / above
winter snow / below
i breathe / i take /
one step / one step
-Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, shared by Mary in Madison WI
PONDER:
Despite the predictions of several groundhogs, winter seems unwilling to relinquish its reign to make way for spring. We may not be able to control the weather, but we luckily have strength and persistence to endure until the buds appear. Similarly, you may be dealing with some sort of blechiness that continues to linger stubbornly. I hope you can take a few deep breaths and hang tough. Spring is approaching, and she brings a fresh breeze and bright sunshine!
On a technical note, my fingers are crossed that this issue arrives on Monday to all 31,000 subscribers. The last two weeks have been bumpy to say the least! For those of you who missed the news about how to apply for Ripples Grants, please watch this video:
http://youtu.be/3hFMsc4jRuU
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Ripples #719: The Optimist's Cha-cha!
Ripples #719: The Optimist's Cha-cha!
For our tribe of 31,141 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
Monday, March 4, 2013
PEBBLE:
Nothing is a waste of time
if you use the experience wisely.
-Auguste Rodin, shared by Kim in De Pere, WI
BOULDER:
An optimist is someone who figures
that taking a step backward
after a step forward
is not a disaster;
it's a cha-cha.
-Robert Brault, shared by Melissa in San Luis Obispo, CA
PONDER:
Last week I was all excited to roll out another round of $100 Ripples
Grants to inspire ripples of joy and kindness. And then the system we use
to send out Ripples hiccuped and most people didn't receive Ripples last
week. PHOOEY! It was Wednesday before I could shake it off and recognize
that waiting until next week wouldn't be the end of the world. And then,
when I saw these quotes in the pile I knew: this was just a little
cha-cha! I hope *you* can transform any inevitable setbacks you face this
week and them into opportunities to dance.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Oh, and here is the video with details about the grants!
http://youtu.be/3hFMsc4jRuU
For our tribe of 31,141 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
Monday, March 4, 2013
PEBBLE:
Nothing is a waste of time
if you use the experience wisely.
-Auguste Rodin, shared by Kim in De Pere, WI
BOULDER:
An optimist is someone who figures
that taking a step backward
after a step forward
is not a disaster;
it's a cha-cha.
-Robert Brault, shared by Melissa in San Luis Obispo, CA
PONDER:
Last week I was all excited to roll out another round of $100 Ripples
Grants to inspire ripples of joy and kindness. And then the system we use
to send out Ripples hiccuped and most people didn't receive Ripples last
week. PHOOEY! It was Wednesday before I could shake it off and recognize
that waiting until next week wouldn't be the end of the world. And then,
when I saw these quotes in the pile I knew: this was just a little
cha-cha! I hope *you* can transform any inevitable setbacks you face this
week and them into opportunities to dance.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Oh, and here is the video with details about the grants!
http://youtu.be/3hFMsc4jRuU
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Ripples #718: Treasures of Kindness.
Ripples #718: Treasures of Kindness.
For our tribe of 31,151 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/26/2013
PEBBLE:
It's the kindness of giving,
without wanting something in return,
that makes us happy.
-Heidrun K. in Nairobi, shared by Deb in Philadelphia, PA
BOULDER:
Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness.
Know how to give without hesitation,
how to lose without regret,
how to acquire without meanness.
-George Sand, shared by Stacy in Hilbert, WI
PONDER:
Back when we started sending out these Ripples emails 14 years ago, a significant motivation was to remind people about the enormous power hidden within our everyday actions. I didn't think of it as *teaching* kindness: the remarkable people drawn to Ripples already know how essential and awesome kindness is. My intention was, and is, to be a soft whisper reminding us that even our smallest acts of kindness, joy, and encouragement feed the soul of the giver as much as they benefit the recipient.
A few years ago we unleashed a handful of $100 uRock! grants (uRock = unleashing Ripples of compassion + kindness) to increase the flow of generosity. The response was fantastic, and it will soon be time to unleash some more ripples! In the meantime, let me ask you this: if you were given $100 and an opportunity to invest your time, energy, and creativity, how might you unleash kindness? I'll be seeking your ideas and feedback via our Facebook page, so be sure to connect with us there: http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
Peace,
Paul
P.S. You can read about some of our previous experiments here:
http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy/posts/10151326319163226
For our tribe of 31,151 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/26/2013
PEBBLE:
It's the kindness of giving,
without wanting something in return,
that makes us happy.
