Ripples #773: Throwing Back.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
17 Mar 2014
PEBBLE:
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catchers mitt on both hands.
You need to be able to throw something back.
-Maya Angelou, shared by Courtney in San Luis Obispo, CA
BOULDER:
Since you cannot do good to all,
you are to pay special attention
to those who, by the accidents of time,
or place, or circumstances,
are brought into closer connection with you.
-Augustine of Hippo, shared by Ryan in La Crosse, WI
PONDER:
I know you know this, but let’s review:
Life can be awesome, and life can be awful.
No matter how many years you’ve been on this planet, chances are you’ve had lots of good days and more than a few bad days. And while no one else has experienced your unique combination of awesome and awful, it is essential to remember that every single person on this planet has their own mix of good and bad. This is true for each soul you encounter: your closest family, friends, neighbors, classmates, and colleagues as well as the folks you encounter occasionally and even the complete strangers that you’ll cross paths with only once.
I believe the single most powerful thing you can do to improve the world is to consistently keep your eyes and ears open for small opportunities to help the people you encounter in your daily life. A warm smile, a quick favor, even a dallop of extra patience with someone who is “in your way” can be invaluable to someone who is struggling. Your calm presence in someone’s chaotic life can be a godsend, and here is the bonus: It doesn’t just help them, IT HELPS YOU TOO! I know you’ve experienced that feeling of joy that arises when you’re able to lend a hand, and I’m guessing you’ve recognized opportunities to “pay it forward” because others have been there for you in the past.
I’m not here on this planet to TEACH you about the value of creating ripples; I’m just here to remind you that your help is far more precious and valuable than you often realize. Do yourself and others a favor and throw something back today.
Peace,
Paul
P.S. I'll be offline this week, so I'll respond to messages next week!
Showing posts with label Rippliness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rippliness. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Ripples #769: Living in Hope.
Ripples #769: Living in Hope.
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
17 Feb 2014
PEBBLE:
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.
-Nelson Mandela, shared by Julie in Amman, Jordan
BOULDER:
The very least you can do in your life
is figure out what you hope for.
And the most you can do
is live inside that hope.
Not admire it from a distance,
but live right in it,
under its roof.
-Barbara Kingsolver, shared by Amy in Charlotte, NC
PONDER:
Whether you've just recently joined our happy team of Ripplers or you've been receiving these messages for years, you've likely figured out that sometimes we focus on savoring the good stuff, and other times it is all about enduring the not-so-good stuff. Hope is one of the essential ingredients for making it through difficult periods in work, school, and life; I often say in presentations that WITH hope we can endure all kinds of extraordinary challenges, but WITHOUT hope even the smaller challenges can seem overwhelming.
If life is challenging right now, see if you can find even an eensy-weensy kernel of hope to hang on for just one more day. If life is going pretty swell, look around for someone else who is struggling. Your warm smile, kind word, or quick favor may be the kernel that they need to keep going.
Peace,
Paul
For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
17 Feb 2014
PEBBLE:
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.
-Nelson Mandela, shared by Julie in Amman, Jordan
BOULDER:
The very least you can do in your life
is figure out what you hope for.
And the most you can do
is live inside that hope.
Not admire it from a distance,
but live right in it,
under its roof.
-Barbara Kingsolver, shared by Amy in Charlotte, NC
PONDER:
Whether you've just recently joined our happy team of Ripplers or you've been receiving these messages for years, you've likely figured out that sometimes we focus on savoring the good stuff, and other times it is all about enduring the not-so-good stuff. Hope is one of the essential ingredients for making it through difficult periods in work, school, and life; I often say in presentations that WITH hope we can endure all kinds of extraordinary challenges, but WITHOUT hope even the smaller challenges can seem overwhelming.
If life is challenging right now, see if you can find even an eensy-weensy kernel of hope to hang on for just one more day. If life is going pretty swell, look around for someone else who is struggling. Your warm smile, kind word, or quick favor may be the kernel that they need to keep going.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Ripples v10.07: Little Things!
Ripples v10.07: Little Things!
Feb 18, 2008: a free weekly splash to 17,946 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
It has long been an axiom of mine that
the little things are infinitely more important.
-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, submitted by Sabrina R., Prescott AZ
____________________BOULDER ____________________
Everyone is trying
to accomplish something big,
not realizing that life
is made up
of little things.
-Frank Clark., submitted by Brett B., Madison WI
____________________PONDER ____________________
Every LITTLE THING counts, so right after you read this I want you to choose one little action that would help a friend, stranger, co-worker, classmate, or yourself and do it: offer a few minutes of your time, hold the door, smile, forgive someone, be more kind or more patient than necessary, etc. Do it, and notice just how big a difference that little thing makes.
Peace,
Paul
Feb 18, 2008: a free weekly splash to 17,946 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
It has long been an axiom of mine that
the little things are infinitely more important.
-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, submitted by Sabrina R., Prescott AZ
____________________BOULDER ____________________
Everyone is trying
to accomplish something big,
not realizing that life
is made up
of little things.
-Frank Clark., submitted by Brett B., Madison WI
____________________PONDER ____________________
Every LITTLE THING counts, so right after you read this I want you to choose one little action that would help a friend, stranger, co-worker, classmate, or yourself and do it: offer a few minutes of your time, hold the door, smile, forgive someone, be more kind or more patient than necessary, etc. Do it, and notice just how big a difference that little thing makes.
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Ripples v9.23: Small Steps!
Ripples v9.23: Small Steps!
6/4/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they are great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Sarah Z., Fond du Lac WI
____________________BOULDER ____________________
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts the soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame a goal.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to you.
-adapted from a poem attributed to Cindy O'Connor, submitted by Linda K.,
____________________PONDER ____________________
I have just wrapped up a simultaneously invigorating and exhausting weekend at NACURH 2007, a conference best described by Zachary from Oklahoma State who wrote in his Facebook profile that he is pooping rainbows because "NACURH is the happiest place in the world."
Enthusiastic college residence hall leaders from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the conference theme was "One Small Step" which is pretty close to our ripply idea that small actions have big potential. I wonder what would happen if all of us decided this week to take one SMALL STEP to do some unexpected nice thing for someone else without explanation, without acknowledgement, without expecting anything in return. Let's find out, shall we?
On your mark, get set, STEP!
Peace,
Paul
6/4/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
____________________PEBBLE ____________________
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they are great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Sarah Z., Fond du Lac WI
____________________BOULDER ____________________
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts the soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame a goal.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to you.
-adapted from a poem attributed to Cindy O'Connor, submitted by Linda K.,
____________________PONDER ____________________
I have just wrapped up a simultaneously invigorating and exhausting weekend at NACURH 2007, a conference best described by Zachary from Oklahoma State who wrote in his Facebook profile that he is pooping rainbows because "NACURH is the happiest place in the world."
Enthusiastic college residence hall leaders from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the conference theme was "One Small Step" which is pretty close to our ripply idea that small actions have big potential. I wonder what would happen if all of us decided this week to take one SMALL STEP to do some unexpected nice thing for someone else without explanation, without acknowledgement, without expecting anything in return. Let's find out, shall we?
