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
Showing posts with label Priorities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priorities. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
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, 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.
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, May 6, 2012
Ripples #676: Lighten The Load!
Ripples #676: Lighten The Load!
For our tribe of 30,915 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
05/07/2012
PEBBLE:
I cling like a miser to the freedom that disappears
as soon as there is an excess of things.
-Albert Camus, submitted by Ester in Barcelona, Catalonia
BOULDER:
Let the moment come
when nothing is left
but life,
and you will find
that you do not hesitate
over the fate of
material possessions.
-Edward V. Rickenbacker, submitted by Charlene G., Bellefonte, PA
PONDER:
It started as a tiny whisper that it was time for me to sell my home and move on. Over the last few months my intuition has evolved into a quest to LIGHTEN THE LOAD. Each box of stuff that is packed up to be donated, sold, or given away allows me to feel lighter and freer; this expansive feeling confirms that I am making the right choice to prepare for the next chapter in my life.
I wonder if there is a way you can LIGHTEN THE LOAD this week? It could be a chance to tackle a room, a shelf, or even just a drawer to figure out what you can do without. Another option might be to reach inside, see if there is an old grudge or an outdated way of looking at an issue that is no longer useful. A psychic clearing can be as freeing as a garage cleaning!
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 30,915 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
05/07/2012
PEBBLE:
I cling like a miser to the freedom that disappears
as soon as there is an excess of things.
-Albert Camus, submitted by Ester in Barcelona, Catalonia
BOULDER:
Let the moment come
when nothing is left
but life,
and you will find
that you do not hesitate
over the fate of
material possessions.
-Edward V. Rickenbacker, submitted by Charlene G., Bellefonte, PA
PONDER:
It started as a tiny whisper that it was time for me to sell my home and move on. Over the last few months my intuition has evolved into a quest to LIGHTEN THE LOAD. Each box of stuff that is packed up to be donated, sold, or given away allows me to feel lighter and freer; this expansive feeling confirms that I am making the right choice to prepare for the next chapter in my life.
I wonder if there is a way you can LIGHTEN THE LOAD this week? It could be a chance to tackle a room, a shelf, or even just a drawer to figure out what you can do without. Another option might be to reach inside, see if there is an old grudge or an outdated way of looking at an issue that is no longer useful. A psychic clearing can be as freeing as a garage cleaning!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Ripples #672: Donuts & Holes.
Ripples #672: Donuts & Holes.
For our tribe of 30,676 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
04/09/2012
PEBBLE:
As you ramble on through life, brother,
whatever be your goal,
keep your eye upon the donut
and not upon the hole.
-on the wall at "Dippy Donuts" in Omaha, NE;
submitted by Diane in Gilbert, AZ
BOULDER:
Decide to be happy today,
to live with what is yours:
your family, your business, your job, your luck.
If you can't have what you like,
maybe you can like what you have.
Just for today, be kind, cheerful, agreeable,
responsible, caring and understanding.
Be your best, dress your best, talk softly,
look for the bright side of things.
Praise people for what they do and
don't criticize them for what they cannot do.
If someone does something stupid,
forgive and forget.
After all,
it's just for one day.
-source unknown, submitted by Karen in Cincinnati, OH
PONDER:
If I asked you to brainstorm a list of things that would help make your life easier, you could probably identify a few pretty quickly: more money, different circumstances, more time with some people you enjoy and perhaps less time with certain other people.
Let's save that list for another day; instead, I want you to notice the "donuts" in your life.....the people and things and situations that make your life taste good. I challenge you, just for today (or maybe throughout this week?), to ignore the "hole"--the pieces that sometime feel missing--and just savor the goodness in your life.
Your life may be more delicious than you realize!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Yeah, I know...I'm hungry for donuts now as well. Sorry about that...
For our tribe of 30,676 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
04/09/2012
PEBBLE:
As you ramble on through life, brother,
whatever be your goal,
keep your eye upon the donut
and not upon the hole.
-on the wall at "Dippy Donuts" in Omaha, NE;
submitted by Diane in Gilbert, AZ
BOULDER:
Decide to be happy today,
to live with what is yours:
your family, your business, your job, your luck.
If you can't have what you like,
maybe you can like what you have.
Just for today, be kind, cheerful, agreeable,
responsible, caring and understanding.
Be your best, dress your best, talk softly,
look for the bright side of things.
Praise people for what they do and
don't criticize them for what they cannot do.
If someone does something stupid,
forgive and forget.
After all,
it's just for one day.
-source unknown, submitted by Karen in Cincinnati, OH
PONDER:
If I asked you to brainstorm a list of things that would help make your life easier, you could probably identify a few pretty quickly: more money, different circumstances, more time with some people you enjoy and perhaps less time with certain other people.