-Heidrun K. in Nairobi, shared by Deb in Philadelphia, PA
BOULDER:
Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness.
Know how to give without hesitation,
how to lose without regret,
how to acquire without meanness.
-George Sand, shared by Stacy in Hilbert, WI
PONDER:
Back when we started sending out these Ripples emails 14 years ago, a significant motivation was to remind people about the enormous power hidden within our everyday actions. I didn't think of it as *teaching* kindness: the remarkable people drawn to Ripples already know how essential and awesome kindness is. My intention was, and is, to be a soft whisper reminding us that even our smallest acts of kindness, joy, and encouragement feed the soul of the giver as much as they benefit the recipient.
A few years ago we unleashed a handful of $100 uRock! grants (uRock = unleashing Ripples of compassion + kindness) to increase the flow of generosity. The response was fantastic, and it will soon be time to unleash some more ripples! In the meantime, let me ask you this: if you were given $100 and an opportunity to invest your time, energy, and creativity, how might you unleash kindness? I'll be seeking your ideas and feedback via our Facebook page, so be sure to connect with us there: http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
Peace,
Paul
P.S. You can read about some of our previous experiments here:
http://www.facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy/posts/10151326319163226
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Ripples #717: Mini-Puzzles!
Ripples #717: Mini-Puzzles!
For our tribe of 31,176 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/19/2013
PEBBLE:
If you find a path with no obstacles,
it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
-Frank A Clark, shared by Susan in Woodland, CA
BOULDER:
It's life's complexities
that make it fun;
mini-puzzles all over the place
just waiting to be skillfully solved!
-written and shared by Holly from South Jersey
PONDER:
Life ain't always easy.
Depending upon what your life is currently like, your reaction to this statement could range anywhere from a slight nod and shrug all the way up to a sarcastic, "Duh!" or maybe even all the way to screaming, "TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T KNOW, AND THEN TELL ME HOW TO FIX MY CRAPPY LIFE!"
The bad news is that I don't likely have the answers to fix all the challenges you're facing right now. The good news is that there are more answers within you than you might realize, and one of the most useful way to transform obstacles into opportunities is to change how you view them. The trick is to tweak your attitude just a bit; shift your perspective enough to see your current difficulties as mini-puzzles that, once solved, will help you acquire new skills. The bigger the puzzle, the more difficult this can be AND the more lessons you can learn from it. Of course, shifting your attitude alone won't solve the puzzles. It will, however, unlock significant internal resources to help you get started.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,176 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/19/2013
PEBBLE:
If you find a path with no obstacles,
it probably doesn't lead anywhere.
-Frank A Clark, shared by Susan in Woodland, CA
BOULDER:
It's life's complexities
that make it fun;
mini-puzzles all over the place
just waiting to be skillfully solved!
-written and shared by Holly from South Jersey
PONDER:
Life ain't always easy.
Depending upon what your life is currently like, your reaction to this statement could range anywhere from a slight nod and shrug all the way up to a sarcastic, "Duh!" or maybe even all the way to screaming, "TELL ME SOMETHING I DON'T KNOW, AND THEN TELL ME HOW TO FIX MY CRAPPY LIFE!"
The bad news is that I don't likely have the answers to fix all the challenges you're facing right now. The good news is that there are more answers within you than you might realize, and one of the most useful way to transform obstacles into opportunities is to change how you view them. The trick is to tweak your attitude just a bit; shift your perspective enough to see your current difficulties as mini-puzzles that, once solved, will help you acquire new skills. The bigger the puzzle, the more difficult this can be AND the more lessons you can learn from it. Of course, shifting your attitude alone won't solve the puzzles. It will, however, unlock significant internal resources to help you get started.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Ripples #716: Loving to Love.
Ripples #716: Loving to Love.
For our tribe of 31,234 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/11/2013
PEBBLE:
Sow love. Grow love. Know love.
-source unknown, shared by Nathan in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
Love is always bestowed as a gift-
freely, willingly,
and without expectation.
We don't love to be loved;
we love to love.
-Leo F. Buscaglia
PONDER:
Over the past 14 years of sending out Ripples, we've often chosen a "love" theme for the second week of February even though not everyone *loves* Valentine's Day. In previous issues I've repeatedly suggested we focus less on the "buy your sweetie some candy" aspect of what some may view as a contrived holiday, and instead ponder the extraordinary opportunities that exist in recognizing and appreciating love.