On your mark, get set, STEP!
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Ripples v9.14: Kindness!
Ripples v9.14: Kindness!
4/2/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
-Confucius, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do a deed of simple kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
-Jospeh Norris, submitted by Melissa M., Indianapolis, IN
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our pebble this week focuses on kindness we receive while the boulder is about the kindness we bring to others. I want the ponder to serve as a quick reminder that one of the keys to happiness in life is ample doses of both. So GIVE kind and RECEIVE kind and all will be well.
Peace & Kindness to you,
Paul
4/2/07: a free splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
-Confucius, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Do a deed of simple kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
-Jospeh Norris, submitted by Melissa M., Indianapolis, IN
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Our pebble this week focuses on kindness we receive while the boulder is about the kindness we bring to others. I want the ponder to serve as a quick reminder that one of the keys to happiness in life is ample doses of both. So GIVE kind and RECEIVE kind and all will be well.
Peace & Kindness to you,
Paul
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Ripples v8.08: Ripples of BRIGHT CORNERS!
Ripples v8.08: Ripples of BRIGHT CORNERS!
2/20/06: 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
Do not wait for some greatness you may do.
Simply brighten the corner where you are.
-source unknown, submitted by: Paul P., Plainfield NJ
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...
The \"never mind the trouble\" things, The \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, The friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life And make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome to the start of another busy, crazy week! I bet you have a TON of stuff to do, and probably feel like you\'re behind on a few projects. So how in the WORLD could you make time to brighten someone else\'s corner? It turns out there is a way!!
A few years ago, I was in a consulting session with a team who works together in Austin, Texas. The four of them were saying that they really wanted to help each other out but each had so much STUFF on his own plate that it was difficult to imagine adding MORE stuff.
I grabbed a bag of MnM\'s and used them as props to explain a point. I placed four plates on the table and put five MnM\'s on each plate and said, \"Imagine that each of these MnM\'s represents one unit of work; perhaps an hour of time or one small project. Each of you has lots of work on your plate, and the idea of taking on more units may seem overwhelming.\"
I picked up an MnM from the first plate and put it on the second plate. \"If you take on one unit of work from someone else\'s plate, you will certainly be adding to your plate. But if you know that someone else is going to be helping YOU out (at which point I took an MnM from the second plate and put it onto the third plate) then it really isn\'t going to add anything to your plate in the long run.
It takes a certain amount of planning for the system to work out evenly AND it begins with a heaping dose of trust that pitching in to help out someone will result in receiving future help from that person (or someone else on the team). Does it work? Well, I recently ran into a member of that team who reported that not only did it work for the four of them, they were able to spread the concept to others throughout the organization and it was being embraced as a way to manage your workload while being a good team player.
Of course there may be challenges, and a few bad apples in a team could take advantage of others and ruin the system. AND, it might just work out in the long run if you keep tweaking the concept to fit your group, family, department, class, etc. C\'mon, do something this week to brighten someone\'s corner and trust that another corner will be brightened sometime soon!
Peace,
Paul
TO SUBMIT A QUOTE
send quote with the source (if known) and
your first name, last initial and where you live
with SUBMISSION in the subject line
TO SUBSCRIBE FREE
just send us an email from your address
with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line
TO CHANGE ADDRESS
Click the link below to unsubscribe your old address,
AND send a blank email from your new email address
with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line
TO VIEW ARCHIVES
and other goodies, visit us online:
http://TheRipplesProject.org
--------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe, please click here:
http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?funcml=unsub2&nl=currentnl&email=subscriberemail
2/20/06: 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
Do not wait for some greatness you may do.
Simply brighten the corner where you are.
-source unknown, submitted by: Paul P., Plainfield NJ
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...
The \"never mind the trouble\" things, The \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, The friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life And make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Welcome to the start of another busy, crazy week! I bet you have a TON of stuff to do, and probably feel like you\'re behind on a few projects. So how in the WORLD could you make time to brighten someone else\'s corner? It turns out there is a way!!
A few years ago, I was in a consulting session with a team who works together in Austin, Texas. The four of them were saying that they really wanted to help each other out but each had so much STUFF on his own plate that it was difficult to imagine adding MORE stuff.
I grabbed a bag of MnM\'s and used them as props to explain a point. I placed four plates on the table and put five MnM\'s on each plate and said, \"Imagine that each of these MnM\'s represents one unit of work; perhaps an hour of time or one small project. Each of you has lots of work on your plate, and the idea of taking on more units may seem overwhelming.\"
I picked up an MnM from the first plate and put it on the second plate. \"If you take on one unit of work from someone else\'s plate, you will certainly be adding to your plate. But if you know that someone else is going to be helping YOU out (at which point I took an MnM from the second plate and put it onto the third plate) then it really isn\'t going to add anything to your plate in the long run.
It takes a certain amount of planning for the system to work out evenly AND it begins with a heaping dose of trust that pitching in to help out someone will result in receiving future help from that person (or someone else on the team). Does it work? Well, I recently ran into a member of that team who reported that not only did it work for the four of them, they were able to spread the concept to others throughout the organization and it was being embraced as a way to manage your workload while being a good team player.
Of course there may be challenges, and a few bad apples in a team could take advantage of others and ruin the system. AND, it might just work out in the long run if you keep tweaking the concept to fit your group, family, department, class, etc. C\'mon, do something this week to brighten someone\'s corner and trust that another corner will be brightened sometime soon!
Peace,
Paul
TO SUBMIT A QUOTE
send quote with the source (if known) and
your first name, last initial and where you live
with SUBMISSION in the subject line
TO SUBSCRIBE FREE
just send us an email from your address
with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line
TO CHANGE ADDRESS
Click the link below to unsubscribe your old address,
AND send a blank email from your new email address
with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line
TO VIEW ARCHIVES
and other goodies, visit us online:
http://TheRipplesProject.org
--------------------------------------
To Unsubscribe, please click here:
http://www.theripplesproject.org/12all/box.php?funcml=unsub2&nl=currentnl&email=subscriberemail
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!
Ripples v7.36: Ripples to WAVES!
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,652 subscribers and growing every day!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We can\'t outvote the militarists,
the multi-national businesses
and the disastrous consumer economy....
But every individual who
responds to current conditions
with integrity, care and intelligence
becomes a source of ripples
that spread through the world,
and enough ripples could become waves.
In the meantime,
they give us strength and spirit.
-Jo Hanson, submitted by Rachel C., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
During the last few weeks, we made a valiant effort to combine a few of our individual ripples of concern about Katrina victims into a wave of support. The result: a few dozen people sent in checks for the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and the \"Katrina Disaster Fund\" which is helping several families displaced by Katrina and currently living here in Madison. The Ripples Project matched the funds and over $3,000 went to the three causes. Woohoo!