Let's save that list for another day; instead, I want you to notice the "donuts" in your life.....the people and things and situations that make your life taste good. I challenge you, just for today (or maybe throughout this week?), to ignore the "hole"--the pieces that sometime feel missing--and just savor the goodness in your life.
Your life may be more delicious than you realize!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. Yeah, I know...I'm hungry for donuts now as well. Sorry about that...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Ripples #657: Live Your Life!
Ripples #657: Live Your Life!
For our tribe of 29,783 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
12/26/2011
PEBBLE:
Is the life I'm living
the life that wants
to live in me?
-Parker Palmer
BOULDER:
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
-Steve Jobs, submitted by Nick in New Jersey
PONDER:
As we prepare to wrap up 2011 and launch another year, this is a great week to think about the lives we are living: decisions made, paths taken, opportunities pursued. If you conclude that any of your choices have led you in a direction that is not working as you intended, decide that 2012 will be about charting a new course so that a year from now you can more confidently answer YES to the question raised in the pebble above.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of 29,783 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
12/26/2011
PEBBLE:
Is the life I'm living
the life that wants
to live in me?
-Parker Palmer
BOULDER:
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
-Steve Jobs, submitted by Nick in New Jersey
PONDER:
As we prepare to wrap up 2011 and launch another year, this is a great week to think about the lives we are living: decisions made, paths taken, opportunities pursued. If you conclude that any of your choices have led you in a direction that is not working as you intended, decide that 2012 will be about charting a new course so that a year from now you can more confidently answer YES to the question raised in the pebble above.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Ripples v11.28: Packing for Today!
Ripples v11.28: Packing for Today!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,458
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, July 20, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
What do you pack to pursue a dream,
and what do you leave behind?
-Sandra Sharpe
________
BOULDER
Every morning, every day, we leave our houses, not knowing if it will be for the last time, and we decide what we'll take with us, what we'll carry: how much integrity, how much truth-telling, how much compassion (in case somebody along the way may need some), how much arrogance, how much anger, how much humor, how much willingness to change or be changed, to grow and to be grown. How much faith and hope, how much love and gratitude; you pack these with your lunch and medications, your date book and your papers. Every day, we gather what we think we'll need, pick up what we love and all that we so far believe, put on our history, shoulder our experience and memory, take inventory of our blessings, and we start walking toward morning.
-Victoria Safford, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
_______
PONDER
I can tell from the large volume of "out of office auto-replies" I've been receiving over the past several weeks that many members of our Ripples tribe have embarked on vacation adventures. I thought this week's theme might be an especially fresh metaphor to consider, and I hope you can spend time this week pondering what you carry around with you on a daily basis. Just like your last trip, you may find that you consistently pack way too much of some things that aren't particularly helpful (e.g. jealously, anger, fear) and perhaps forgetting to include some of the really useful treasures that could help make your journey a more exciting adventure (hope, patience, presence).
And whether your travels are literal or metaphorical, I hope yours are filled with joy and learning. Oh, and something else too:
PEACE!
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,458
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, July 20, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
What do you pack to pursue a dream,
and what do you leave behind?
-Sandra Sharpe
________
BOULDER
Every morning, every day, we leave our houses, not knowing if it will be for the last time, and we decide what we'll take with us, what we'll carry: how much integrity, how much truth-telling, how much compassion (in case somebody along the way may need some), how much arrogance, how much anger, how much humor, how much willingness to change or be changed, to grow and to be grown. How much faith and hope, how much love and gratitude; you pack these with your lunch and medications, your date book and your papers. Every day, we gather what we think we'll need, pick up what we love and all that we so far believe, put on our history, shoulder our experience and memory, take inventory of our blessings, and we start walking toward morning.
-Victoria Safford, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
_______
PONDER
I can tell from the large volume of "out of office auto-replies" I've been receiving over the past several weeks that many members of our Ripples tribe have embarked on vacation adventures. I thought this week's theme might be an especially fresh metaphor to consider, and I hope you can spend time this week pondering what you carry around with you on a daily basis. Just like your last trip, you may find that you consistently pack way too much of some things that aren't particularly helpful (e.g. jealously, anger, fear) and perhaps forgetting to include some of the really useful treasures that could help make your journey a more exciting adventure (hope, patience, presence).
And whether your travels are literal or metaphorical, I hope yours are filled with joy and learning. Oh, and something else too:
PEACE!
Paul
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Ripples v11.25: The Promise of Today!
Ripples v11.25: The Promise of Today!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,537
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, June 29, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
All that we're ever promised is today,
I'll try to remember and not wish it away.
-written & submitted by Michelle M., Cincinnati OH
________
BOULDER
There is only one.
One day to let the world know
you can make a difference;
you can change the course of the future.
You can breathe in the air of poverty, depression, hate, and
exhale the air of perseverance, happiness, and love.
Make this that day, and
show the world that
hope lies beneath,
truth lies above, and
we lie here, now;
to make a difference.
