Ripples #775: Planting Seeds.

Ripples #775: Planting Seeds.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
31 Mar 2014

PEBBLE:
Don't judge each day
by the harvest you reap,
but by the seeds that you plant.
-Robert Louis Stevenson, shared by Edna in Oxon Hill, MD

BOULDER:
Every thought is a seed.
If you plant crab apples,
don’t count on harvesting
Golden Delicious.
-Bill Meyer, shared by Amy in Charlotte, NC

PONDER:
While spring takes its sweet time to rev up to full speed, I thought maybe you and I could spend some time this week considering what seeds we could plant now to ensure a bountiful harvest later on:

1.  We could plant some kindness with friends or strangers that will sprout karmic blooms just when we need some brightness to appear in our life.

2.  Another option could involve planting some discipline in the form of hard work on a project that has been ignored; the rich harvest of success will taste sooo good even if the work isn’t as enjoyable as play time.

3.  Finally, we could decide to plant some acorns of forgiveness, letting our soul release long-stored hard feelings towards a person or event from the past.  By putting these deep in the ground, they can begin a slow yet powerful transformation from painful memories into sturdy reminders that we often grow stronger from the tough stuff.  Acorns become oaks.

Are you in?

Peace,
Paul

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

Ripples #572: On Purpose!

Ripples #572: On Purpose!
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,309
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

Find a purpose in life so big it will
challenge every capacity to be at your best.
-David O. McKay, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

________
BOULDER

Keep on beginning and failing.
Each time you fail, start all over again,
and you will grow stronger until
you have accomplished a purpose;
not the one you began with perhaps,
but one you'll be glad to remember.
-Anne Sullivan, submitted by Terry H., Oak Creek WI

_______
PONDER

Several hundred Ripplers will graduate from high school or college in the
coming weeks (including my niece---you go, Jamie, YOU GO!) and while some of
the have determined their next steps, others are pondering, "What's next?"
Defining a purpose for your life provides a direction for your journey, and
that direction is useful even though you may eventually alter the course.
Whether we'll be wearing a cap and gown or not, perhaps we can all pause
and reflect on our dreams and ambitions to ensure our actions are helping us
to live a life ON PURPOSE!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples #554: New Dreams!

Ripples #554: New Dreams!
Monday, Jan 4, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 23,938
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE
Your life is the manifestation of your dream; it is an art.
And you can change your life anytime
if you aren't enjoying the dream.
-Don Miguel Ruiz, submitted by Sharri d.S., Eugene, OR

________
BOULDER
To dream anything that you want to dream.
That's the beauty of the human mind.
To do anything that you want to do.
That is the strength of the human will.
To trust yourself to test your limits.
That is the courage to succeed.
-Bernard Edmonds, submitted by Danielle A., Oshkosh WI

_______
PONDER
Welcome to a new year, a new decade and an opportunity to create NEW
DREAMS! Whether you are enhancing a long-time dream or starting from
scratch, I encourage you to consider where you would like to end up this
year in terms of finances, fitness, work, school, etc., and then figure out
what you can start doing NOW to ensure you reach your destination.

If you are not into establishing resolutions, that is okay! It is still
worth dreaming a bit so you can consider this year's direction and
destination. And whatever you choose to create for yourself and others, I
hope it includes...

Peace!
Paul
p.s. You may have noticed a different format in the SUBJECT LINE.
Beginning with this issue, I have chosen to shift away from using a "volume
#, issue #" format for identifying each issue and instead will use a single
number that communicates how many issues we have Rippled since January 15,
1999.

Ripples v11.06: Aspire!

Ripples v11.06: Aspire!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 21,750
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!