I like the idea of combining our ripples, and I would like to experiment by creating some non-financial waves. Eventually, I believe we will be able to coordinate some massive splashes of inspiration and I want to initiate this process by spreading some ripples about Ripples! We currently have 13,652 subscribers, most of whom signed up at one of my presentations. I propose we spend the next few weeks telling others about this free Monday morning email and encouraging them to join us! Do you think we could add 1,000 in a week? Is it possible to imagine 20,000 total subscribers before Halloween? What if we could DOUBLE our numbers between now and Thanksgiving? Now that we have automated the process of subscribing and unsubscribing, encouraging others to join now creates some exciting ripply possibilities. Imagine if 20,000 people decided to send 5 notes of gratitude in the same week or promised to make 10 people smile all on the same day? Our combined ripples would have an even larger impact on our world!
Your task this week is to forward Ripples on to several of your friends, classmates, co-workers and/or family members who you think deserve to get a free weekly splash of inspiration each Monday morning. Include in your email a short note: share how long you have been subscribing, why you think they might enjoy Ripples, and what you like most about being a part of The Ripples Project. You may also want to tell them three important facts about Ripples:
1. Ripples are FREE!
2. The Ripples Project values privacy and protects email addresses vigorously!
3. Each issue arrives on Monday morning, takes 60 seconds to read, and includes an \"unsubscribe\" link.
Encourage them to join by visiting our website OR by simply sending a blank email to us with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line.
If we can get to 20,000 subscribers by Halloween, I will reward all of us by unleashing a special new feature that we have been dreaming about but hesitant to pay for (hint: it involves inspiring quotes and a mesmerizing web page!).
I will keep you updated each week as to the current number of new subscribers. (If you think you can get 20 or more people to join, keep track of who you invite because I will offer you some Ripply treats at the end of the contest!)
Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you can make some big WAVES, and I hope you can also find....
....Peace,
Paul
P.S. Spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
Monday, September 26, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
13,652 subscribers and growing every day!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Mike D., New Berlin WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We can\'t outvote the militarists,
the multi-national businesses
and the disastrous consumer economy....
But every individual who
responds to current conditions
with integrity, care and intelligence
becomes a source of ripples
that spread through the world,
and enough ripples could become waves.
In the meantime,
they give us strength and spirit.
-Jo Hanson, submitted by Rachel C., Madison WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
During the last few weeks, we made a valiant effort to combine a few of our individual ripples of concern about Katrina victims into a wave of support. The result: a few dozen people sent in checks for the Red Cross, Second Harvest, and the \"Katrina Disaster Fund\" which is helping several families displaced by Katrina and currently living here in Madison. The Ripples Project matched the funds and over $3,000 went to the three causes. Woohoo!
I like the idea of combining our ripples, and I would like to experiment by creating some non-financial waves. Eventually, I believe we will be able to coordinate some massive splashes of inspiration and I want to initiate this process by spreading some ripples about Ripples! We currently have 13,652 subscribers, most of whom signed up at one of my presentations. I propose we spend the next few weeks telling others about this free Monday morning email and encouraging them to join us! Do you think we could add 1,000 in a week? Is it possible to imagine 20,000 total subscribers before Halloween? What if we could DOUBLE our numbers between now and Thanksgiving? Now that we have automated the process of subscribing and unsubscribing, encouraging others to join now creates some exciting ripply possibilities. Imagine if 20,000 people decided to send 5 notes of gratitude in the same week or promised to make 10 people smile all on the same day? Our combined ripples would have an even larger impact on our world!
Your task this week is to forward Ripples on to several of your friends, classmates, co-workers and/or family members who you think deserve to get a free weekly splash of inspiration each Monday morning. Include in your email a short note: share how long you have been subscribing, why you think they might enjoy Ripples, and what you like most about being a part of The Ripples Project. You may also want to tell them three important facts about Ripples:
1. Ripples are FREE!
2. The Ripples Project values privacy and protects email addresses vigorously!
3. Each issue arrives on Monday morning, takes 60 seconds to read, and includes an \"unsubscribe\" link.
Encourage them to join by visiting our website OR by simply sending a blank email to us with SUBSCRIBE ME FREE! in the subject line.
If we can get to 20,000 subscribers by Halloween, I will reward all of us by unleashing a special new feature that we have been dreaming about but hesitant to pay for (hint: it involves inspiring quotes and a mesmerizing web page!).
I will keep you updated each week as to the current number of new subscribers. (If you think you can get 20 or more people to join, keep track of who you invite because I will offer you some Ripply treats at the end of the contest!)
Thanks in advance for your help. I hope you can make some big WAVES, and I hope you can also find....
....Peace,
Paul
P.S. Spread a smile today: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/Rippler01.html
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Ripples v7.24: Ripples of LITTLE THINGS!
Ripples v7.24: Ripples of LITTLE THINGS!
Monday, June 13, 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
Sometimes when we are generous in small,
barely detectable ways it can change someone else\'s life forever.
Margaret Cho, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...
The \"never mind the trouble\" things, the \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, the friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life and make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I love milking cows and remembering that there once was a hole, a hole in the ground (and the green grass grows all around all around!).
I spent Friday morning in Waukesha, Wisconsin helping 200 high school juniors (and some remarkable staff!) get fired up for a powerful weekend known as WILS (Wisconsin Leadership Seminar). These special leaders were nominated to represent their high schools at this event and every year it seems the leadership potential of the group swells.
In addition to cheers about milking cows and songs about holes in the ground, we talked about the possibilities of saving a life. I proposed that while it may be fascinating to daydream about a time when we could dramatically save someone\'s life in an emergency situation, it may be more useful to focus on the tiny opportunities we have in every day living: offering our patience to the grocery store bagger who is struggling through his first day on the job, acknowledging a person who passes us on the street with a smile, or an unplanned kindness for a colleague/neighbor/friend who needs a lift. Some of these may seem like small gestures, but it is possible that one of those brief encounters could be a lifesaving reminder to someone that life is worth living! The more of these ripples you create, the better you will get at making them AND you increase the likelihood that one of your ripples reaches someone just in time.
If you can think of a time when a simple \"hello\" or tiny favor helped you make it through a crazy day, then you owe it to the world to pay back the debt with some LITTLE THING this week!
And hey, after some technical problems with our online community, we have switched to a different type of website bulletin board. All of our former usernames/passwords and old postings are in tact, but it should be much easier to use....so c\'mon let\'s jump back into attempting to share with each other: http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=163.0
Peace,
Paul
p.s. If your last name begins with L, M, N, O or P, 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, June 13, 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
Sometimes when we are generous in small,
barely detectable ways it can change someone else\'s life forever.
Margaret Cho, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
It really is the little things that mean the most of all...
The \"let me help you with that\" things that may seem very small,
The \"I\'ll be glad to do it\" things that make your cares much lighter,
The \"laugh with me, it\'s funny\" things that make your outlook brighter...
The \"never mind the trouble\" things, the \"yes, I understand,\"
The interest and encouragement In everything you\'ve planned...
It really is the little things, the friendly word or smile,
That add such happiness to life and make it more worth while.