-written & submitted by Ryan K., Ashland WI
_______
PONDER
As I make my way home from a weeklong adventure in Michigan that included a few uROCK! Roadtrip stops and a reunion with my buddies from grad school (we realized while reminiscing that we first came together 20 years ago this month....yikes!), I invite you (and me!) to spend a moment treasuring THE PROMISE OF TODAY and ensuring we make the most of it!
Ooh, and while I have your attention: please notice that both the Pebble and the Boulder this week were written by their submitters, and remember that we count on a continuous feed of fresh quote submissions so we can keep creating Ripples! Submit your own words, or those of someone who inspired you recently!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,537
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, June 29, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
All that we're ever promised is today,
I'll try to remember and not wish it away.
-written & submitted by Michelle M., Cincinnati OH
________
BOULDER
There is only one.
One day to let the world know
you can make a difference;
you can change the course of the future.
You can breathe in the air of poverty, depression, hate, and
exhale the air of perseverance, happiness, and love.
Make this that day, and
show the world that
hope lies beneath,
truth lies above, and
we lie here, now;
to make a difference.
-written & submitted by Ryan K., Ashland WI
_______
PONDER
As I make my way home from a weeklong adventure in Michigan that included a few uROCK! Roadtrip stops and a reunion with my buddies from grad school (we realized while reminiscing that we first came together 20 years ago this month....yikes!), I invite you (and me!) to spend a moment treasuring THE PROMISE OF TODAY and ensuring we make the most of it!
Ooh, and while I have your attention: please notice that both the Pebble and the Boulder this week were written by their submitters, and remember that we count on a continuous feed of fresh quote submissions so we can keep creating Ripples! Submit your own words, or those of someone who inspired you recently!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Ripples v11.24: Sparks of Fire!
Ripples v11.24: Sparks of Fire!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,507
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
Monday, June 22, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
My fingers emit sparks of fire with expectations of my future labors.
-William Blake, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
________
BOULDER
Passion, it lies in all of us, sleeping... waiting...and though unwanted... unbidden... it will stir... open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us... guides us... passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love... the clarity of hatred... and the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion maybe we'd know some kind of peace... but we would be hollow... Empty rooms shuttered and dank. Without passion we'd be truly dead.
-Angel (character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), submitted by Leah P., Wisconsin
_______
PONDER
In some of my presentations I describe passion as PURPOSE in ACTION, taking place in an enriching ENVIRONMENT.
In order to be successful in any specific endeavor (project, class, job, school, life) You need to have a PURPOSE: a well-defined mission or set of objectives, and you need to set that purpose in motion through ACTION. In order to sustain your passion, that "purpose in action" must take place in the right ENVIRONMENT, a place where you and your purpose can be encouraged, nurtured, and supported.
Perhaps this week you can take a look at your life in general, or maybe one specific project or component of your work/school/life, and examine it to see how well you have defined its PURPOSE, how consistently and effectively you are taking ACTION, and how supportive your environment is. Perhaps you can tweak one or more of the three components and watch your PASSION emit more sparks!
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,507
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
Monday, June 22, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
My fingers emit sparks of fire with expectations of my future labors.
-William Blake, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
________
BOULDER
Passion, it lies in all of us, sleeping... waiting...and though unwanted... unbidden... it will stir... open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us... guides us... passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love... the clarity of hatred... and the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion maybe we'd know some kind of peace... but we would be hollow... Empty rooms shuttered and dank. Without passion we'd be truly dead.
-Angel (character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), submitted by Leah P., Wisconsin
_______
PONDER
In some of my presentations I describe passion as PURPOSE in ACTION, taking place in an enriching ENVIRONMENT.
In order to be successful in any specific endeavor (project, class, job, school, life) You need to have a PURPOSE: a well-defined mission or set of objectives, and you need to set that purpose in motion through ACTION. In order to sustain your passion, that "purpose in action" must take place in the right ENVIRONMENT, a place where you and your purpose can be encouraged, nurtured, and supported.
Perhaps this week you can take a look at your life in general, or maybe one specific project or component of your work/school/life, and examine it to see how well you have defined its PURPOSE, how consistently and effectively you are taking ACTION, and how supportive your environment is. Perhaps you can tweak one or more of the three components and watch your PASSION emit more sparks!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Ripples v11.23: Chocolate Discipline!
Ripples v11.23: Chocolate Discipline!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,531
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
Monday, June 15, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar
into four pieces with your bare hands-
and then eat just one of the pieces.
-Judith Viorst, submitted by Amy R., Downingtown PA
________
BOULDER
Maturity is the ability
to stick with a job until it's finished;
to do a job without being supervised;
to carry money without spending it; and
to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-source unknown, submitted by Beth G., Sleepy Hollow, IL
_______
PONDER
There could be a project you are working on this week that needs an extra piece of "chocolate discpline." Of course it can be difficult seeking your strength to resist temptation or to follow the path of most resistance and do the thing you NEED to do instead of the thing you WANT to do.