_______
PEBBLE
Success is the good fortune that comes from
aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.
-Evan Esar, submitted by Stephie C., Freehold NJ

_________
BOULDER
Stand often in the company of dreamers...
they tickle your common sense
and believe you can achieve
that which is impossible.
-Mary Anne Radmacher, submitted by Cheryl B., Madison WI

_________
PONDER
Would you dream with me for a few moments?

Many of you know that a few years ago I covered my car in smiley faces and the phrases "Kindness Ripples," "Peace Ripples," and "Happiness Ripples." Since then I have been pondering what it would be like to drive around the country to hang out with fellow ripplers and see if we could create some powerful waves of inspiration. I think in light of the many challenges that we are currently facing, the time has come to make this dream a reality. As a bonus, it would be a magnificently fun way to say THANKS to many of you for ten years of nurturing The Ripples Project!

This could be as simple as showing up in your city and breaking break at a restaurant with whoever shows up, or it could be as elaborate as planning inspirational presentations and trying to gather a few dozen or a few hundred people together who need a big splash of inspiration.

In order to encourage a "group conversation," I have posted discussion topics on our Facebook & LinkedIn groups (see links below) and I need to hear from you! How could we make this happen? Where should I go? Can you help? If you are not yet a part of one of these online communities, this could be the perfect reason to join one because you'll instantly have access to many connections with the RIPPLES groups there!

Are you in?

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v11.02: Live Steam!

Ripples v11.02: Live Steam!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 21,571
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: Happy 10th Anniversary, Ripplers!

_______
PEBBLE
Everyone who's ever taken a shower has an idea.
It's the person who gets out of the shower, dries off,
and does something about it who makes a difference.
-Nolan Bushnell, submitted by Linda H., Lincoln NE

_________
BOULDER
There is an infinite distance
between the wishers and the doers.
A mere desire is lukewarm water,
which will never take a train to its destination;
the purpose must boil,
must be made into live steam to do the work.
-Orison Sweet Marden, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

_________
PONDER
Has an idea or dream bubbled up recently? Or perhaps you have had one simmering for some time? Please don't let it simply evaporate. Your mission this week, and you better choose to accept it, is to grab that Idea and experiment, share, discuss, prepare, and then use the energy of that LIVE STEAM to move forward!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v11.01: Deep Goals!

_______
PEBBLE
Until you commit your goals to paper you have intentions that are seeds without soil.
-source unknown, submitted by Noel R., Milwaukee WI

_________
BOULDER
When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning,
by dreams that need completion,
by pure love that needs expressing,
then we truly live life.
-Greg Anderson, submitted by Sarah Z., Fond du Lac WI

_________
PONDER
Even non-resolution-makers can create one simple, worthwhile, achievable, measurable goal to make sure 2009 moves us forward magnificently. Share one goal with your family, friends and colleagues and let it change your life!

Speaking of goals, we have some pretty cool plans to create some fantastic Ripples as we celebrate 10 years of Ripples. If you are on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, please consider joining us there for a second mini-splash each week!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v10.35: Prepare!

Ripples v10.35: Prepare!
September 1, 2008: a free weekly splash to 20,543 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project

__PEBBLE _________________________________

Long term success is not an event...
it is a process that will have peaks and valleys along the way.
-David Cotrell, submitted by Christopher T., Dearborn MI

__BOULDER _________________________________

To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment
when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder
and offered the chance to do a very special thing,
unique to them and fitted to their talents.

What a tragedy if that moment finds them
unprepared or unqualified for that
which could have been their finest hour.
-Winston Churchill, submitted by Judy A., Carbondale IL

__PONDER _________________________________

Many of us are enjoying the holiday weekend and PREPARING for the fall semester. Whether your life revolves around an academic calendar or not, I hope you can take a few moments this week to think about a "very special thing" you might be called to do in 2009 and what you could do in the next few months to PREPARE for it. Baby steps, my friend, just take a few baby steps this week and see what happens....

Oh, and there is still time to help out with last week's challenge! Just send a check made out to CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUE and mail it to Ripples for CAI, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715. The Ripples Project Foundation will MATCH all checks received by the end of this week and forward them to Greg!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v10.01: Actualize!