-Mary Dawson Hughes, submitted by Pat S., Brooklyn WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I love milking cows and remembering that there once was a hole, a hole in the ground (and the green grass grows all around all around!).
I spent Friday morning in Waukesha, Wisconsin helping 200 high school juniors (and some remarkable staff!) get fired up for a powerful weekend known as WILS (Wisconsin Leadership Seminar). These special leaders were nominated to represent their high schools at this event and every year it seems the leadership potential of the group swells.
In addition to cheers about milking cows and songs about holes in the ground, we talked about the possibilities of saving a life. I proposed that while it may be fascinating to daydream about a time when we could dramatically save someone\'s life in an emergency situation, it may be more useful to focus on the tiny opportunities we have in every day living: offering our patience to the grocery store bagger who is struggling through his first day on the job, acknowledging a person who passes us on the street with a smile, or an unplanned kindness for a colleague/neighbor/friend who needs a lift. Some of these may seem like small gestures, but it is possible that one of those brief encounters could be a lifesaving reminder to someone that life is worth living! The more of these ripples you create, the better you will get at making them AND you increase the likelihood that one of your ripples reaches someone just in time.
If you can think of a time when a simple \"hello\" or tiny favor helped you make it through a crazy day, then you owe it to the world to pay back the debt with some LITTLE THING this week!
And hey, after some technical problems with our online community, we have switched to a different type of website bulletin board. All of our former usernames/passwords and old postings are in tact, but it should be much easier to use....so c\'mon let\'s jump back into attempting to share with each other: http://theripplesproject.org/smf/index.php?topic=163.0
Peace,
Paul
p.s. If your last name begins with L, M, N, O or P, 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!
Sunday, May 1, 2005
Ripples v7.18: Ripples of SEEDS!
Ripples v7.18: Ripples of SEEDS!
Monday, May 2, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Die when I may, I want it said of me that I plucked a weed
and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
-Abraham Lincoln, submitter unknown
We are the seeds of kindness and love.
Grow tall and strive to live all of your days
enjoying and reaching for
the sun, the moon and the stars.
-Stacy Schupmann, submitted by Stacy, Buffalo, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Scatter seeds of kindness
everywhere you go;
Scatter bits of courtesy--
watch them grow and grow.
Gather buds of friendship;
keep them till full-blown;
You will find more happiness
than you have ever known.
-Amy R. Raabe, submitted by Charlene G., PA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As many of our fellow ripplers are celebrating the arrival of spring by planting seeds of flowers and vegetables, this week might be a great time for ALL of us to ponder what spiritual seeds we are planting for ourselves and others.
If there is a work or social relationship in your life that needs nurturing, take a moment right to write a quick note or make a brief phone call to say HELLO or THANKS. If it is your own soul that feels depleted, perhaps you need to check out an inspirational book from the library or download a song that might fertilize a growth spurt that you are ready to experience. Or maybe just take a quiet moment in your crazy day and let yourself plant this question: \"What\'s next?\"
Peace,
Paul
Monday, May 2, 2005
a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLES =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Die when I may, I want it said of me that I plucked a weed
and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow.
-Abraham Lincoln, submitter unknown
We are the seeds of kindness and love.
Grow tall and strive to live all of your days
enjoying and reaching for
the sun, the moon and the stars.
-Stacy Schupmann, submitted by Stacy, Buffalo, NY
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Scatter seeds of kindness
everywhere you go;
Scatter bits of courtesy--
watch them grow and grow.
Gather buds of friendship;
keep them till full-blown;
You will find more happiness
than you have ever known.
-Amy R. Raabe, submitted by Charlene G., PA
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
As many of our fellow ripplers are celebrating the arrival of spring by planting seeds of flowers and vegetables, this week might be a great time for ALL of us to ponder what spiritual seeds we are planting for ourselves and others.
If there is a work or social relationship in your life that needs nurturing, take a moment right to write a quick note or make a brief phone call to say HELLO or THANKS. If it is your own soul that feels depleted, perhaps you need to check out an inspirational book from the library or download a song that might fertilize a growth spurt that you are ready to experience. Or maybe just take a quiet moment in your crazy day and let yourself plant this question: \"What\'s next?\"
Peace,
Paul
Monday, May 3, 2004
Ripples v6.18: Ripples of MAGICAL MOMENTS!
Ripples v6.18: 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 happiness of life is made up of little things -
a smile, a hug, a moment of shared laughter.
-source unknown, submitted by Vickie B., Indianapolis, IN
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment and
to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
Thich Nh'at Hanh, submitted by Troy M., Burlington, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Stop right this instant, and take one moment to think of some small
gift you received yesterday (a smile, a phone call, a hug, etc.) and
then choose someone who today will receive a small gift from you.
Now, GO!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Thanks for the hundreds of sympathy emails and cards last week!
Ripples Readers Rock!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The happiness of life is made up of little things -
a smile, a hug, a moment of shared laughter.
-source unknown, submitted by Vickie B., Indianapolis, IN
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment and
to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
Thich Nh'at Hanh, submitted by Troy M., Burlington, WI
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Stop right this instant, and take one moment to think of some small
gift you received yesterday (a smile, a phone call, a hug, etc.) and
then choose someone who today will receive a small gift from you.
Now, GO!
Peace,
Paul
P.S. Thanks for the hundreds of sympathy emails and cards last week!
Ripples Readers Rock!
Monday, February 9, 2004
Ripples v6.06: Ripples of SMILES!
Ripples v6.06: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,000+
Please make a Ripple in someone's life by sharing this message!
To join (free!): mailto:Join@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Every time you smile at someone,
it is an action of love, a gift to that person,
a beautiful thing.
-Mother Teresa
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Before you ever receive the
wonderful treasures of a happy life,
you must first give.
Give of yourself.
Be of service to others.
Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life.
That is the law of the harvest, the law of the ten-fold return.
If you give nothing, even if it is multiplied, you receive nothing.
-Mary Kay, submitted by Shelley G., San Antonio, TX
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was traveling this week and encountered a flight
attendant with the finest, most genuine smile I have ever seen.
I watched him interact with the other people on the flight and he
seemed to have a new, sincere smile for each person he greeted.
It was small, kind, and real!
I decided we should all practice our smiles this week.
I challenge you to make every interaction an opportunity
to rehearse the magnificent act of smiling.
Whether you're asking a co-worker or classmate for a favor,
paying for your lunch at a restaurant, or simply arriving
home to family or roommates; I hope you can find your smile and
USE IT!
And maybe send an email to the best smiler you know to say,
"You're awesome!"
Peace,
Paul
Please make a Ripple in someone's life by sharing this message!
To join (free!): mailto:Join@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o==o=o
Every time you smile at someone,
it is an action of love, a gift to that person,
a beautiful thing.
-Mother Teresa
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
Before you ever receive the
wonderful treasures of a happy life,
you must first give.
Give of yourself.
Be of service to others.
Only what you give can be multiplied back into your own life.
That is the law of the harvest, the law of the ten-fold return.
If you give nothing, even if it is multiplied, you receive nothing.