Remember that discipline is more of a SKILL than a personality trait and regardless of where you're starting out, if you decide to practice this week you will be more disciplined on Friday than you are today.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,531
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
Monday, June 15, 2009
_______
PEBBLE
Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar
into four pieces with your bare hands-
and then eat just one of the pieces.
-Judith Viorst, submitted by Amy R., Downingtown PA
________
BOULDER
Maturity is the ability
to stick with a job until it's finished;
to do a job without being supervised;
to carry money without spending it; and
to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-source unknown, submitted by Beth G., Sleepy Hollow, IL
_______
PONDER
There could be a project you are working on this week that needs an extra piece of "chocolate discpline." Of course it can be difficult seeking your strength to resist temptation or to follow the path of most resistance and do the thing you NEED to do instead of the thing you WANT to do.
Remember that discipline is more of a SKILL than a personality trait and regardless of where you're starting out, if you decide to practice this week you will be more disciplined on Friday than you are today.
Peace,
Paul
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Ripples v9.51: NO!
Ripples v9.51: NO!
12/17/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
When I say NO to someone else I say "yes" to myself.
-source unknown, submitted by Dottie J., Cincinnati OH
____________________BOULDER ____________________
You have to decide
what your highest priorities are
and have the courage-
-pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically-
-to say NO to other things.
And the way you do that
is by having a bigger "yes" burning inside.
-Stephen R. Covey, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR
____________________PONDER ____________________
Last week we explored the awesome power of YES, so this week I want to balance that with the tremendous potential of NO!
Some of us are so incredibly good at finding a "yes" for things, that we forget the limitations that help define our humanity: you and I have a finite amount of time, energy and passion to share with the world and we have an obligation to the people and projects in our life to consider this limitation each time we are presented with a request to share our resources.
Remember that each time you say YES to someone or something, you won't be able to spend that time and energy with someone or something else-- so you will be saying NO to someone too! Instead of being frustrated by these limitations, I invite you to celebrate the opportunity to set some priorities and make sure you are spending time on the people and projects you value most.
If you need more help saying no, I compiled some information and links on this page:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/resources/pm/no
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Remember that I am still in the mountains with almost no access to email!
12/17/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
When I say NO to someone else I say "yes" to myself.
-source unknown, submitted by Dottie J., Cincinnati OH
____________________BOULDER ____________________
You have to decide
what your highest priorities are
and have the courage-
-pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically-
-to say NO to other things.
And the way you do that
is by having a bigger "yes" burning inside.
-Stephen R. Covey, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR
____________________PONDER ____________________
Last week we explored the awesome power of YES, so this week I want to balance that with the tremendous potential of NO!
Some of us are so incredibly good at finding a "yes" for things, that we forget the limitations that help define our humanity: you and I have a finite amount of time, energy and passion to share with the world and we have an obligation to the people and projects in our life to consider this limitation each time we are presented with a request to share our resources.
Remember that each time you say YES to someone or something, you won't be able to spend that time and energy with someone or something else-- so you will be saying NO to someone too! Instead of being frustrated by these limitations, I invite you to celebrate the opportunity to set some priorities and make sure you are spending time on the people and projects you value most.
If you need more help saying no, I compiled some information and links on this page:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/resources/pm/no
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Remember that I am still in the mountains with almost no access to email!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Ripples v9.09: Good Work!
Ripples v9.09: Good Work!
2/26/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You've achieved success in your field when you don't know
whether what you are doing is work or play.
-Warrren Beatty, submitted by Sarah B., Burlington WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= WAVE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A "bold new" wave to our new friends from
Kohler Credit Union who joined us this week!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Work is not something we have to do.
It is something we have the opportunity to do
that adds depth and texture to our lives.
-source unknown, submitted by Mary H., OH
It's not so much how busy you are,
but why you are busy.
The bee is praised.
The mosquito is swatted.
-Mary O'Connor, submitted by Henry S, Neenah WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As I get ready to hunker down and watch the Oscars tonight, I am hoping that each of you has been recognized for your GOOD WORK!
For some of us, our GOOD WORK is actually at our job. Others shine at school, community service, a hobby, or raising a family. Wherever you do your thing, I hope you find it deeply rewarding. That will always be better than a little gold statue on the mantle, and as (Oscar winner) Warren Beatty suggests in this week's pebble, it will make life much more fun!
Peace,
Paul
2/26/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
You've achieved success in your field when you don't know
whether what you are doing is work or play.
-Warrren Beatty, submitted by Sarah B., Burlington WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= WAVE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A "bold new" wave to our new friends from
Kohler Credit Union who joined us this week!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Work is not something we have to do.
