Showing posts with label Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Service. Show all posts

Monday, July 14, 2014

Ripples #790: Restoring the Broken.

Ripples #790: Restoring the Broken.
A splash of inspiration
from The Ripples Guy
14 July 2014

PEBBLE:
What do we live for,
if it is not to make life
less difficult for each other?
-George Eliot

BOULDER:
Your job is not to judge.
Your job is not to figure out
if someone deserves something.
Your job is to lift the fallen,
to restore the broken,
and to heal the hurting.
-The Essence of life, shared by Jeremy Haddon in Mossman, Queensland (Australia)

PONDER:
I don’t believe that we have an *obligation* to help every single person we encounter.
I do believe that there is an *opportunity* to help every single person we encounter.
Every. Single. Person.

The lost ones, the frustrated ones, the nice ones and the mean ones.  And the magnificent secret that I hesitate to share with you because we took a solemn oath at the last meeting of the “Benevolent Order of Those Who Strive To Be As Nice As Possible to Everyone We Encounter”: the person who benefits the most from all the helping is often YOU!  Serving others feels great; it reminds us to be grateful for blessings that we take for granted, and as a bonus it replenishes our “karma credit card” so we can be in great shape to receive help from others just when we need it most.

Just remember that helping works best when it emanates not from a sense of duty or obligation, but instead from a source of joyous opportunity.  So keep your eyes and ears open for a friend or colleague or stranger who needs you.

Peace,
Paul
(((The Ripples Guy)))

Monday, December 9, 2013

Ripples #759: Ripples for Madiba.

Ripples #759:  Ripples for Madiba.

For our tribe of busy people who believe in
unleashing Ripples of compassion & kindness: uRock!
9 Dec 2013

PEBBLES:

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains,
but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
-Nelson Mandela

As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.
-Nelson Mandela


BOULDERS:
Mr. Mandela was a man whose heart, soul and spirit could not be contained or restrained by racial and economic injustices, metal bars or the burden of hate and revenge.
-Muhammad Ali

He transcended race and class in his personal actions, through his warmth and through his willingness to listen and to empathize with others. He taught us that to respect those with whom we are politically or socially or culturally at odds is not a sign of weakness, but a mark of self-respect.
-Desmond Tutu


PONDER:
Nelson Mandela chose to leave behind 27 years of bitterness when he regained his freedom after almost three decades of imprisonment; a choice that revealed remarkable courage and determination.  South Africa was transformed because of his leadership and because he inspired others to collaborate instead of compete with their adversaries.  People around the world revere this Nobel Peace Prize winner, and I'm confident he will endure as one of the most respected political leaders of our time.  I think unfortunately there have been many missed opportunities to follow his remarkable example. Our reactions to social crises (terrorism, crime, poverty, political unrest, natural disasters, etc.) both at home and abroad might all improve significantly if we more stridently commit to the difficult work of focusing on our shared humanity.

I believe Nelson Mandela would be much less interested in our veneration of him and much more interested in our renewed commitment to magnify our empathy, compassion and the persistent pursuit of peace in both our personal and public lives.  I challenge us all to seek concrete ways to honor his passing, whether that be making peace with someone nearby (colleague, neighbor, etc.), working harder to understand the perspective of those who disagree with you, or renewing your determination to accomplish something for the greater good.

Don't just mourn Nelson Mandela;
decide to honor him with change.

Peace,
Paul

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Ripples #727: Leading by Serving.

Ripples #727: Leading by Serving.
For our tribe of 30,767 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
April 29, 2013

PEBBLE:
You can't lead people
if you don't love people.
You can't save people
if you don't serve people.
-Congresswoman Julia Carson, shared by Karla in Indianapolis, IN


BOULDER:
We must be silent before we can listen.
We must listen before we can learn.
We must learn before we can prepare.
We must prepare before we can serve.
We must serve before we can lead.
-William Arthur Ward, shared by Bruce in Milwaukee, WI

PONDER:
It can be tempting to view leadership simply as being in charge or in control. From my earliest leadership roles in scouting to my current work as a leadership trainer, I have learned from countless role models that effective leaders usually earn the respect and trust of their teams by demonstrating authenticity, compassion, and a willingness to work as hard or harder than they expect others to. Is there anything you could do this week to extend your leadership capacity through compassionate service to others?