-Mary Kay, submitted by Shelley G., San Antonio, TX
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I was traveling this week and encountered a flight
attendant with the finest, most genuine smile I have ever seen.
I watched him interact with the other people on the flight and he
seemed to have a new, sincere smile for each person he greeted.
It was small, kind, and real!
I decided we should all practice our smiles this week.
I challenge you to make every interaction an opportunity
to rehearse the magnificent act of smiling.
Whether you're asking a co-worker or classmate for a favor,
paying for your lunch at a restaurant, or simply arriving
home to family or roommates; I hope you can find your smile and
USE IT!
And maybe send an email to the best smiler you know to say,
"You're awesome!"
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, May 26, 2002
eRipples v4.21: Ripples of YOUR RIPPLES!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
We are not primarily put on this earth
to see through one another,
but to see one another through.
-Peter DeVries, submitted by Lisa Vonfeldt <lvonfeldt@bryanlgh.org>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The accumulation of small optimistic acts
produces quality in our culture and in your life.
Our culture resonates in tense times to individual acts of grace.
-Jennifer James, submitted by Bee <rgh@NMSU.Edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I did it! Actually, the more accurate phrase is "WE did it!" I
travelled to Buffalo this week to deliver the commencement address
for Erie Community College's Class of 2002. Over 3,500 people were
in attendance....and I felt like another 6,000 were cheering for me
via The Ripples Project. I used the many replies from my request for
assistance a few weeks ago, as well as Matt's cool Dandelion story
that anchored eRipples v4.19.
If you would like to peek at the speech and/or the over 300 pieces of
advice readers offered to graduates, please visit a special web page
we set up: http://www.happyflying.com/p/Dandelions.html
Peace,
Paul
We are not primarily put on this earth
to see through one another,
but to see one another through.
-Peter DeVries, submitted by Lisa Vonfeldt <lvonfeldt@bryanlgh.org>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o
The accumulation of small optimistic acts
produces quality in our culture and in your life.
Our culture resonates in tense times to individual acts of grace.
-Jennifer James, submitted by Bee <rgh@NMSU.Edu>
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
I did it! Actually, the more accurate phrase is "WE did it!" I
travelled to Buffalo this week to deliver the commencement address
for Erie Community College's Class of 2002. Over 3,500 people were
in attendance....and I felt like another 6,000 were cheering for me
via The Ripples Project. I used the many replies from my request for
assistance a few weeks ago, as well as Matt's cool Dandelion story
that anchored eRipples v4.19.
If you would like to peek at the speech and/or the over 300 pieces of
advice readers offered to graduates, please visit a special web page
we set up: http://www.happyflying.com/p/Dandelions.html
Peace,
Paul
Sunday, October 28, 2001
eRipples v3.44: Ripples of YOUR LIGHT!
eRipples: Your Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.44: Ripples of YOUR LIGHT!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
-James Keller, submitted by Jodie
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
The accumulation of small optimistic acts
produces quality in our culture
and in your life.
Our culture resonates
in tense times
to individual acts of grace.
-Jennifer James
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
I spent this week in Ohio; a few days with a team of 12 veterinarians
who wanted to refine their coaching and presenting skills, and then a
couple of days at Miami University of Ohio to attend the annual
gathering of the Ohio Recreational Sports Association. In a module
on motivating others explored in both groups, we discussed the notion
that many of our management systems are based on catching people who
are do something wrong despite our thorough understanding that
punishment avoidance is not as powerful a motivator as positive
reinforcement.
Let's all commit to spending this week seeking out people who are
doing something RIGHT and rewarding them with a smile, a kind word,
or perhaps even a handwritten note (a rare and valued gift in these
days of emails, voicemail, faxes, etc.).
Peace,
Paul
from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples v3.44: Ripples of YOUR LIGHT!
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PEBBLE =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
-James Keller, submitted by Jodie
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= BOULDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
The accumulation of small optimistic acts
produces quality in our culture
and in your life.
Our culture resonates
in tense times
to individual acts of grace.
-Jennifer James
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o= PONDER =o=o=o=o=o=o=o=
I spent this week in Ohio; a few days with a team of 12 veterinarians
who wanted to refine their coaching and presenting skills, and then a
couple of days at Miami University of Ohio to attend the annual
gathering of the Ohio Recreational Sports Association. In a module
on motivating others explored in both groups, we discussed the notion
that many of our management systems are based on catching people who
are do something wrong despite our thorough understanding that
punishment avoidance is not as powerful a motivator as positive
reinforcement.
Let's all commit to spending this week seeking out people who are
doing something RIGHT and rewarding them with a smile, a kind word,
or perhaps even a handwritten note (a rare and valued gift in these
days of emails, voicemail, faxes, etc.).
Peace,
Paul
Monday, April 30, 2001
eRipples v3.18: Ripples of HUMBLE PURSUITS!
eRipples: your free weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.18: Ripples of HUMBLE PURSUITS!
Monday, April 30, 2001
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Count no day lost in which you waited your turn,
took only your share and sought advantage over no one.
-Robert Brault, submitted by Loren Knutson
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's the action,
not the fruit of the action that's important...
It may not be in your power,
may not be in your time,
that there'll be any fruit.
But that doesn't man you stop doing the right thing.
You may never know what results come from your action.
But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
-Mohandas Gandhi, submitted by Jennifer Kalberg
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some days I put so much energy into the BIG PICTURE things I do that
I forget our lives are really created from the small decisions made
each day and each moment. The ripples created from letting someone
with fewer items jump ahead of me in line at the grocery store may be
more powerful than the ripples I make when I deliver an inspirational
speech to a thousand people. And while I have a relatively small
number of opportunities to give presentations, there are countless
moments in my life where a life can be altered with the smallest
gesture. Use this week to savor those tiny opportunities to make big
changes in our world!
Peace,
Paul Wesselmann
from Paul & The Ripples Project
version 3.18: Ripples of HUMBLE PURSUITS!
Monday, April 30, 2001
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Count no day lost in which you waited your turn,
took only your share and sought advantage over no one.
-Robert Brault, submitted by Loren Knutson
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's the action,
not the fruit of the action that's important...
It may not be in your power,
may not be in your time,
that there'll be any fruit.
But that doesn't man you stop doing the right thing.
You may never know what results come from your action.
But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
-Mohandas Gandhi, submitted by Jennifer Kalberg
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Some days I put so much energy into the BIG PICTURE things I do that
I forget our lives are really created from the small decisions made
each day and each moment. The ripples created from letting someone
with fewer items jump ahead of me in line at the grocery store may be
more powerful than the ripples I make when I deliver an inspirational
speech to a thousand people. And while I have a relatively small
number of opportunities to give presentations, there are countless
moments in my life where a life can be altered with the smallest
gesture. Use this week to savor those tiny opportunities to make big
changes in our world!
Peace,
Paul Wesselmann
Monday, October 23, 2000
eRipples v2.43: Ripples of YOUR PART
eRipples: a FREE weekly splash of inspiration
version 2.43 [Monday, October 23, 2000]
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
-Edwin Hubbel Chapin, submitted to eRipples by Jeana M Jacobson
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A sparrow lay in the middle of the road, her skinny legs sticking up
in the air.