It is something we have the opportunity to do
that adds depth and texture to our lives.
-source unknown, submitted by Mary H., OH
It's not so much how busy you are,
but why you are busy.
The bee is praised.
The mosquito is swatted.
-Mary O'Connor, submitted by Henry S, Neenah WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As I get ready to hunker down and watch the Oscars tonight, I am hoping that each of you has been recognized for your GOOD WORK!
For some of us, our GOOD WORK is actually at our job. Others shine at school, community service, a hobby, or raising a family. Wherever you do your thing, I hope you find it deeply rewarding. That will always be better than a little gold statue on the mantle, and as (Oscar winner) Warren Beatty suggests in this week's pebble, it will make life much more fun!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Ripples v8.35: Ripples of MATTERING!
Ripples v8.35: Ripples of MATTERING!
8/28/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What will you do today that will matter tomorrow?
-Ralph Marston, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In this world of ours,
that which matters most
is not what happens to the outside of things,
but what happens to the inside of people.
-Walter Russell Bowie submitted by Katie M., Cedarville, IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do you have lots of STUFF on your plate right now? Work stuff, school stuff (already!), community service stuff, life stuff?
Many of us feel as though there are so many things on our "to do" lists that we hardly know where to start. My suggestion for this week is to start with a "mattering" test. Which item on your "to do" list could have the biggest positive impact on tomorrow? Is there an action you could take that if you do it WELL and you do it NOW, it could make tomorrow better for you and/or others around you?
Start with that action, and see if that helps create some momentum that will make even more MATTERING possible!
Have a good week, and remember that next Monday is a holiday so look for Ripples first thing on Tuesday morning, September 5.
Peace,
Paul
8/28/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
What will you do today that will matter tomorrow?
-Ralph Marston, submitted by Lauren M., McFarland WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
In this world of ours,
that which matters most
is not what happens to the outside of things,
but what happens to the inside of people.
-Walter Russell Bowie submitted by Katie M., Cedarville, IL
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do you have lots of STUFF on your plate right now? Work stuff, school stuff (already!), community service stuff, life stuff?
Many of us feel as though there are so many things on our "to do" lists that we hardly know where to start. My suggestion for this week is to start with a "mattering" test. Which item on your "to do" list could have the biggest positive impact on tomorrow? Is there an action you could take that if you do it WELL and you do it NOW, it could make tomorrow better for you and/or others around you?
Start with that action, and see if that helps create some momentum that will make even more MATTERING possible!
Have a good week, and remember that next Monday is a holiday so look for Ripples first thing on Tuesday morning, September 5.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Ripples v8.16: Ripples of CRYSTAL CLEAR!
Ripples v8.16: Ripples of CRYSTAL CLEAR!
4/17/06: 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
May you have:
the hindsight to know where you've been,
the foresight to know where you're going, and
the insight to know when you're going too far.
-Irish Toast, submitted by Colleen M., Wauwatosa WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you truly become crystal clear
on how you would love your life...
to such a degree that you
can't see anything BUT that...
it's almost IMPOSSIBLE for you not to get it.
-Dr. John F. Demartini, submitted by Angie S., Stevens Point WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I spent some time with Forward Service Corporation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They help people around the state of Wisconsin who are facing a variety of challenges to move forward with their lives, and we spent a few hours at the Brett Favre Steakhouse (and no, we didn't find out whether #4 is coming back for another season with the Packers!) focusing on renewal. One of the topics we explored was the importance of having purpose in your life. I know many people who have a general sense of direction when it comes to their work or life, while others feel like they are meandering around a bit. Every once in a while I cross paths with someone who has a laser beam focus; a CRYSTAL CLEAR notion of what they are supposed to be doing in life and how they intend to implement that purpose. Sometimes it is their work that defines them, while others have a hobby or community service effort or family-oriented mission that fuels their passion. Whatever and wherever it is, they seem to thrive from having defined or uncovered their purpose.
I dare you to spend a few minutes this week focusing on your direction. Wherever you are at in the process, it is possible to take the next step. If you are in the meandering phase, you could make a list of possible options from which you could choose. Perhaps it may be time to be more specific in your direction and commit to taking action on a few things. If you already have a well-defined mission, perhaps you could do a quick audit of your calendar to see if you have any projects or tasks that are pulling you off track.
Whichever direction you choose, I do hope it includes a heaping helping of...
Peace!
Paul
4/17/06: 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
May you have:
the hindsight to know where you've been,
the foresight to know where you're going, and
the insight to know when you're going too far.
-Irish Toast, submitted by Colleen M., Wauwatosa WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
If you truly become crystal clear
on how you would love your life...
to such a degree that you
can't see anything BUT that...
it's almost IMPOSSIBLE for you not to get it.
