Ripples #789: Fulfillment or Fiasco?
A splash of inspiration
from The Ripples Guy
7 July 2014
PEBBLE:
Embedded in the edge of risk and fear
is the authenticity that makes life worth living.
-Mark Nepo, shared by Pat in Cincinnati, OH
BOULDER:
Over and over again, you are called to the realm of adventure, you are called to new horizons. Each time, there is the same problem: do I dare? And then if you do dare, the dangers are there, and the help also, and the fulfillment or the fiasco. There's always the possibility of a fiasco. But there's also the possibility of bliss.
-Joseph Campbell, Pathways to Bliss: Mythology and Personal Transformation, shared by Kerry in Cincinnati, OH
PONDER:
You don’t get to know exactly how today is going to turn out, and you don’t get to know whether the thing you’re itching to attempt is going to help you soar to new heights or leave you sobbing like a forest mole trapped in a smoldering pile of beaver dung (I have no idea where that image came from. Just go with it, okay?). The precise outcome is mostly beyond your control, so it might be more useful and more powerful to focus on your effort and determination and passion and anything else you can toss into the early part of your adventure. Quite simply, I think you need to go for it.
Give this week your absolute best, and let any fulfillment be your reward while any fiasco will be a learning opportunity (and a good story for some day when you’ve triumphed at last).
Peace,
Paul
((( The Ripples Guy )))
Showing posts with label Embrace Possibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Embrace Possibility. Show all posts
Monday, July 7, 2014
Monday, June 2, 2014
Ripples #784: Creating Yourself!
Ripples #784: Creating Yourself!
A splash of inspiration
from The Ripples Guy
2 June 2014
PEBBLE:
Life is not about finding yourself;
life is about creating yourself.
-source unknown, shared by Ann in Raleigh, NC
BOULDER:
Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "This is the real me," and when you have found that....follow it.
-William James
PONDER:
I’ve just returned home from a powerfully exhilarating (and thoroughly exhausting) weekend with 2,000 of the peppiest and brightest and funnest residence hall leaders this former rez lifer could ever hope to hang out with. Some of them don’t yet realize that what started for them as a “college co-curricular activity” is going to significantly shift their life path, and may even point them toward a career working with college students.
I hope you are keeping your eyes and ears open for what brings *you* most alive, and then tweaking your life as necessary to make room for more of it. We need more people to bring their BEST SELVES to work and life; I believe you do that by recognizing your gifts and then offering those gifts to the world.
Peace,
Paul
A splash of inspiration
from The Ripples Guy
2 June 2014
PEBBLE:
Life is not about finding yourself;
life is about creating yourself.
-source unknown, shared by Ann in Raleigh, NC
BOULDER:
Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, "This is the real me," and when you have found that....follow it.
-William James
PONDER:
I’ve just returned home from a powerfully exhilarating (and thoroughly exhausting) weekend with 2,000 of the peppiest and brightest and funnest residence hall leaders this former rez lifer could ever hope to hang out with. Some of them don’t yet realize that what started for them as a “college co-curricular activity” is going to significantly shift their life path, and may even point them toward a career working with college students.
I hope you are keeping your eyes and ears open for what brings *you* most alive, and then tweaking your life as necessary to make room for more of it. We need more people to bring their BEST SELVES to work and life; I believe you do that by recognizing your gifts and then offering those gifts to the world.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, April 28, 2014
Ripples #779: Our Puzzle, Your Piece.
Ripples #779: Our Puzzle, Your Piece.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
28 Apr 2014
PEBBLE:
There are no extra pieces in the universe.
Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill,
and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.
-Deepak Chopra
BOULDER:
When we feel passion for something,
it is because we are remembering what
it was that we came here to do.
The more passion we feel,
the more in alignment with Source we are,
allowing this energy to pour through us
with no hesitation.
This is the way it was meant to be.
-Karen Bishop
PONDER:
So yeah, folks: it turns out that we need your particular piece of this vast and wacky puzzle of life. Keep your eyes and your heart open for the projects that make you feel most alive, and be curious about how that may be leading you to fulfill the highest version of your purpose here on earth. If you’re having trouble identifying these passions, notice what you long for, what you daydream about, even what movies, books, and people you’re drawn to. Perhaps keeping track of these in a journal can lead you to recognizing the shape and texture of your particular puzzle piece.
Speaking of your piece of this puzzle, I need a big favor to help keep the Ripples flowing. I used to be a little better about encouraging people to submit awesome quotes so that Ripples could continue being a group effort, and while a few loyal ripplers still occasionally pitch in, I find that I need a regular stream of fresh inspiration to unleash the ripply magic. I would absolutely love it if a few dozen of you spent a few minutes digging up a couple of fresh and fabulous quotes that speak to you. Ideally, you would share who said/wrote the words along with your first name and hometown so I can included, “shared by Linda in Manhattan, KS”. Are you in? Please, be in.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
28 Apr 2014
PEBBLE:
There are no extra pieces in the universe.
Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill,
and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.
-Deepak Chopra
BOULDER:
When we feel passion for something,
it is because we are remembering what
it was that we came here to do.
The more passion we feel,
the more in alignment with Source we are,
allowing this energy to pour through us
with no hesitation.
This is the way it was meant to be.
-Karen Bishop
PONDER:
So yeah, folks: it turns out that we need your particular piece of this vast and wacky puzzle of life. Keep your eyes and your heart open for the projects that make you feel most alive, and be curious about how that may be leading you to fulfill the highest version of your purpose here on earth. If you’re having trouble identifying these passions, notice what you long for, what you daydream about, even what movies, books, and people you’re drawn to. Perhaps keeping track of these in a journal can lead you to recognizing the shape and texture of your particular puzzle piece.
Speaking of your piece of this puzzle, I need a big favor to help keep the Ripples flowing. I used to be a little better about encouraging people to submit awesome quotes so that Ripples could continue being a group effort, and while a few loyal ripplers still occasionally pitch in, I find that I need a regular stream of fresh inspiration to unleash the ripply magic. I would absolutely love it if a few dozen of you spent a few minutes digging up a couple of fresh and fabulous quotes that speak to you. Ideally, you would share who said/wrote the words along with your first name and hometown so I can included, “shared by Linda in Manhattan, KS”. Are you in? Please, be in.
Peace,
Paul
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
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, 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, 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 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, 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, 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 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
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 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, 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, December 9, 2012
Ripples #707: Collide With Life!
Ripples #707: Collide With Life!
For our tribe of 31,716 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
12/10/2012
PEBBLE:
Let fate do its job and make time to collide with real life.
-written/submitted by Ryan Kacvinsky in La Crosse, WI
BOULDER:
Live life fully while you're here.
Experience everything.
Take care of yourself and your friends.
Have fun, be crazy, be weird.
Go out and screw up!
You're going to anyway,
so you might as well enjoy the process.
Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes:
find the cause of your problem and eliminate it.
Don't try to be perfect;
just be an excellent example of being human.
-Anthony Robbins, submitted by Paul from North Weymouth, MA
PONDER:
If something or someone has especially excited, delighted, frustrated or scared you this week, it could be a sign that life is inviting you to shake it up a bit. It you're experiencing it as something good, I dare you to increase its impact by savoring the opportunity to, as my awesome buddy Ryan phrased it so eloquently, COLLIDE WITH LIFE. On the other hand, if you're annoyed with the situation: you might want to take a deep breath and consider changing your perspective so that you can recognize (or create) a growth opportunity. Perhaps this is a chance to speak up for yourself OR learn to accept that some things are beyond your control OR maybe it is time to embrace your imperfect, crazy life and see if you can smile/sigh your way to sanity? Decide, then collide!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,716 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
12/10/2012
PEBBLE:
Let fate do its job and make time to collide with real life.
-written/submitted by Ryan Kacvinsky in La Crosse, WI
BOULDER:
Live life fully while you're here.
Experience everything.
Take care of yourself and your friends.
Have fun, be crazy, be weird.
Go out and screw up!
You're going to anyway,
so you might as well enjoy the process.
Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes:
find the cause of your problem and eliminate it.
Don't try to be perfect;
just be an excellent example of being human.
-Anthony Robbins, submitted by Paul from North Weymouth, MA
PONDER:
If something or someone has especially excited, delighted, frustrated or scared you this week, it could be a sign that life is inviting you to shake it up a bit. It you're experiencing it as something good, I dare you to increase its impact by savoring the opportunity to, as my awesome buddy Ryan phrased it so eloquently, COLLIDE WITH LIFE. On the other hand, if you're annoyed with the situation: you might want to take a deep breath and consider changing your perspective so that you can recognize (or create) a growth opportunity. Perhaps this is a chance to speak up for yourself OR learn to accept that some things are beyond your control OR maybe it is time to embrace your imperfect, crazy life and see if you can smile/sigh your way to sanity? Decide, then collide!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, November 12, 2012
Ripples #703: Live Your Time!
Ripples #703: Live Your Time.
For our tribe of 31,907 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
11/13/2012
PEBBLE:
The way we spend our time defines who we are.
-Jonathan Estrin
BOULDER:
The one thing that you have
that nobody else has is you.
Your voice, your mind,
your story, your vision.
So write and draw and
build and play and dance
and live as only you can.
-Neil Gaiman
PONDER:
There are so many minutes that we have to spend on work and school and chores and stuff we *have* to do, that there are sometime precious few minutes that *we* get to decide exactly how to spend. The fewer of these you have this week, the more important it is to make good choices about how to spend them.
Please spend a moment today making good choices about how you're going to spend your extra minutes. Perhaps you'll choose to have a mini-adventure with a friend or two; on the other hand, you may need some quiet alone time. If free time is really sparse, take a few deep breaths and settle into the moment just to savor the here and now for a minute or two. Here, Now!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Welcome to our new peeps from New Mexico State University and University of Nebraska. It was fantastic to visit last week, and I won't soon forget my time with you!