Look beyond your Facebook relationship status and notice who, or what, has allowed love to flourish in your heart this year AND what connections might improve if you shared more love. Whether it is a romantic connection, family member, friend, colleague, neighbor, pet, or maybe even a favorite tree in your favorite park, do something to honor LOVE this week.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. I hope you love receiving Ripples as much as I love coordinating them. I love it, and I love you, too!
For our tribe of 31,234 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/11/2013
PEBBLE:
Sow love. Grow love. Know love.
-source unknown, shared by Nathan in Madison, WI
BOULDER:
Love is always bestowed as a gift-
freely, willingly,
and without expectation.
We don't love to be loved;
we love to love.
-Leo F. Buscaglia
PONDER:
Over the past 14 years of sending out Ripples, we've often chosen a "love" theme for the second week of February even though not everyone *loves* Valentine's Day. In previous issues I've repeatedly suggested we focus less on the "buy your sweetie some candy" aspect of what some may view as a contrived holiday, and instead ponder the extraordinary opportunities that exist in recognizing and appreciating love.
Look beyond your Facebook relationship status and notice who, or what, has allowed love to flourish in your heart this year AND what connections might improve if you shared more love. Whether it is a romantic connection, family member, friend, colleague, neighbor, pet, or maybe even a favorite tree in your favorite park, do something to honor LOVE this week.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. I hope you love receiving Ripples as much as I love coordinating them. I love it, and I love you, too!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Ripples #715: Smart Cookie!
Ripples #715: Smart Cookie!
For our tribe of 31,322 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/05/2013
PEBBLE:
You can't be a smart cookie
if you have a crummy attitude.
-John Maxwell, shared by Sue in Lincoln, NE
BOULDER:
I am determined to be cheerful and happy
in whatever situation I may find myself.
For I have learned that the greater part
of our misery or unhappiness is determined
not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
-Martha Washington, shared by Nick in New Jersey
PONDER:
We all have crummy days, that is for sure. The trick is not to crumble when you encounter them. I don't know if you have to follow Ms. Washington's strategy of ALWAYS striving for cheerful and happy, because sometimes tears need to be shed and frustration needs to be vented.
Just remember that you need to put your bestest, highest self in charge of choosing the best mood for the occasion. Avoid getting TRAPPED in grief or anger and remember that at some point it can be useful to jump up, dust yourself off, and remember what a smart cookie you really are.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I apologize if, like me, this week's theme instills in you a temptation to devour sweets.
*****
Ripples: Free weekly splash of inspiration.
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If you have trouble unsubscribing,
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The Ripples Guy is eager to provide this free splash of inspiration to whomever
needs it, so please share this if you like it (yay, karma!).
For our tribe of 31,322 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
02/05/2013
PEBBLE:
You can't be a smart cookie
if you have a crummy attitude.
-John Maxwell, shared by Sue in Lincoln, NE
BOULDER:
I am determined to be cheerful and happy
in whatever situation I may find myself.
For I have learned that the greater part
of our misery or unhappiness is determined
not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
-Martha Washington, shared by Nick in New Jersey
PONDER:
We all have crummy days, that is for sure. The trick is not to crumble when you encounter them. I don't know if you have to follow Ms. Washington's strategy of ALWAYS striving for cheerful and happy, because sometimes tears need to be shed and frustration needs to be vented.
Just remember that you need to put your bestest, highest self in charge of choosing the best mood for the occasion. Avoid getting TRAPPED in grief or anger and remember that at some point it can be useful to jump up, dust yourself off, and remember what a smart cookie you really are.
Peace,
Paul
p.s. I apologize if, like me, this week's theme instills in you a temptation to devour sweets.
*****
Ripples: Free weekly splash of inspiration.
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php
To CHANGE EMAIL:
http://theripplesproject.org/12all/lt.php?c=506&m=876&nl=13&s=dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13&lid=2579&l=-http--theripplesproject.org/12all/p_m.php--Q-nl--E-13--A-c--E-506--A-m--E-876--A-s--E-dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13
To UNSUBSCRIBE:
http://theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?nl=13&c=506&m=876&s=dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13&funcml=unsub2
Get more Ripples here:
Facebook: http://theripplesproject.org/12all/lt.php?c=506&m=876&nl=13&s=dfb706258cf0416bd4d6592ffb5ddd13&lid=2572&l=-http--Facebook.com/TheRipplesGuy
Twitter: http://Twitter.com/UnleashRipples
If you have trouble unsubscribing,
reply to this message and I will
personally assist you.