Her companion flew over to see what was the matter.
"Whatever are you doing?" he asked.
The first sparrow replied, "I heard that the sky will fall today
and I am doing my part to help hold it up."
"Silly bird!" exclaimed the second sparrow.
"How could your puny little legs keep the sky from collapsing?"
"One does what one can,"
chirped the little sparrow.
"One does what one can."
-original source unknown, submitted to eRipples by Cathy Pabst
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We don't need you to change the world.
We don't need you to work yourself out of a life.
We don't need you to suffer endlessly as you toil in fields of
paperwork and meaningless routines.
We do need you, though, we do need you. It is your destiny to
contribute to the wholeness of life by listening for a quiet whisper
that will suggest to you a tiny but essential task that, if done with
every fiber of passion within your soul, will contribute to the
healing of us all.
Peace,
Paul
version 2.43 [Monday, October 23, 2000]
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
-Edwin Hubbel Chapin, submitted to eRipples by Jeana M Jacobson
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A sparrow lay in the middle of the road, her skinny legs sticking up
in the air.
Her companion flew over to see what was the matter.
"Whatever are you doing?" he asked.
The first sparrow replied, "I heard that the sky will fall today
and I am doing my part to help hold it up."
"Silly bird!" exclaimed the second sparrow.
"How could your puny little legs keep the sky from collapsing?"
"One does what one can,"
chirped the little sparrow.
"One does what one can."
-original source unknown, submitted to eRipples by Cathy Pabst
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
We don't need you to change the world.
We don't need you to work yourself out of a life.
We don't need you to suffer endlessly as you toil in fields of
paperwork and meaningless routines.
We do need you, though, we do need you. It is your destiny to
contribute to the wholeness of life by listening for a quiet whisper
that will suggest to you a tiny but essential task that, if done with
every fiber of passion within your soul, will contribute to the
healing of us all.
Peace,
Paul
Monday, June 12, 2000
eRipples v2.24: Ripples of BIG & SMALL!
eRipples: a FREE weekly splash of inspiration
from Paul and The Ripples Project
version 2.24 [Monday, June 12, 2000]
see bottom for subscription information
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Live like an oak tree with a mosquito's life span.
-original source: written on the menu at the Cateye Cafe in Bozeman, Montana
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I arrived Saturday for my first trip to the awesome state of Montana where
I am giving some presentations at Montana State University in Bozeman this
week. I was still in awe at the huge mountains and the gigantic size of
this state when I walked in to the visitors' center and discovered how
small the world really is.
The helpful man behind the counter turned out to be a long-time eRipples
subscriber!
In addition to helping me find some great spots to eat and outlining some
sightseeing options, he reminded me that no matter how large the world
seems, there is always a friend out there waiting to help you in some
meaningful way.
Keep your eyes open this week! At some point on this big planet you are
going to find yourself in a strange situation when a friend will suddenly
appear to help you out. You may not recognize the person at first (you may
know her/him from a long, long, long time ago), but the assistance will
still be valuable--and it will remind you how small this place is after all!
I'm sending peace to you,
Paul
from Paul and The Ripples Project
version 2.24 [Monday, June 12, 2000]
see bottom for subscription information
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Live like an oak tree with a mosquito's life span.
-original source: written on the menu at the Cateye Cafe in Bozeman, Montana
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I arrived Saturday for my first trip to the awesome state of Montana where
I am giving some presentations at Montana State University in Bozeman this
week. I was still in awe at the huge mountains and the gigantic size of
this state when I walked in to the visitors' center and discovered how
small the world really is.
The helpful man behind the counter turned out to be a long-time eRipples
subscriber!
In addition to helping me find some great spots to eat and outlining some
sightseeing options, he reminded me that no matter how large the world
seems, there is always a friend out there waiting to help you in some
meaningful way.
Keep your eyes open this week! At some point on this big planet you are
going to find yourself in a strange situation when a friend will suddenly
appear to help you out. You may not recognize the person at first (you may
know her/him from a long, long, long time ago), but the assistance will
still be valuable--and it will remind you how small this place is after all!
I'm sending peace to you,
Paul
Monday, March 13, 2000
eRipples v2.11
eRipples: a free weekly dose of inspiration
[see bottom for subscription information]
version 2.11 [Monday, March 13, 2000]
©2000 The Ripples Project
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless.
-original source: Mother Theresa
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Weight of Nothing.
"Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a coal mouse asked a wild dove.
"Nothing more than nothing," was the answer.
"In that case I must tell a marvelous story," the coal mouse said.
"I sat on the branch of a Fir, close to its trunk, when it began to snow,
not heavily, not in a raging blizzard, no, just like in a dream, without
any violence. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I counted the
snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch, their number was
exactly 3,741,952. When the next snowflake dropped onto the branch -
nothing more than nothing, as you say - the branch broke off."
The dove, since Noah's time an authority on the matter, thought about the
story for awhile and finally said to herself; "Perhaps there is only one
person's voice lacking for peace to come about in the world."
-original source unknown
SMALL WAVES ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Another True Story by an eRipples Subscriber
It was ten days before Christmas, and the mall was jam-packed with busy
shoppers. I was window-shopping; I didn't really have a lot of money to
spend at the time. Everywhere I looked, people seemed frustrated and tired.
It made me really sad that so many people who were doing such a wonderful
thing -- buying gifts for their loved ones -- were so caught up in the
frenzy, and had lost sight of what I believe is the true Christmas spirit.
As I entered a store, a certain stuffed bear caught my eye, and I got an
idea. I bought two of them, walked out to the food court, and approached a
father with his young boy. I asked the man, "Sir, may I give this bear to
your son?" He looked at me, puzzled, and said, "Uh, sure." I handed it to
the adorable blonde boy and said, "Merry Christmas!" The father asked me if
I owed him anything, but I just smiled and said again, "Merry Christmas!"
As I turned around to walk away, the love and joy and warmth that I felt
overwhelmed me, and I started to cry.
I kept the other bear, and I named him Charity. He's a constant reminder to
me of how easy it is to surprise someone with kindness, and how wonderful
it can make me feel.
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Ripples Project: A Foundation to Inspire Small Waves of Kind Acts
What do you think? A small and steadily growing number of people are
helping to develop this project, and our next step is to finalize its
mission. I think we are getting closer, but we wanted your feedback.
eRipples now DEPENDS on a steady stream of inspiration from readers. We
have updated the format to only highlight the original source of the
quotes, since so many people wish to remain anonymous. The "SMALL WAVES"
section will be reserved for true stories submitted by eRipples readers who
were part of giving or receiving kindness. Can you spend just a moment
thinking of a "ripple" you've created or received? SEND IT TODAY so we can
inspire even more kind acts!
Peace to you!
[see bottom for subscription information]
version 2.11 [Monday, March 13, 2000]
©2000 The Ripples Project
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
but their echoes are truly endless.