Ripples v10.01: Actualize!
Jan 7, 2008: a free weekly splash to 17,496
from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

What would the child you once were,
think of the adult you have become?
-Mike Mertes, submitted anonymously

____________________BOULDER ____________________

..The far goal of education--
as of psychotherapy, of family life, of work, of society, of life itself-
is to aid the person to grow to fullest humanness,
to the greatest fulfillment and actualization of her highest potentials,
to her greatest possible stature.

In a word, it should help her to become
the best she is capable of becoming,
to become *actually* what she deeply is potentially.
-adapted from Abraham Maslow, submitted by Brenda Halfman, Wausau WI

____________________PONDER ____________________

Welcome to 2008, and to the beginning of our TENTH YEAR of sending out RIPPLES: YIPPEE!

In addition to taking action this week to ACTUALIZE yourself, I need your help ACTUALIZING our membership. Each December we lose a pile of subscribers because emails expire and people forget to subscribe their new email addresses (or maybe they are finished being Ripply?). This is a great time of year to tell your family and friends about our happy newsletter, so if you could take a minute to forward this issue to just a couple of people that would be most Ripply of you. It would also help if you tell them how long you have been subscribing and why you like it! I am hoping that in our 10th year, we are able to reach 20,000 subscribers!

Thanks, and good luck ACTUALIZING your self in 2008!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v9.53: Release the Familiar!

Ripples v9.53: Release the Familiar!
12/31/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

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

____________________BOULDER ____________________

We must be willing
to get rid of
the life we planned
so as to have
the life that is waiting for us.
-Joseph Campbell, submitted by Tracy D., Billings MT

____________________PONDER ____________________

For many of us, this is a time to take stock of the past 12 months and ponder what the new year might hold. If you are planning to create some resolutions, I hope you will choose at least one that will surprise yourself and your close friends. If you aren't into the resolution thing, no worries of course! You can still spend some time this week examining the expectations that you and others have created for your life. Perhaps there are a few that need a little tweaking and maybe one or two need to be thrown out all together. RELEASE THE FAMILIAR and get ready for something new in 2008!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v9.01: New Directions!

Ripples v9.01: New Directions!
1/1/07: a quick splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

You cannot change your destination overnight,
but you can change your direction overnight.
-Jim Rohn, submitted by Sarah B., Burlington WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

We owe it to the past to use its gains worthily
and to advance from the point at which it left off.

We owe it to the future
to prepare a generation better than ourselves.
We owe it to the present to 'live',
to live with all the expansion of heart and soul,
all reaching out of our personality
towards those relations appointed to us.
-Charlotte Mason, submitted by Judy A., Carbondale IL

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Welcome to 2007! The new year always brings an opportunity for NEW DIRECTIONS, and that includes here at The Ripples Project! Below is a new section with content that used to be here in the PONDER area. Some times I have ended a PONDER with a challenge: "this week, try to...." Other times I have mentioned a book or website that might be worth a peek. The SPLASH section will appear occasionally to serve as a special home for these small actions that could make an immediate SPLASH in your life: call, visit, read, surf, experiment, etc. Try it, you may like it!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= SPLASH =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

In the spirit of the new year and this week's theme of NEW DIRECTIONS, I dare you to spend 5 minutes answering 5 questions at this quick retirement planner: http://www.Fidelity.com/MyPlan . * I know, some of you may feel you are too young to think about this....there are others here who wish someone would have nudged them to think about this earlier. If you find it useful, let me know!

Another splash to consider: would you like to meet other Ripply people? We are convening a Ripply Town Meeting on Sunday afternoon, January 21 here in Madison.

Peace,
Paul
*This is not a paid advertisement, nor an endorsement of an organization. I just thought it had Ripply Potential and it is okay if you disagree!

Ripples v8.42: Ripples of IMAGINATION!