Peace,
Paul
P.S. Speaking of scouting: I am proud to be a gay Eagle Scout who believes our world is improved whenever we bring our FULL and BEST selves to work, school, and life. Some of my fellow Eagle Scouts and I have teamed up to raise awareness and funds to end discrimination in scouting. Please watch this video (especially if you're a Zach Wahls fan) and consider pitching in to create more ripples of leadership. Let me know if you donate because Zach and I intend to match it! http://youtu.be/pMmKNYjBlUc

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ripples #679: Heroes.

Ripples #679: Heroes.
For our tribe of 30,891 busy people who share encouragement and gratitude.
05/29/2012

PEBBLE:
Heroes are people who rise to the occasion
and then slip quietly away.
-Tom Brokaw, submitted by Brian in Evansville, IN

BOULDERS:
The primordial soup that creates heroes
never tastes of rainbows--
it's a lumpy gumbo of suffering and evil.
Heroes are born from darkness,
because we desperately need
someone to light the way.
-Dave Kosak, submitted by Nick in New Jersey

PONDER:
If you're still savoring the holiday weekend, please find a moment to remember that Memorial Day, in addition to our "kick off the summer" here in the U.S., is also a chance to honor fallen soldiers who gave their lives so that we may continue to enjoy our many freedoms. If you're back to school/work/life after the holiday weekend, there is still time to recognize soldiers and other heroes who have improved our lives.

And while you're at it, keep your eyes open this week for an opportunity to be there for someone else. Whether it is a quick favor or a significant sacrifice, and with my apologies to Tina Turner, we are always in need of more heroes1

Peace,
Paul



Monday, April 13, 2009

Ripples v11.15: Paying the Rent!

Ripples v11.15: Paying the Rent!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,208
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!

_______
PEBBLE
Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life,
and not something you do in your spare time.
-Marian Wright Edelman, submitted by Mary G., Peoria AZ

_________
BOULDER
When you serve others
you really serve yourself.
It isn't so much
the reaction you will see,
but the reaction
you will feel within yourself.
-source unknown, submitted by anonymous Ripples subscriber

_________
PONDER

Service comes in all shapes and sizes.

It can be the traditional philanthropy where we choose a person or organization in need and give time or money. It can also be part of our job to help customers, employees, co-workers, or others. Service can even be the way we choose to interact with each person we encounter. When you put on your "community service" or "work" hats on, I suspect it is fairly easy for you to be kind, generous, warm, and giving. What about the other opportunities in your daily life to serve others? Standing in line, driving, shopping, or just walking along: if you stay present and make eye contact with those around you, it is possible you will identify someone who needs a quick favor, a kind word, or just a warm smile. Please take extra care this week to notice opportunities to serve!

Please send some good energy my way as I make my first "beta stop" on the uROCK! Roadtrip. I'll visit Milwaukee this Wednesday to present a workshop for a business networking group AND stopping at a coffee shop afterwards for a "Ripples MeetUp" (contact me if you're in the Milwaukee area and interested in more info!). I'll be sharing my experiences with photos, texts, and blogs so tune in to http://uROCKroadtrip.com or make sure you're connected to me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and/or Twitter.

Peace,
Paul

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Ripples v10.03: Dr. King!

Ripples v10.03: Dr. King!
Jan 21, 2008: a free weekly splash to 17,921 subscribers
from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Judy A., Carbondale IL.

____________________BOULDER ____________________

Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.
You don't have to have a college degree to serve.
You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.
You don't have to know about Aristotle and Plato to serve ...
You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., submitted by Allison T., San Luis Obispo CA

____________________PONDER ____________________

Some of us have the day off as the U.S. celebrates Martin Luther King day, and I hope EVERYONE can take a few minutes to notice how many great things are happening, in part because Dr. King's words and actions are still echoing throughout our society.

