Ripples #773: Throwing Back.

Ripples #773:  Throwing Back.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
17 Mar 2014

PEBBLE:
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catchers mitt on both hands.
You need to be able to throw something back.
-Maya Angelou, shared by Courtney in San Luis Obispo, CA

BOULDER:
Since you cannot do good to all,
you are to pay special attention
to those who, by the accidents of time,
or place, or circumstances,
are brought into closer connection with you.
-Augustine of Hippo, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI

PONDER:
I know you know this, but let’s review:
Life can be awesome, and life can be awful.

No matter how many years you’ve been on this planet, chances are you’ve had lots of good days and more than a few bad days.  And while no one else has experienced your unique combination of awesome and awful, it is essential to remember that every single person on this planet has their own mix of good and bad.  This is true for each soul you encounter: your closest family, friends, neighbors, classmates, and colleagues as well as the folks you encounter occasionally and even the complete strangers that you’ll cross paths with only once.

I believe the single most powerful thing you can do to improve the world is to consistently keep your eyes and ears open for small opportunities to help the people you encounter in your daily life.  A warm smile, a quick favor, even a dallop of extra patience with someone who is “in your way” can be invaluable to someone who is struggling. Your calm presence in someone’s chaotic life can be a godsend, and here is the bonus:  It doesn’t just help them, IT HELPS YOU TOO!  I know you’ve experienced that feeling of joy that arises when you’re able to lend a hand, and I’m guessing you’ve recognized opportunities to “pay it forward” because others have been there for you in the past.

I’m not here on this planet to TEACH you about the value of creating ripples; I’m just here to remind you that your help is far more precious and valuable than you often realize.  Do yourself and others a favor and throw something back today.

Peace,
Paul
P.S. I'll be offline this week, so I'll respond to messages next week!