Ripples v8.42: Ripples of IMAGINATION!
10/16/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Logic will be you from A to B.
Imagination will take you everywhere.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Lin H., Bloomington IL

Use your imagination, not to scare yourself to death
but to inspire yourself to life.
-Adele Brookman, submitted by Linda V., Ames IA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Imagination does not
become great
until human beings,
given the courage and strength,
use it to create.
-Maria Montessori, submitted by Justin K., Cottage Grove WI

Most of the good things civilization has achieved
are the result of somebody's seeing, in his mind's eye,
how to do something better, or make something better.
Without imagination an executive cannot foresee
the good things the future may hold.
-Cason Callaway, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

I strive to ensure that Ripples takes only one minute to read each Monday morning, and since I couldn't decide between all the above quotes, I only have a few seconds left....

So do this: close your eyes for the next 60 seconds and use your IMAGINATION to create something realistic and really exciting that could happen today. Then open your eyes and spend another 60 minutes doing something to make it more likely that it could happen!

GO!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v8.06: Ripples of DREAMING INTO ACTION!

Ripples v8.06: Ripples of DREAMING INTO ACTION!
2/6/06: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

It\'s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
-Paulo Coelho, submitted by Trevor M. San Luis Obispo CA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The life that conquers is the life that moves
with a steady resolution and persistence
toward a predetermined goal.
Those who succeed are those who have thoroughly
learned the immense importance of plan in life,
and the tragic brevity of time.
- W.J. Davison, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

I am sending this issue of Ripples out from Hollywood, California where I spent the weekend at the U.S. Tennis Association\'s Community Tennis Development Workshop. The event was held in the same complex as the Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards show. My closing session (that was held in the same room that occupies the Governor\'s Ball which takes place after the Oscars are handed out!) included an opportunity to have the workshop participants look through handouts and notes they collected throughout the weekend of presentations and meetings to identify a few specific items they wanted to follow up with. I believe that actually taking the time to jot some notes and setting a goal or two can transform a meeting or conference into a valuable opportunity for growth.

Can you take a few minutes today to think back on a recent session you attended and perhaps review your notes or at least your memory to identify some follow up actions you could take? Perhaps you will want to send an email to someone you chatted with, or try to implement an innovative technique you learned of. Maybe it is as simple as a lunchtime conversation with a friend to talk through what you liked about the presentation or meeting so you could bring the topic back into your consciousness. From there you might DREAM something big and then take ACTION on it! Who knows, perhaps you could win an award (sorry, I\'ve got Oscars in my brain)!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.49: Ripples of STRANGE ADVENTURES!

Ripples v7.49: Ripples of STRANGE ADVENTURES!
12/26/05: your FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The strangest adventures can start with the simplest ideas.
-written and submitted by Brian C., San Louis Obispo CA

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Every day you may make progress.
Every step may be fruitful.
Yet there will stretch out before you an
ever-lengthening,
ever-ascending,
ever-improving path.

You know you will never get
to the end of the journey.
But this, so far from discouraging,
only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.
– Sir Winston Churchill, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

As the year winds down, some you may either be anticipating or dreading the idea of resolutions or goals for 2006. While most resolutions get abandoned quickly because they aren't S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timed), I remain an enthusiastic fan of the concept. You may want to spend a few minutes this week dreaming BIG and then setting some reasonable goals.

It may seem ironic that most of those who have successfully and permanently kicked the smoking habit have had a number of unsuccessful attempts in the past. They usually aren\'t successful on the first attempt, but each attempt brings them closer to the ultimate win. Even if you\'re discourage by past failures to achieve some lofty goal, remember that your past failures could be a sign that you are destined to succeed THIS time around. C\'mon, you can do it!

One of my own lofty ambitions is to get members (and guests) of The Ripples Project to interact with each other. We once had a fairly active discussion board, but it has died down and I'm going to see if we can start chatting again.
Would you please share any STRANGE ADVENTURE you hope to have this year with us:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=169.0

Also, take a look at other topics, or start another thread yourself:
http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php

Receiving this newsletter doesn't necessarily mean you have a username for the community discussion board, so take just a moment to create one and the share your thoughts with us all. If you have trouble using the board, let me know and I\'ll be around this week to troubleshoot.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v7.35: Ripples of VISION & ACTION!