We are not where we should be in terms of nurturing a diverse society AND we are so much farther along because of powerful voices like Dr. King's.

Celebrate this important day by speaking up for someone else and/or listening carefully to someone who is doing the same!

Peace,
Paul

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Ripples v9.41: Goodness And Grace!

Ripples v9.41: Goodness And Grace!
10/8/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

Don't let the good things of life rob you of the best things.
-Maltbie Babcock, submitted by Kelly F., Huntington Beach CA

____________________BOULDER ____________________

Life isn't
days and years.
It's what you do
with time
and with all the
goodness and grace
that's inside of you.
-source unknown, submitted by Kristin P., Cottage Grove WI

____________________PONDER ____________________

While I was busy last week in Lincoln, Nebraska hanging out with my NIRSA buddies at their Big 12/Region V & Friends Conference, members of The Ripples Project were busy responding to the "Nothing But Nets" challenge. I am so proud to share that we raised over 80% of our financial goal of $5,000 (which I will match) from over 250 members of The Ripples Project! It was exciting and humbling to see dozens and eventually hundreds of you taking 5 minutes from your crazy day to give 5 bucks (in in many cases much more!). I didn't expect so many to react so quickly, and I certainly didn't expect so many "THANKS"! Here are just three of the dozens of emails I received:

Karen from Cincinnati wrote that it "felt wonderful to be able to help out."
Lisa from Chicago said "Thank you for this opportunity to help others! It made my day."
Christopher from Detroit shared, "Thanks for inspiring me this morning!"

I'm sharing this partly to send a huge THANK YOU to all of you who helped out, and partly to remind others how GOOD it feels to spend 5 minutes giving 5 bucks! I know you're busy, and I know money may be tight. If you have already maxed out charitable giving or are not interested in this cause, no worries of course. It is still my hope that we can have 1,000 members donate by 10/31, so visit this page if you want to help:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/resources/NBN

And whether you are participating in this challenge or not, I hope that you do something fantastic this week to celebrate your GOODNESS and GRACE!

Peace,
Paul

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Sunday, May 20, 2007

Ripples v9.21: Service!

Ripples v9.21: Service!
5/21/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

Image what a harmonious world it could be if every person,
both young and old, shared a little of what he or she was good at doing.
-Quincy Jones, submitted by Brandy T., Olympia WA

____________________BOULDER ____________________

I slept
and dreamt
that life was joy.

I awoke
and saw
that life was service.

I acted
and behold,
service was joy.
-Rabindranath Tagore, submitted by Marilyn L., Madison WI

____________________SPLASH ____________________


I suspect that our community of Ripplers is doing more than their share of service work, so if you are already over-involved with STUFF, please don't take this week's theme as another lecture to "do your part!"

Instead, I hope you can keep your eyes and ears open to just NOTICE what happens the next time you do something for someone else. The service could be something as simple as holding a door open or practicing extra loving kindness when the driver in front of you forgets to signal before turning. On the other hand, it might involve helping out at an fund raiser or following through on a commitment to take a "shift" at your favorite non-profit (stuffing envelopes, delivering meals, or just sitting with a client who wants company?). Whatever the task, I dare you to observe what you are THINKING and FEELING while you do it. You may find out that SERVICE to others also provides a remarkable service to yourself!

Peace,
Paul

Monday, January 8, 2007

Ripples v9.02: Treating People Right!

Ripples v9.02: Treating People Right!
1/8/07: a quick splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.
-Henry Boye, submitted by Kathy L., Mendota Heights MN

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

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element.
It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
It is my daily mood that makes the weather.

I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous.
I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration,
I can humiliate or humor,
hurt or heal.

In all situations,
it is my response that decides whether
a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and
a person is humanized or de-humanized.