-original source: Mother Theresa
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Weight of Nothing.
"Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a coal mouse asked a wild dove.
"Nothing more than nothing," was the answer.
"In that case I must tell a marvelous story," the coal mouse said.
"I sat on the branch of a Fir, close to its trunk, when it began to snow,
not heavily, not in a raging blizzard, no, just like in a dream, without
any violence. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I counted the
snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch, their number was
exactly 3,741,952. When the next snowflake dropped onto the branch -
nothing more than nothing, as you say - the branch broke off."
The dove, since Noah's time an authority on the matter, thought about the
story for awhile and finally said to herself; "Perhaps there is only one
person's voice lacking for peace to come about in the world."
-original source unknown
SMALL WAVES ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Another True Story by an eRipples Subscriber
It was ten days before Christmas, and the mall was jam-packed with busy
shoppers. I was window-shopping; I didn't really have a lot of money to
spend at the time. Everywhere I looked, people seemed frustrated and tired.
It made me really sad that so many people who were doing such a wonderful
thing -- buying gifts for their loved ones -- were so caught up in the
frenzy, and had lost sight of what I believe is the true Christmas spirit.
As I entered a store, a certain stuffed bear caught my eye, and I got an
idea. I bought two of them, walked out to the food court, and approached a
father with his young boy. I asked the man, "Sir, may I give this bear to
your son?" He looked at me, puzzled, and said, "Uh, sure." I handed it to
the adorable blonde boy and said, "Merry Christmas!" The father asked me if
I owed him anything, but I just smiled and said again, "Merry Christmas!"
As I turned around to walk away, the love and joy and warmth that I felt
overwhelmed me, and I started to cry.
I kept the other bear, and I named him Charity. He's a constant reminder to
me of how easy it is to surprise someone with kindness, and how wonderful
it can make me feel.
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Ripples Project: A Foundation to Inspire Small Waves of Kind Acts
What do you think? A small and steadily growing number of people are
helping to develop this project, and our next step is to finalize its
mission. I think we are getting closer, but we wanted your feedback.
eRipples now DEPENDS on a steady stream of inspiration from readers. We
have updated the format to only highlight the original source of the
quotes, since so many people wish to remain anonymous. The "SMALL WAVES"
section will be reserved for true stories submitted by eRipples readers who
were part of giving or receiving kindness. Can you spend just a moment
thinking of a "ripple" you've created or received? SEND IT TODAY so we can
inspire even more kind acts!
Peace to you!
Monday, March 6, 2000
eRipples v2.10: Ripples of PURPOSE!
eRipples: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 2.10 [Monday, March 6, 2000]
©2000 Stone Soup Seminars
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To the world you may be just one person,
but to one person you may be the world!
original source: unknown
submitted by: so many Ripples Subscribers I just had to include it!
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You may not see it now," said the Princess of Pure Reason,
looking knowingly at Milo's puzzled face,
"but whatever we learn has a purpose and
whatever we do affects everything and everyone else,
if even in the tiniest way.
Why, when a housefly flaps his wings, a breeze goes round the world;
when a speck of dust falls to the ground, the entire planet weighs a little
more;
and when you stamp your foot, the earth moves slightly off its course.
Whenever you laugh, gladness spreads like the ripples in a pond;
and whenever you're sad, no one anywhere can be really happy.
And it's much the same thing with knowledge,
for whenever you learn something new, the whole world becomes that much
better.
original source: Norton Juster "The Phantom Tollbooth"
submitted by: Marc Loy
RIPPLES IN ACTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Submitted by a Ripples Subscriber Who Wishes to Remain Anonymous
I have a friend that has been down on her luck for a while now. In fact,
money has been so tight she was unable to fill a badly needed prescription
for her anti-depressant. I offered to pay for it but she said no.
On a recent trip to Iowa I had to drive past a gambling casino. For some
odd reason I felt a strong urge to go in and take a stab at losing or
winning a few bucks. I don't gamble so the urge was difficult to ignore.
As I left the highway to take the road in to the casino my friend was on my
mind.
I approached the counter, asked for $10.00 in silver coins. I quickly had
doubled that with the promise spoken to the Big Guy that whatever I won
would be split 50/50 with my friend. Fifteen minutes later I walked out
with $140.00 in my pocket, the cost of her prescription was $70.00. The
check was mailed out and she gratefully accepted.
I share this story not to tell you what a great person I am but to tell you
every time I think of it, it renews my faith in the thought that we always
reap 10 times what we sow. I think my joy in being able to help her in a
way that didn't degrade her was an answer to a very small prayer.
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
YOU have an example of some small good deed you've done that has created a
Ripple, and YOU should share it with us! I will leave your name off of it
if you want me too....but these stories are more inspirational to many
Ripples Readers than the quotes that sometimes we've heard many times!
eRipples is emerging as a powerful tool to inspire simple good deeds that
ripple the planet with more goodness. Thank you for your help!
Paul
version 2.10 [Monday, March 6, 2000]
©2000 Stone Soup Seminars
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To the world you may be just one person,
but to one person you may be the world!
original source: unknown
submitted by: so many Ripples Subscribers I just had to include it!
BOULDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You may not see it now," said the Princess of Pure Reason,
looking knowingly at Milo's puzzled face,
"but whatever we learn has a purpose and
whatever we do affects everything and everyone else,
if even in the tiniest way.
Why, when a housefly flaps his wings, a breeze goes round the world;
when a speck of dust falls to the ground, the entire planet weighs a little
more;
and when you stamp your foot, the earth moves slightly off its course.
Whenever you laugh, gladness spreads like the ripples in a pond;
and whenever you're sad, no one anywhere can be really happy.
And it's much the same thing with knowledge,
for whenever you learn something new, the whole world becomes that much
better.
original source: Norton Juster "The Phantom Tollbooth"
submitted by: Marc Loy
RIPPLES IN ACTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Submitted by a Ripples Subscriber Who Wishes to Remain Anonymous
I have a friend that has been down on her luck for a while now. In fact,
money has been so tight she was unable to fill a badly needed prescription
for her anti-depressant. I offered to pay for it but she said no.
On a recent trip to Iowa I had to drive past a gambling casino. For some
odd reason I felt a strong urge to go in and take a stab at losing or
winning a few bucks. I don't gamble so the urge was difficult to ignore.
As I left the highway to take the road in to the casino my friend was on my
mind.
I approached the counter, asked for $10.00 in silver coins. I quickly had
doubled that with the promise spoken to the Big Guy that whatever I won
would be split 50/50 with my friend. Fifteen minutes later I walked out
with $140.00 in my pocket, the cost of her prescription was $70.00. The
check was mailed out and she gratefully accepted.
I share this story not to tell you what a great person I am but to tell you
every time I think of it, it renews my faith in the thought that we always
reap 10 times what we sow. I think my joy in being able to help her in a
way that didn't degrade her was an answer to a very small prayer.