Ripples v7.35: Ripples of VISION & ACTION!
Monday, September 19, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Sight counts the seeds in an apple.
Vision counts the apples in a seed.
-Chris Carey, submitted by Troy S., Atlanta GA

Someone\'s sitting in the shade today because
someone planted a tree a long time ago.
-Warren Buffet, submitted by Pat J., Waukesha WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The vision must be followed by the venture.
It is not enough to stare up the steps -
We must step up the stairs.
-Vance Havner, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

Vision without action is merely a dream.
Action without vision just passes the time.
Vision with action can change the world.
-Joel A. Barker

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

This week included two days of hanging out with some fun trainers at CUNA\'s Experience Learning Live! event just five blocks from home in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Then I had to drive a whole 10 miles over to Sun Prairie to teach a few courses at General Casualty Insurance. Then I headed back to Madison, only this Madison was in New Jersey, to help some student leaders ponder their possibilities at Drew University.

Even though each group was at different points in their lives, at each presentation I was asking participants to imagine what they wanted their work or school or life to look like. I then asked them what actions they could take to move toward that. We often forget that creating a clear VISION of what you want is an important part of creating a successful life and then you have to put that vision into ACTION.

I challenge you this week to spend a few moments developing or refreshing a VISION for some specific area of your life (work, school, etc.). Don\'t forget to spend a few more moments putting that vision into ACTION!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v6.31: Ripples of A BETTER BLURB!

Ripples v6.31: Ripples of A BETTER BLURB!
Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 11,000+

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The problem with not having a goal is you spend your
whole life running up and down the field and never scoring.
-source unknown, submitted by Rocky M., Blackfoot, ID


=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Greatness is not in where we stand,
but in what direction we are moving.

We must sail sometimes with the wind,
and sometimes against it,
but sail we must,
and not drift or lie at anchor.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

The quotes this week stress the importance of having
a clear sense of direction. Well, The Ripples Project
needs your help in clarifying WHO WE ARE and
WHAT WE DO!

A few years ago a handful of really cool people helped
define the original mission of The Ripples Project:
to inspire and reward small waves of kindness.
But in our new site this fall, we need a better blurb!
We need to find a short, snappy sentence or phrase
that quickly communicates who we are and what we're
trying to motivate people to do. So, how do you describe
The Ripples Project when you're telling someone about it?

We want a brief "blurb" that gets at the idea across
that small acts of kindness keep on going, AND that kind acts
come back to you! Whether you think of this as a mission,
a slogan, or a tagline, send your best blurb to
BetterBlurb@TheRipplesProject.org
mailto:BetterBlurb@TheRipplesProject.org
this week and we'll pick the best to get some more feedback.
The creator of the best "blurb" will get a mountain of
Ripples Goodies and our eternal gratitude.

Peace,
Paul

p.s. Last week was a slower week in sales, so help if you can!
We have now raised $5,600 of the $12,000 we need for
our new website....your purchase from the store helps us
get even closer to a quantum leap in creating ripples!
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm

***************************************************************************
Ripples: a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
store: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
subscribe FREE: blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
unsubscribe: blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
submissions: send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org

Ripples v6.29: Ripples of CLEAR VISION!

Ripples v6.29: Ripples of CLEAR VISION!
Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 11,000+

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Even as my eyesight dims somewhat, I find that my vision improves;
that I see the larger picture more clearly as time goes on.
-Elder David B. Haight (1906-2004)

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Your vision will become clear
only when you look into your heart.
Who looks outside, dreams.
Who looks inside, awakens.
-Carl Jung submitted by Pat J. Wauwatosa, WI

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

In presentations on goal setting, one of the key points we
often explore is the importance of visualization:
a clear mental image of what you seek
creates a map of how to achieve it.
Similar to an atlas, a very detailed "mind map"
is more useful in finding your destination.