If we treat people as they are,
we make them worse.
If we treat people as they ought to be,
we help them become what they are capable of becoming.
-J.W. Goethe, submitted by Kelly P., Ontario OR

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

I need help gathering examples of TREATING PEOPLE RIGHT!

Have you recently (or ever?) been in a situation where you were receiving service (restaurant, hotel, retail store, etc.) and the person said or did something unexpected that "made life joyous?" Reply and share it with me! Anyone who responds by Thursday morning with a brief example will get a copy of all the examples (and I think it could be a great list.).

If you cannot think of one, then make a splash this week by making an extra effort to be nice to someone that isn't expecting it.

Peace,
Paul

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Ripples v8.46: Ripples of ECHOES & BOOMERANGS!

Ripples v8.46: Ripples of ECHOES & BOOMERANGS!
11/13/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
14,797 subscribers

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

Life is like an echo.
What you give out is what you get in return.
-Elsie (last name forgotten), submitted by Terri L., Cranford NJ

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

The game of life is the game of boomerangs.
Our thoughts, deeds and words
return to us sooner or later,
with astounding accuracy.
-Florence Shinn, submitted by Dani S, Eugene OR

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

I spent the early part of the week with a group of folks who do the very challenging and important work of helping people at the end of life. These hospice, nursing home, home health, and hospital staff provide an enormous source of support to those who are dying as well as their loved ones. By the end of the week I was out in Phoenix to spend a few days with my good friends at the U.S. Tennis Association who develop and promote the growth of tennis.

These are obviously different groups facing different challenges and opportunities in fulfilling their mission, but the people I met at both meetings were filled with dedicated and talented professionals who are making life better for others. While my topics varied for each group, it was easy to convince them all that what you get out of life depends a great deal on what you are willing to put in.

I dare you to practice the art of ECHOES & BOOMERANGS this week by putting out a little more of what you want and trust that it will come back. If you wish the world had more peace than it does now, go out and make peace with someone you are currently in conflict with. If you need more money, try giving a few bucks away. If happiness is what you seek, then spend some time making someone else happy. I believe that some will come back your way soon!

Peace,
Paul

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Ripples v8.29: Ripples of OUR COMMUNITY!

Ripples v8.29: Ripples of OUR COMMUNITY!
7/17/06: a FREE splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

Our belief in one another
is what unites us and encourages us to be our best.
-Sarah McLachlan, submitted by Cathie M., Madison WI

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

There can be no vulnerability without risk;
There can be no community without vulnerability;
There can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.
-M. Scott Peck, submitted by Katie M., Cedarville IL

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

Welcome back to our community! While some of you have always been receiving Ripples each week, I was ASTONISHED to learn how many folks have been either sporadically receiving or completely missing their weekly splash. Last week we moved our site to a host recommended by the folks at Active Campaign (who make the software we use to send out Ripples) and sent out a test message. So far I have received over 1,100 responses, many people saying "oh, you're back!" I am truly sorry that we temporarily lost touch AND I am deeply grateful to have you back as a part of the Ripples community.

I thought of the perfect way to celebrate our "community reunion:" Can you think of someone that you have lost track of over the past few years? Perhaps it is a former colleague, a distant relative, or maybe a friend who gradually disappeared from your radar. Reach out to them today with an email or phone call or (gasp!) a handwritten note and welcome them back into your life!

Ooh, and we need EVERYONE to send a big dose of peace out into the universe this week because so many spots in our world are in danger of forgetting what peace feels like or sounds like. This whole world is our community and any time one part is in pain, we ALL suffer for it!

I am sending you all hugs and high fives and of course,

Peace,
Paul

Sunday, May 14, 2006

Ripples v8.20: Ripples of MEANINGFUL WORK!

Ripples v8.20: Ripples of MEANINGFUL WORK!
5/15/06: 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

Three rules of work:
out of clutter, find simplicity;
from discord, find harmony;
in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Lisa B., Monona Grove WI & Nikki B., Madison WI

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

It is impossible to have a great life unless it is a meaningful life.
And it is very difficult to have a meaningful life without meaningful work.
Perhaps, then, you might gain that rare tranquility
that comes from knowing that you have had a hand
in creating something of intrinsic excellence that makes a contribution.