-Dr. John F. Demartini, submitted by Angie S., Stevens Point WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I spent some time with Forward Service Corporation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They help people around the state of Wisconsin who are facing a variety of challenges to move forward with their lives, and we spent a few hours at the Brett Favre Steakhouse (and no, we didn't find out whether #4 is coming back for another season with the Packers!) focusing on renewal. One of the topics we explored was the importance of having purpose in your life. I know many people who have a general sense of direction when it comes to their work or life, while others feel like they are meandering around a bit. Every once in a while I cross paths with someone who has a laser beam focus; a CRYSTAL CLEAR notion of what they are supposed to be doing in life and how they intend to implement that purpose. Sometimes it is their work that defines them, while others have a hobby or community service effort or family-oriented mission that fuels their passion. Whatever and wherever it is, they seem to thrive from having defined or uncovered their purpose.
I dare you to spend a few minutes this week focusing on your direction. Wherever you are at in the process, it is possible to take the next step. If you are in the meandering phase, you could make a list of possible options from which you could choose. Perhaps it may be time to be more specific in your direction and commit to taking action on a few things. If you already have a well-defined mission, perhaps you could do a quick audit of your calendar to see if you have any projects or tasks that are pulling you off track.
Whichever direction you choose, I do hope it includes a heaping helping of...
Peace!
Paul
Monday, September 5, 2005
Ripples v7.33: SACRED RIPPLES!
Ripples v7.33: SACRED RIPPLES!
Monday, September 5, 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= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A [person] is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him,
that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and
when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by From Terry H., Franklin, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We do not come to believe in ourselves
until someone reveals that deep inside us
something is valuable,
worth listening to,
worthy of our trust,
sacred to our touch.
-source unknown, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I am guessing that many of us have been overwhelmed by the events of last week in southeastern U.S.
Rebecca R. from Baton Rouge and a long time member of The Ripples Project requested we all send a big heap of encouragement/hope/love/prayers in their direction. Another great friend of ours, Marge A. from Madison, Wisconsin (where The Ripples Project is headquartered) informed us of a remarkable local effort: 48 hours after a social worker conceived an idea to provide housing for 20 families displaced by the hurricane, dozens of volunteers converged to begin preparing the twenty apartments that will hopefully be stocked with furniture, food, and a few months worth of supplies in the next few days. Physicians, dentists, and others have agreed to make their services available either free or at cost. Area churches quickly raised $10,000 on Sunday and of course much more will be needed. The displaced families are scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, and I am hoping we may be able to pitch in to help!
If you would be interested in helping Dane County, Wisconsin prepare for our small role in this massive relief effort, click here for more information: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/20Families.html .
Many other organizations are attempting to raise funds also, and I would like your help in creating a massive sacred ripple (of hope, not water--they do not need any more water!!) to a few of them. The Ripples Project will match (up to $1,000) the total amount donated by Ripples members to the Red Cross and Second Harvest and DOUBLE match (up to $2,000) the total amount donated to the Katrina Disaster Fund which will be collected by the Dane County Credit Union for use in our local efforts to provide for the 20 families.
Please consider making a check to one of these organizations:
1) Katrina Disaster Fund,
2) American Red Cross, or
3) America\'s Second Harvest
Mail your check TODAY to The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715
Checks must be received by September 16 so we can send them and the matching donation out to the respective organizations.
If you would rather donate directly, of course feel free to do that even though we won\'t be matching those donations:
http://www.RedCross.org , http://www.SecondHarvest.org .
Of course, we have not forgotten our neighbors here in Wisconsin still struggling to rebuild their lives after 20+ tornadoes swept through just last month. Beyond them, there are so many people in so many places that are in need; if you do not feel called to participate in this sacred ripple, I encourage you to create your OWN sacred ripple in whatever direction you feel is needed!
To all of them, and to all of you, I send you a most sacred helping of....
Peace,
Paul
Monday, September 5, 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= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
A [person] is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him,
that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and
when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.
-Albert Schweitzer, submitted by From Terry H., Franklin, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We do not come to believe in ourselves
until someone reveals that deep inside us
something is valuable,
worth listening to,
worthy of our trust,
sacred to our touch.
-source unknown, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I am guessing that many of us have been overwhelmed by the events of last week in southeastern U.S.
Rebecca R. from Baton Rouge and a long time member of The Ripples Project requested we all send a big heap of encouragement/hope/love/prayers in their direction. Another great friend of ours, Marge A. from Madison, Wisconsin (where The Ripples Project is headquartered) informed us of a remarkable local effort: 48 hours after a social worker conceived an idea to provide housing for 20 families displaced by the hurricane, dozens of volunteers converged to begin preparing the twenty apartments that will hopefully be stocked with furniture, food, and a few months worth of supplies in the next few days. Physicians, dentists, and others have agreed to make their services available either free or at cost. Area churches quickly raised $10,000 on Sunday and of course much more will be needed. The displaced families are scheduled to arrive by the end of the week, and I am hoping we may be able to pitch in to help!