Today I challenge you to spend some time refining
a vision you have for work, school, or life.
Imagine what it will look like, sound like, and feel like
once this vision is a reality...the more details the better.

Every day this week pause for 60 seconds to picture your
CLEAR VISION and soon you will see all kinds of opportunities
to nudge it closer to reality! Ok, GO!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v6.19: Ripples of YOUR QUEST!

Ripples v6.19: Paul's FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 11,000+

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

If we did all we were capable of doing,
we would literally astonish ourselves.
-Thomas Edison, submitted by Ruth M., Janesville, Wisconsin

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Without a quest, life is quickly reduced to bleak black and wimpy white,
a diet too bland to get anybody out of bed in the morning.
A quest fuels our fire.
It refuses to let us drift downstream gathering debris.
-Charles Swindoll, submitted by Mia W., Greensboro, North Carolina

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

I do apologize if you didn't receive last week's Ripples. We will have a new system by fall, but until then we will unfortunately be straining our current set up. Ah, the growing pains of adolescence! Please
know you can ALWAYS peek at our archives to see previous issues:
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples

We are on a quest here at The Ripples Project to build a sturdy new home that will allow all of us to
create more powerful and more sustainable Ripples. And what is YOUR quest? What have you been
thinking about doing that you need to stop thinking about and start DOING? If you have been
depressed or frustrated or feeling held back lately, choose today to recall what mission had you fired
up and take some action to get back on track.

C'mon, I know you have it in you! I believe your actions could be especially effective this week! GO!

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v5.47: Ripples of YOUR PATH!

Ripples v5.47: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for over
10,000 Members (and their friends!)

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o

In the path of our happiness shall we find
the learning for which we have chosen this lifetime.
-Donald Shimoda submitted by Kimberly D., Indiana
(Isnt' Donald Shimoda a Richard Bach character? -ed. note)

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Any path is only a path.

There is no affront to yourself or others in dropping it
if that is what your heart tells you to do.
But your decision to keep on the path or to leave it
must be free of fear and ambition.

I warn you: Look at every path closely and deliberately.

Try it as many times as you think necessary.
Then ask yourself and yourself alone one question.
It is this: Does the path have a heart?
Does the path have a heart is the only question.
If it does, then the path is good.
If it doesn't, it is of no use.
-Carlos Castaneda, submitted by Elizabeth R. Portland, OR

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

If you are feeling stressed out right now as the end of your _______
(semester, fiscal year, etc.) approaches, you are not the only one.
It seems every person I have spoken to lately has a path filled with
the craziness of deadlines, tasks, chores, and plans. I urge you to
take a moment today to let the above quotes sink in and then let some
of your stress drain out.

Two-minutes to tranquility: for the first minute, close your eyes,
take a few deep breaths and recall a peaceful walk you've taken in
nature recently; in the second minute, open your eyes and send a
quick postcard, email, or voicemail to someone who deserves a "thank
you" from you. Then jump back on your path, hopefully finding it a
little more manageable and a little less crazy.

Peace,
Paul

Ripples v5.12: Ripples of CASTLES!

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost;
that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
-Henry David Thoreau, submitted by Elizabeth C.

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Only as high as I reach can I grow,
Only as far as I seek can I go,
Only as deep as I look can I see,
Only as much as I dream can I be.
-source unknown, submitted by Krys P.

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o

Last week I connected with employees from several credit unions
around Michigan and in each of the six presentations we spent some
time trying to expand our possibilities with DREAMING. In the
process of setting goals, dreaming is the essential first step that
helps us move beyond the limitations we have set for ourselves.
Dreaming allows obstacles to drift away so that impossibilities
transform into inevitabilities, and NO becomes YES!

So, what is your simple task for this week? DREAM, my friend, and DREAM BIG!

Peace to you,

Paul