Indeed, you might even gain that deepest of all satisfactions:
knowing that your short time here on this earth
has been well spent, and that it mattered.
-Jim Collins, submitted by Laura A., Michigan

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

This week included more bonding with credit union leaders, this time at CUNA's Women's Leadership Conference in San Francisco. While our topic was diversity, I spent a few minutes thanking them for their important work and reminding them that they help their members with one of the scariest parts of many people\'s lives: money. A few participants individually shared with me how satisfying their work can be when opportunities arise to help a colleague overcome an obstacle or assist a member in facing a significant challenge.

I am hoping that SOMEWHERE in your life you are finding meaning in your work. And do not forget that MEANINGFUL WORK may not be at your job! It could be a class you\'re taking, a hobby you\'re pursuing, community service efforts, or even some part of your life at home. (While I love my "job" as a leadership trainer, some of you have heard me say that I find The Ripples Project to provide the most meaning in my life!) If you HAVE found your MEANINGFUL WORK, celebrate that today! If it seems you\'re still seeking it (or had it once but have lost it), hang in there! Maybe your goal today could be to make a list of what aspects of your life provide the MOST meaning and jot down a few thoughts about what seems significant about them. Just ponder it a bit, and perhaps you can seek similar opportunities.

Peace,
Paul


Sunday, August 7, 2005

Ripples v7.29: Ripples of THE TAPESTRY!

Ripples v7.29: Ripples of THE TAPESTRY!
Monday, August 8, 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

Life is like riding a bicycle.
To keep your balance you must keep moving.
-Albert Einstein, submitted by Karen K, Milwaukee, WI

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

We don\'t accomplish anything in this world alone ...
and whatever happens is the result of
the whole tapestry of one\'s life and
all the weavings of individual threads
from one to another that create something.
-Sandra Day O\'Connor, submitted by Katie M., Cedarville, IL

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

A few months ago I was contacted by Mike M. here in Madison who had received a Ripples card at a United Way event. He was excited about The Ripples Project and was planning the closing ceremonies for Madison\'s AIDS Ride (almost 200 riders spent 4 days biking throughout southern Wisconsin to raise money for AIDS Network). Mike wanted the riders and volunteers to receive a ripple card so they could be reminded of the important ripples they were creating. He didn\'t realize at first that Ripples is sent out from Madison, nor did he know that I was a long-time volunteer and former staff member at AIDS Network.

We eventually met in person and arranged to have me distribute the cards at the event this week. I was able to speak to them for a few minutes, thanking them for the incredible ripples they had created by raising money and then enduring a VERY challenging four days of hills and heat and more hills.

It was so apparent to me that everyone present had put much time, energy and passion into this important cause, and it reminded me again that it takes ALL of us pitching in to keep making our planet a better place to be. I am thankful that Mike reached out to us so we could be a part of the celebration, and I am thankful to all of YOU because together we have created such a large community of ripplers who are out there weaving this remarkable tapestry called LIFE!

Enjoy your tapestry, and ENJOY TODAY!

Peace,
Paul

Sunday, January 9, 2005

Ripples v7.02: Ripples of CREATING JOY!

Ripples v7.02: Ripples of CREATING JOY!
Monday, January 10, 2005
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world.
My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here.
-Jim Henson, submitted by Kate V., Cedar Rapids, IA

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

It\'s not enough to have lived.
We should be determined to live for something.
May I suggest that it be creating joy for others,
sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind,
bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.
-Leo F. Buscaglia, submitted by Cris D.

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

On Thursday I enjoyed a magnificent day in California with the Student Life staff at the University of the Pacific (they apologized for the 50-degree cloudy weather while I rented a convertible and drove with the top down because this Wisconsin guy thought it was grand!).