If you would be interested in helping Dane County, Wisconsin prepare for our small role in this massive relief effort, click here for more information: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/20Families.html .
Many other organizations are attempting to raise funds also, and I would like your help in creating a massive sacred ripple (of hope, not water--they do not need any more water!!) to a few of them. The Ripples Project will match (up to $1,000) the total amount donated by Ripples members to the Red Cross and Second Harvest and DOUBLE match (up to $2,000) the total amount donated to the Katrina Disaster Fund which will be collected by the Dane County Credit Union for use in our local efforts to provide for the 20 families.
Please consider making a check to one of these organizations:
1) Katrina Disaster Fund,
2) American Red Cross, or
3) America\'s Second Harvest
Mail your check TODAY to The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St #342, Madison WI 53715
Checks must be received by September 16 so we can send them and the matching donation out to the respective organizations.
If you would rather donate directly, of course feel free to do that even though we won\'t be matching those donations:
http://www.RedCross.org , http://www.SecondHarvest.org .
Of course, we have not forgotten our neighbors here in Wisconsin still struggling to rebuild their lives after 20+ tornadoes swept through just last month. Beyond them, there are so many people in so many places that are in need; if you do not feel called to participate in this sacred ripple, I encourage you to create your OWN sacred ripple in whatever direction you feel is needed!
To all of them, and to all of you, I send you a most sacred helping of....
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Ripples v7.32: Ripples of WHAT MATTERS MOST!
Ripples v7.32: Ripples of WHAT MATTERS MOST!
Monday, August 29, 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= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Things which matter most
must never be at the mercy of
things which matter least.
-Goethe, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How different our lives are
when we really know what is important to us,
and keeping that picture in mind,
we manage ourselves each day
to be and to do
what really matters most.
-Stephen R. Covey, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I returned home to hang out with the RAs at University of Wisconsin - Madison\'s private residence halls and then drove down to fire up some new students at University of Illinois - Chicago. I spent Friday afternoon with student affairs staff and DePauw University and then helped their first year students celebrate their first week at college with a few laughs and a few things to ponder. After spending time with these groups, it is obvious that new students, those who work with students, and probably most of the rest of us face in our work and lives many more options and choices than we have ever had before. Success and happiness depends upon our ability to wade through those myriad options and decide which path to choose, which options are best for us.
It is my firm belief that much of our stress evolves from the incongruence between values and schedule. Your values are what is important to you, and your schedule is a list of how you spend your time. If you believe that family is important to you but a glance at your calendar doesn\'t indicate some family time, your schedule is incongruent with your values. If you say \"man, I need to study more\" but you do not block off study time in your schedule, more incongruence and therefore more stress. The same is true for down time, fun time, solo time, social time, reflection/prayer time. I dare you to make sure you are marking some time on this week\'s schedule to attend to WHAT MATTERS MOST. And then of course, you gotta DO IT!!
Peace,
Paul
Monday, August 29, 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= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Things which matter most
must never be at the mercy of
things which matter least.
-Goethe, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
How different our lives are
when we really know what is important to us,
and keeping that picture in mind,
we manage ourselves each day
to be and to do
what really matters most.
-Stephen R. Covey, submitted by Yani D., Salem OR
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This week I returned home to hang out with the RAs at University of Wisconsin - Madison\'s private residence halls and then drove down to fire up some new students at University of Illinois - Chicago. I spent Friday afternoon with student affairs staff and DePauw University and then helped their first year students celebrate their first week at college with a few laughs and a few things to ponder. After spending time with these groups, it is obvious that new students, those who work with students, and probably most of the rest of us face in our work and lives many more options and choices than we have ever had before. Success and happiness depends upon our ability to wade through those myriad options and decide which path to choose, which options are best for us.
It is my firm belief that much of our stress evolves from the incongruence between values and schedule. Your values are what is important to you, and your schedule is a list of how you spend your time. If you believe that family is important to you but a glance at your calendar doesn\'t indicate some family time, your schedule is incongruent with your values. If you say \"man, I need to study more\" but you do not block off study time in your schedule, more incongruence and therefore more stress. The same is true for down time, fun time, solo time, social time, reflection/prayer time. I dare you to make sure you are marking some time on this week\'s schedule to attend to WHAT MATTERS MOST. And then of course, you gotta DO IT!!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Ripples v7.22: Ripples of IDEALS!
Ripples v7.22: Ripples of IDEALS!
Monday, May 30, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.
We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin,
but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
- Samuel Ullman, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It\'s difficult in times like these:
ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us,
only to be crushed by grim reality.
It\'s a wonder I haven\'t abandoned all my ideals,
they seem so absurd and impractical.
Yet I cling to them because I still believe,
in spite of everything,
that people are truly good at heart.