Or you can mail us at:
The Ripples Project,
1360 Regent St., Madison WI 53715
The Ripples Guy is eager to provide this free splash of inspiration to whomever
needs it, so please share this if you like it (yay, karma!).
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Ripples #714: Making The World Awesome!
Ripples #714: Making The World Awesome!
For our tribe of 31,418 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/28/2013
PEBBLE:
The world gets better
whenever we risk something
to make it better.
-Paulo Coelho (adapted), shared by Sara in Cincinnati, OH
BOULDER:
Go out and make a difference
in your community.
You don't need endless time
and perfect conditions.
Do it now.
Do it today.
Do it for twenty minutes and
watch your heart start beating.
-Barbara Sher
PONDER:
"I think we all need a pep talk."
These are the first words of a short and sweet YouTube video I stumbled upon at 3:30am Saturday morning (don't ask). Like many of my fellow Ripplers, I have seen my share of upbeat, quirky, inspiring videos; this one...well, you really need to see it for yourself. Really. I predict you'll never be able to look at Robert Frost or "Space Jam" the same again, nor will you respond to tough stuff without wondering whether you should CRY or DANCE.
An earnest and passionate (and adorable) "Kid President" plays the role of inspirer-in-chief as he challenges us to "make the world awesome." He even tells us why this is so important: "It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance."
So please, take a moment to watch the video and decide if you are brave enough to "stop being boring!" If you like it as much as I do I hope you'll consider sharing with your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. And after you do that, make sure you do a little dance.
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You: http://youtu.be/l-gQLqv9f4o
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,418 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/28/2013
PEBBLE:
The world gets better
whenever we risk something
to make it better.
-Paulo Coelho (adapted), shared by Sara in Cincinnati, OH
BOULDER:
Go out and make a difference
in your community.
You don't need endless time
and perfect conditions.
Do it now.
Do it today.
Do it for twenty minutes and
watch your heart start beating.
-Barbara Sher
PONDER:
"I think we all need a pep talk."
These are the first words of a short and sweet YouTube video I stumbled upon at 3:30am Saturday morning (don't ask). Like many of my fellow Ripplers, I have seen my share of upbeat, quirky, inspiring videos; this one...well, you really need to see it for yourself. Really. I predict you'll never be able to look at Robert Frost or "Space Jam" the same again, nor will you respond to tough stuff without wondering whether you should CRY or DANCE.
An earnest and passionate (and adorable) "Kid President" plays the role of inspirer-in-chief as he challenges us to "make the world awesome." He even tells us why this is so important: "It's everybody's duty to give the world a reason to dance."
So please, take a moment to watch the video and decide if you are brave enough to "stop being boring!" If you like it as much as I do I hope you'll consider sharing with your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. And after you do that, make sure you do a little dance.
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You: http://youtu.be/l-gQLqv9f4o
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Ripples #713: Illumination!
Ripples #713: Illumination!
For our tribe of 31,491 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/22/2013
PEBBLE:
Everything that we see is a shadow
cast by that which we do not see.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
BOULDER:
Hatred and bitterness
can never cure the disease of fear;
only love can do that.
Hatred paralyzes life;
love releases it.
Hatred confuses life;
love harmonizes it.
Hatred darkens life;
love illuminates it.
-Martin Luther King, Jr., shared by Myke in New Orleans, LA
PONDER:
As our nation pauses to reflect on the contributions of Dr. King AND to recognize President Obama's second inauguration, I pray that we can all aspire to find the courage for compassionate engagement in the challenging policy discussions around guns, budgets, civil rights, and other issues of the day. Sometimes there is so much that divides us that we seem to forget how much we have in common. It takes patience, humility, and LOTS of courage to focus first on how another person sees things; the result can often open hearts and minds, making it easier to then illuminate your own perspective.
Please, I urge you to commit to some action this week that will help illuminate our community and diminish the shadows. Think it, feel it, and DO IT!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,491 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/22/2013
PEBBLE:
Everything that we see is a shadow
cast by that which we do not see.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
BOULDER:
Hatred and bitterness
can never cure the disease of fear;
only love can do that.
Hatred paralyzes life;
love releases it.
Hatred confuses life;
love harmonizes it.
Hatred darkens life;
love illuminates it.