We joked about the salary discrepancy between celebrity entertainers and those who pursue \"helping professions\" (e.g. student affairs, social work, teaching, etc.) and of course it is frustrating that our society values entertainment over serving others. I reminded them that if the only thing they get from work is MONEY they will always be underpaid, regardless of salary.

Part of the value in their work lies in the ability to create joy for others, a noble effort that splashes back and provides the immeasurable benefit of knowing they made a positive difference in someone\'s life. I hope your work and your life provide that value....I dare you to create some extra joy in someone else\'s life this week and notice how you get a raise from it!

Peace,

Paul
p.s. In case you missed last week\'s notice, we are permanently closing our online store so please do any last minute shopping by this Wednesday!
http://theripplesproject.org/store/customer/home.php

Monday, December 13, 2004

Ripples v6.47: Ripples of COMING ALIVE!

Ripples v6.47: Ripples of COMING ALIVE!
Monday, December 13, 2004
Your FREE Weekly Splash of Inspiration from Paul & The Ripples Project

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

What a wonderful day to be Alive.
-source unknown, submitted by Linda H., Pewaukee, WI

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

Don\'t ask yourself what the world needs;
ask yourself what makes you come alive.
And then go and do that.
Because what the world needs
is people who have come alive.
-Harold Whitman, submitted by Carrie S., Indianapolis, IN

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

As we wind down 2004, I thought it could be powerful to spend these last few weeks of the year motivating each other to create an incredible 2005. Here is the question: What ACTIONS or ACTIVITIES you could begin doing in 2005 that would help you feel more Alive?

Be specific, and lets see if we can get at least 20 members to post something by Wednesday!

Post Here:
http://TheRipplesProject.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=468#468

Peace,
Paul

Monday, September 6, 2004

Ripples v6.34: Ripples of YOU! Yes YOU!

Ripples v6.34: Ripples of YOU! Yes YOU!
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

We are coming to understand that no organization,
including government, will fully succeed
without the active participation of each of us.
Volunteers are vital to enabling this country
to live up to the true promise of its heritage.
-Bill Clinton, submitted by Erin A.


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

Every cause needs people more than money,
for when the people are with you and they are giving your
cause their attention, interest, confidence, advocacy & service,
financial support should just about take care of itself;

whereas, without them in the right quality and quantity,
in the right places and the right states of mind and spirit,
you might as well go and get lost.
-Harold J. Seymour, submitted by James L, Park City, Utah


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

I spent a bit of time with some educators in Mt. Horeb and
new students in Eau Claire (both in my home state of Wisconsin)
before diving into the final stages of our web redesign and
I realized how AWESOME it is that so many members have
offered not only a few bucks but their precious TIME and
ENERGY to help us grow! Well, this week we have a FEW
ways if you feel like giving some more:

A. Ripply Brainstorm.
We have dreamed up something remarkable for the first
page of the new site, and it needs your boost. Peek here:
http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/NewFrontPage.html


B. Better Blurb, Draft IV:
The Ripples Project: Refresh your spirit with kindness to others
[please send feedback to Blurb@HappyFlying.com]


C. New Site "Test Drivers."
Early next week we will need a crew of people to give us
some feedback about the new site and its functionality.
It would involve about 15-30 minutes and then a few more
minutes of describing what might make it better
(bonus: it will still have that "new site smell!").

Send a blank email to TestDrive@HappyFlying.com
and we will contact you next week.

D. Smile!
If you are having a busy week and do not have time to do
any of the above, just smile at the next three people you see
and you will have created a few ripples that will help the world,
and help your soul too!

Peace,
Paul

Monday, December 1, 2003

Ripples v5.46: Ripples of HEROISM!

Ripples v5.46: Paul's Free Weekly Splash of Inspiration for 10,422 Members

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

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, submitted by Mike M., Portland, Oregon

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

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.
It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost,
but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.
-Arthur Ashe, submitted by Karen F., New Milford, Connecticut

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

A huge THANK YOU to the people who responded to our challenge of
supporting The Ripples Project through a purchase from our online
store. We raised over $1,000 that will help us do some REALLY cool
stuff in the new year!