I simply can\'t build my hopes
on a foundation of confusion, misery, and death...
and yet...I think...this cruelty will end,
and that peace and tranquility will return again.
-Anne Frank
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was back on the road this week to visit Lincoln, Nebraska and an passionate group of students interested in nursing and other healthcare-related careers. They certainly did not need to be lectured on how important their jobs would be, nor did they need convincing that helping others is a noble path to self fulfillment. My goal was simply to THANK them for choosing to serve others, and to suggest strategies to help them retain their passion for helping. More importantly, I hoped to reinforce their idealistic notions that even in the crazy, complex, expensive, overwhelmed healthcare system we have in the U.S., a single compassionate, caring soul can help someone heal and truly make a difference.
I suspect you have occasional moments where you catch yourself thinking wildly optimistic thoughts about your potential contribution to the world. Can you make it your goal this week to honor those moments, and let them linger a bit in your mind and heart? Those idealistic notions could become tomorrow\'s reality if you listen, and then act upon them!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. If your last name begins with A, B, C, D, or E, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!
Monday, May 30, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.
We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin,
but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
- Samuel Ullman, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDERS =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It\'s difficult in times like these:
ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us,
only to be crushed by grim reality.
It\'s a wonder I haven\'t abandoned all my ideals,
they seem so absurd and impractical.
Yet I cling to them because I still believe,
in spite of everything,
that people are truly good at heart.
I simply can\'t build my hopes
on a foundation of confusion, misery, and death...
and yet...I think...this cruelty will end,
and that peace and tranquility will return again.
-Anne Frank
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was back on the road this week to visit Lincoln, Nebraska and an passionate group of students interested in nursing and other healthcare-related careers. They certainly did not need to be lectured on how important their jobs would be, nor did they need convincing that helping others is a noble path to self fulfillment. My goal was simply to THANK them for choosing to serve others, and to suggest strategies to help them retain their passion for helping. More importantly, I hoped to reinforce their idealistic notions that even in the crazy, complex, expensive, overwhelmed healthcare system we have in the U.S., a single compassionate, caring soul can help someone heal and truly make a difference.
I suspect you have occasional moments where you catch yourself thinking wildly optimistic thoughts about your potential contribution to the world. Can you make it your goal this week to honor those moments, and let them linger a bit in your mind and heart? Those idealistic notions could become tomorrow\'s reality if you listen, and then act upon them!
Peace,
Paul
p.s. If your last name begins with A, B, C, D, or E, can you take a moment this week to tell me what you like about Ripples and anything we could do to make it better? THANKS!
Monday, August 16, 2004
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
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
Monday, January 12, 2004
Ripples v6.02: Ripples of DECISIONS!
Ripples v6.02: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
When you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Emily K.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Really believe in your heart of hearts
that your fundamental purpose,
the reason for being,
is to enlarge the lives of others.
Your life will be enlarged also.
And all of the other things
we have been taught to concentrate on
will take care of themselves.
- Pete Thigpen, submitted by Julie B., West Bend, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This is the week and today is the day that you DECIDE. You will move
from considering the idea, pondering the options, or sitting on the
fence to choosing a path and taking it. If you are still in doubt,
take these powerful steps: Select an area in your life where a
Decision is needed; identify the available options and then as an
experiment FIRMLY COMMIT to a path for 24 hours. Immediately send an
email to someone telling her/him about your decision and for the rest
of the day let every thought, feeling, and action evolve as though
the Decision was the absolute best choice you have ever made.
Tomorrow morning when you wake up your head and your heart will
either affirm your Decision (and you can then celebrate!), OR you may
sense strong regret and you can then proceed down another path
knowing your first choice was not the best for now!
C'mon, I really want you to try this one!
Peace,
Paul
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
When you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, submitted by Emily K.
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Really believe in your heart of hearts
that your fundamental purpose,
the reason for being,
is to enlarge the lives of others.
Your life will be enlarged also.
And all of the other things
we have been taught to concentrate on
will take care of themselves.
- Pete Thigpen, submitted by Julie B., West Bend, Wisconsin
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
This is the week and today is the day that you DECIDE. You will move
from considering the idea, pondering the options, or sitting on the
fence to choosing a path and taking it. If you are still in doubt,
take these powerful steps: Select an area in your life where a
Decision is needed; identify the available options and then as an
experiment FIRMLY COMMIT to a path for 24 hours. Immediately send an
email to someone telling her/him about your decision and for the rest
of the day let every thought, feeling, and action evolve as though
the Decision was the absolute best choice you have ever made.
Tomorrow morning when you wake up your head and your heart will
either affirm your Decision (and you can then celebrate!), OR you may
sense strong regret and you can then proceed down another path
knowing your first choice was not the best for now!
C'mon, I really want you to try this one!
Peace,
Paul
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