For our tribe of 31,907 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
11/13/2012
PEBBLE:
The way we spend our time defines who we are.
-Jonathan Estrin
BOULDER:
The one thing that you have
that nobody else has is you.
Your voice, your mind,
your story, your vision.
So write and draw and
build and play and dance
and live as only you can.
-Neil Gaiman
PONDER:
There are so many minutes that we have to spend on work and school and chores and stuff we *have* to do, that there are sometime precious few minutes that *we* get to decide exactly how to spend. The fewer of these you have this week, the more important it is to make good choices about how to spend them.
Please spend a moment today making good choices about how you're going to spend your extra minutes. Perhaps you'll choose to have a mini-adventure with a friend or two; on the other hand, you may need some quiet alone time. If free time is really sparse, take a few deep breaths and settle into the moment just to savor the here and now for a minute or two. Here, Now!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Welcome to our new peeps from New Mexico State University and University of Nebraska. It was fantastic to visit last week, and I won't soon forget my time with you!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Ripples #697: Pursue Your Dream.
Ripples #697: Pursue Your Dream.
For our tribe of 31,755 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/02/2012
PEBBLE:
It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
-Albus Dumbledore, submitted by Marnie in West Lafayette, IN
BOULDER:
Until you decide
to pursue your Dream,
you are never going
to love your life
the way you were meant to.
-Bruce Wilkinson, submitted by Maggie in Eau Claire, WI
PONDER:
Some days are for staring out into space, to wander through your wonderings.
Other days are for standing up and moving forward on your dreams. Yeah, there is a time for incubation of dreams. Today, however, could be about embracing possibilities with action.
It is okay if you're not 100% sure if this is the "right" dream, and it is okay if you're not 100% sure what happens if/when this dream is fulfilled. Just decide that taking action toward the dream at hand will move you upward and onward. You'll be transformed by the movement even if you change directions down the road.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 31,755 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
10/02/2012
PEBBLE:
It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
-Albus Dumbledore, submitted by Marnie in West Lafayette, IN
BOULDER:
Until you decide
to pursue your Dream,
you are never going
to love your life
the way you were meant to.
-Bruce Wilkinson, submitted by Maggie in Eau Claire, WI
PONDER:
Some days are for staring out into space, to wander through your wonderings.
Other days are for standing up and moving forward on your dreams. Yeah, there is a time for incubation of dreams. Today, however, could be about embracing possibilities with action.
It is okay if you're not 100% sure if this is the "right" dream, and it is okay if you're not 100% sure what happens if/when this dream is fulfilled. Just decide that taking action toward the dream at hand will move you upward and onward. You'll be transformed by the movement even if you change directions down the road.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Ripples #692: Bring Forth YOU!
Ripples #692: Bring Forth YOU!
For our tribe of 31,241 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
08/27/2012
PEBBLE:
To the question of your life, you are the only answer.
To the problems of your life, you are the only solution.
-Jo Coudert
BOULDER:
If you bring forth
what is within you,
what you bring forth
will save you.
If you do not bring forth
what is within you,
what you do not bring forth
will destroy you.
-Saint Thomas, submitted by Pidge in San Fransisco, CA
PONDER:
We have a little saying around here at Ripples headquarters: uRock!
It is an acronym for "unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness." It was also created to remind us all (including YOU) that each of us are a solidly excellent part of this world. We need you to bring forth your best self to help all of us explore our potential, and YOU need you to bring forth your best self to explore YOUR potential.
Luckily, it is not as difficult as you think to do this. Because you are, well, YOU. So let down your hair (unless you like it up, and then by all means fix it up real good) and BRING FORTH YOU!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. A quick shout out to the Lakeland College and Marian University communities for rocking my week, and for the awesome folks at The Osthoff for taking good care of me while I was in eastern Wisconsin. uRock, too!
For our tribe of 31,241 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
08/27/2012
PEBBLE:
To the question of your life, you are the only answer.
To the problems of your life, you are the only solution.
-Jo Coudert
BOULDER:
If you bring forth
what is within you,
what you bring forth
will save you.
If you do not bring forth
what is within you,
what you do not bring forth
will destroy you.
-Saint Thomas, submitted by Pidge in San Fransisco, CA
PONDER:
We have a little saying around here at Ripples headquarters: uRock!
It is an acronym for "unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness." It was also created to remind us all (including YOU) that each of us are a solidly excellent part of this world. We need you to bring forth your best self to help all of us explore our potential, and YOU need you to bring forth your best self to explore YOUR potential.
Luckily, it is not as difficult as you think to do this. Because you are, well, YOU. So let down your hair (unless you like it up, and then by all means fix it up real good) and BRING FORTH YOU!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. A quick shout out to the Lakeland College and Marian University communities for rocking my week, and for the awesome folks at The Osthoff for taking good care of me while I was in eastern Wisconsin. uRock, too!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)