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
YOU have an example of some small good deed you've done that has created a
Ripple, and YOU should share it with us! I will leave your name off of it
if you want me too....but these stories are more inspirational to many
Ripples Readers than the quotes that sometimes we've heard many times!
eRipples is emerging as a powerful tool to inspire simple good deeds that
ripple the planet with more goodness. Thank you for your help!
Paul
Monday, February 28, 2000
eRipples v2.09: Ripples of LEAPING!
eRipples: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 2.09 [Monday, February 28, 2000]
©2000 Stone Soup Seminars
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Calling all children hiding out in grown-up bodies
who long to be joyful, funful, freeful.
Come out, come out, wherever you are
and play in the now-sun of your life.
original source: Rusty Berkus
submitted by: Bridget Kesner
RIPPLES IN ACTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I went to Applebee's today with a friend. After ordering, one of the
waitresses came up to me and asked if I went to Wal-Mart earlier this week.
I thought about saying that I am there more often than some of the
employees.
She reminded me that on Sunday, she was in front of me in line at Wal-Mart.
As she counted the amount of money for the total, she was fifteen cents
short. She told the cashier that she would have to run out to her car. I
offered her the change. She thanked me generously and went on her way.
The waitress handed me the fifteen cents and proceeded to tell me thank you
again. It made my heart skip a beat that someone would find it important to
repay the small amount. As we chatted, it turns out she new where I
worked. It IS a small world! It only took a dime and a nickel to make her
day on Sunday, and it created a spark in mine on Wednesday.
submitted by: Maryah Miller [edited for length]
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Our development of The Ripples Project creates some confusion with folks
who know this newsletter as "Ripples," so starting this week we are going
to call this "eRipples" which will help us distinguish these electronic
splashes of inspiration from the other ideas we're developing.
More examples of "Ripples" keep trickling in-I hope that keeps up. We
are hoping to assemble a fabulous collection of simple but powerful
anecdotes of how goodness put out into the world often comes back in
unexpected ways. We need YOUR story too!
Happy Leaping!
Paul
version 2.09 [Monday, February 28, 2000]
©2000 Stone Soup Seminars
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Calling all children hiding out in grown-up bodies
who long to be joyful, funful, freeful.
Come out, come out, wherever you are
and play in the now-sun of your life.
original source: Rusty Berkus
submitted by: Bridget Kesner
RIPPLES IN ACTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I went to Applebee's today with a friend. After ordering, one of the
waitresses came up to me and asked if I went to Wal-Mart earlier this week.
I thought about saying that I am there more often than some of the
employees.
She reminded me that on Sunday, she was in front of me in line at Wal-Mart.
As she counted the amount of money for the total, she was fifteen cents
short. She told the cashier that she would have to run out to her car. I
offered her the change. She thanked me generously and went on her way.
The waitress handed me the fifteen cents and proceeded to tell me thank you
again. It made my heart skip a beat that someone would find it important to
repay the small amount. As we chatted, it turns out she new where I
worked. It IS a small world! It only took a dime and a nickel to make her
day on Sunday, and it created a spark in mine on Wednesday.
submitted by: Maryah Miller [edited for length]
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Our development of The Ripples Project creates some confusion with folks
who know this newsletter as "Ripples," so starting this week we are going
to call this "eRipples" which will help us distinguish these electronic
splashes of inspiration from the other ideas we're developing.
More examples of "Ripples" keep trickling in-I hope that keeps up. We
are hoping to assemble a fabulous collection of simple but powerful
anecdotes of how goodness put out into the world often comes back in
unexpected ways. We need YOUR story too!
Happy Leaping!
Paul
Monday, February 21, 2000
Ripples v2.08: Ripples of HOPE!
RIPPLES: a free weekly dose of inspiration
version 2.08 [Monday, February 21, 2000]
©2000 Stone Soup Seminars
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist.
It is the trust that they will not last forever,
that hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome.
It is faith that a source of strength and renewal lies within,
to lead us through the dark into sunshine.
written by: Elizabeth A. Chase
submitted by: Meshelle Johns
RIPPLES IN ACTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
written & submitted by: Kathryn Johnson
My daughter grew up seeing her parents and others in our neighborhood doing
acts of kindness for each other. She is grown and married now and has
experienced her own ripple. Last summer she was awakened by sirens and
realized they were stopping across the street at her neighbor's house. My
daughter and her husband went over to see what was needed. It turned out
that the neighbor's husband was having a heart attack. My kids went with
her to the hospital, stayed with her as her husband died, and took special
care with her in the days and weeks ahead. They have invited her over many
times since then. My daughter is now expecting a baby and found out that
she has to return to work six weeks after the baby is born to keep her
health insurance. Her neighbor Irene has her own business so is her own
boss. She has offered to take off time for work this spring, for the 4-5
weeks that my daughter needs to return to work as a part time teacher until
summer vacation. The ripple of love between these two families is
wonderful to see.
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ripples are Real! Two weeks ago, I asked Ripples subscribers to invite
some friends to join our project and received over 100 new requests to
subscribe. Last week's request for examples of real-life ripples resulted
in a handful of AMAZING stories of good deeds that rippled back to the
originator when needed.
As we continue to build The Ripples Project, we need to develop the notion
that anytime you create kindness in the world, it finds a way to come back
to you just when you need it. So keep passing these Ripples on, and take a
moment to tell me about a some Ripple of kindness that came back to you
when you needed it.
Peace to you,
Paul
version 2.08 [Monday, February 21, 2000]
©2000 Stone Soup Seminars
PEBBLE ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist.
It is the trust that they will not last forever,
that hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome.
It is faith that a source of strength and renewal lies within,
to lead us through the dark into sunshine.
written by: Elizabeth A. Chase
submitted by: Meshelle Johns
RIPPLES IN ACTION ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
written & submitted by: Kathryn Johnson
My daughter grew up seeing her parents and others in our neighborhood doing
acts of kindness for each other. She is grown and married now and has
experienced her own ripple. Last summer she was awakened by sirens and
realized they were stopping across the street at her neighbor's house. My
daughter and her husband went over to see what was needed. It turned out
that the neighbor's husband was having a heart attack. My kids went with
her to the hospital, stayed with her as her husband died, and took special
care with her in the days and weeks ahead. They have invited her over many
times since then. My daughter is now expecting a baby and found out that
she has to return to work six weeks after the baby is born to keep her
health insurance. Her neighbor Irene has her own business so is her own
boss. She has offered to take off time for work this spring, for the 4-5
weeks that my daughter needs to return to work as a part time teacher until
summer vacation. The ripple of love between these two families is
wonderful to see.
PONDER ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ripples are Real! Two weeks ago, I asked Ripples subscribers to invite
some friends to join our project and received over 100 new requests to
subscribe. Last week's request for examples of real-life ripples resulted
in a handful of AMAZING stories of good deeds that rippled back to the
originator when needed.
As we continue to build The Ripples Project, we need to develop the notion
that anytime you create kindness in the world, it finds a way to come back
to you just when you need it. So keep passing these Ripples on, and take a
moment to tell me about a some Ripple of kindness that came back to you
when you needed it.
Peace to you,
Paul
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