-Martin Luther King, Jr., shared by Myke in New Orleans, LA
PONDER:
As our nation pauses to reflect on the contributions of Dr. King AND to recognize President Obama's second inauguration, I pray that we can all aspire to find the courage for compassionate engagement in the challenging policy discussions around guns, budgets, civil rights, and other issues of the day. Sometimes there is so much that divides us that we seem to forget how much we have in common. It takes patience, humility, and LOTS of courage to focus first on how another person sees things; the result can often open hearts and minds, making it easier to then illuminate your own perspective.
Please, I urge you to commit to some action this week that will help illuminate our community and diminish the shadows. Think it, feel it, and DO IT!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Ripples #712: The Whole of Life!
Ripples #712: The Whole of Life!
For our tribe of 31,542 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/14/2013
PEBBLE:
A great life is the sum total
of all the worthwhile things
you've been doing one by one.
-Richard Bach
BOULDER:
You must understand the whole of life,
not just one little part of it.
That is why you must read,
that is why you must look at the skies,
that is why you must sing and dance
and write poems and suffer and understand,
for all that is life.
-J. Krishnamurti
PONDER:
14 years ago today we put together the very first Ripples email for the 75 people who agreed to help me experiment with a quick splash of Monday morning inspiration. We had no idea that tens of thousands of people would eventually join our tribe of happy ripplers, but even back then we knew that it was important to focus on the gigantic potential held within even the teeniest actions.
The same is true about life....the biggest answers to the biggest questions are often found in the smallest of places and within the smallest of actions. If you are seeking big solutions to big challenges, perhaps you could divert your attention to the smaller things for a bit. Let your spirit meander with some music, poetry, or a walk in nature. Some fresh perspective may unexpectedly arise, or at least you'll have taken a break and can return to the big stuff with a refreshed outlook.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,542 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/14/2013
PEBBLE:
A great life is the sum total
of all the worthwhile things
you've been doing one by one.
-Richard Bach
BOULDER:
You must understand the whole of life,
not just one little part of it.
That is why you must read,
that is why you must look at the skies,
that is why you must sing and dance
and write poems and suffer and understand,
for all that is life.
-J. Krishnamurti
PONDER:
14 years ago today we put together the very first Ripples email for the 75 people who agreed to help me experiment with a quick splash of Monday morning inspiration. We had no idea that tens of thousands of people would eventually join our tribe of happy ripplers, but even back then we knew that it was important to focus on the gigantic potential held within even the teeniest actions.
The same is true about life....the biggest answers to the biggest questions are often found in the smallest of places and within the smallest of actions. If you are seeking big solutions to big challenges, perhaps you could divert your attention to the smaller things for a bit. Let your spirit meander with some music, poetry, or a walk in nature. Some fresh perspective may unexpectedly arise, or at least you'll have taken a break and can return to the big stuff with a refreshed outlook.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Ripples #711: A Drop of YOU!
Ripples #711: A Drop of YOU!
For our tribe of 31,559 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/08/2013
PEBBLE:
You are not a drop in the ocean;
you are the entire ocean, in a drop.
-Rumi
BOULDER:
The world was made with a you-shaped hole in it.
In that way you are important.
In that way you are here to make the world.
In that way you are called.
-Tara Sophia Mohr, submitted by Sandra in Glastonbury, CT
PONDER:
We made it! We've dived into 2013 without cliff falling or world ending or anything else too crazy. Of course there are challenges to face and difficulties to overcome; but there are also lessons to learn and adventures to seize.
The world desperately needs your particular talents so take a quick breath if you need to, but really soon that you-shaped hole that Tara Sophia Mohr spoke of needs to be filled with the drop of YOU that Rumi speaks of. C'mon in and make a splash!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,559 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
01/08/2013
PEBBLE:
You are not a drop in the ocean;
you are the entire ocean, in a drop.
-Rumi
BOULDER:
The world was made with a you-shaped hole in it.
In that way you are important.
In that way you are here to make the world.
In that way you are called.
-Tara Sophia Mohr, submitted by Sandra in Glastonbury, CT
PONDER:
We made it! We've dived into 2013 without cliff falling or world ending or anything else too crazy. Of course there are challenges to face and difficulties to overcome; but there are also lessons to learn and adventures to seize.
The world desperately needs your particular talents so take a quick breath if you need to, but really soon that you-shaped hole that Tara Sophia Mohr spoke of needs to be filled with the drop of YOU that Rumi speaks of. C'mon in and make a splash!
Peace,
Paul
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