We need a few more "shopping heroes" to visit our online store and
consider making a small purchase that will allow us to maintain our
FREE weekly splash of inspiration and add a few goodies for next
year. Peek here: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm

Peace,
Paul

Monday, April 7, 2003

Ripples v5.13: Ripples of FIRST!

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

Everyone wants to do something to help, but nobody wants to be first.
-Pearl Bailey, submitted by Sarah B., Shawano, WI

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

It is not for me to change you.
The question is,
"How can I be of service to you
without diminishing your
degrees of freedom?"
-Buckminster Fuller

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

This week was another fun visit to Indianapolis to hang out with a
group of phenomenal support staff from IUPUI (and they are VERY proud
of their recent visit to the NCAA playoffs!). In our exploration of
ways to increase their effectiveness on the job, we talked about the
importance of "creating deposits" in work relationships. Remember
that every relationship is an emotional bank account, and when you do
something to expand the relationship it is like making a deposit.
There are of course times when withdrawals are made (someone drops
the ball on something, misses a meeting, etc.) but as long as there
have been enough deposits over time, the relationship continues to be
healthy.

Choose someone at work or school this week and create a deposit by
telling them how much you appreciate their efforts or finding a way
to help them with a challenge they face.

Peace,
Paul

Monday, October 21, 2002

eRipples v4.42: Ripples of MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

The Ripples Project encourages small waves of kindness.
7,757 people received this free weekly splash of inspiration,
and we count on YOU to encourage ripples by passing it on to others!

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

You can't rely on the world to change for you.
You can start to use your voice, and that's the best that you can do.
-Ellis (folk singer), submitted by Kelly C.

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

Above all we must realize that each of us
makes a difference with our life.
Each of us impacts the world around us every single day.
We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a
better place - or not to bother.
-Jane Goodall, submitted by Leslie M., Madison, Wisconsin

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

Whew! I started the week in Cincinnati with a crew from Procter &
Gamble, and then I made stops in Tampa, Florida and Topeka, Kansas to
hang out with food service professionals. I thanked each of these
groups for the difference they make in our lives: Procter & Gamble
for the many products that help make our lives better (Febreze is my
current favorite!), and the "lunch ladies" in Florida & Kansas for
the delicious LOVE they serve along with every meal!

Challenge for YOU: Make a difference this week by finding someone
that has made a difference in YOUR life and say THANK YOU!

Peace,
Paul









eRipples: a FREE weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
eRipples Archives: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/eRipples
eRipples Store: http://www.TheRipplesProject.org/store/browse.cfm
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
to leave (we'll miss you): send a blank email to Leave@TheRipplesProject.org
to join (it's free): send a blank email to Join@TheRipplesProject.org
to submit (we need quotes!): send a quote to Submissions@TheRipplesProject.org
=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o
©2002 The Ripples Project
eRipples & The Ripples Project are registered trademarks

Monday, July 8, 2002

eRipples v4.27: Ripples of ONE HUNDRED FIFY NINE!

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

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Kay

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

Every man must decide whether he will walk
in the light of creative altruism
or the darkness of destructive selfishness.
Life's most persistent and urgent question is,
"What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King Jr., submitted by Jean

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

WOW! Two weeks ago I mentioned the story of Keith and his cool idea
for helping people with Modest Needs; I had no idea how many people
might take it seriously and pitch in five bucks to encourage him in
his efforts. Well, the results are in! I returned from my Colorado
vacation to find dozens and dozens of envelopes! As I packed up a
box to send to him, I counted 159 contributions from over 30 states
and the District of Columbia!

I am so proud of us! I added my check for $795, as I promised to
commit five bucks of my own for each envelope that came in. I know
some of you pitched in more than five dollars, and some of you
donated money directly through the Modest Needs' website--thanks for
those ripples! Thank you also to the folks who simply visited the
website or even spent a few moments thinking about the ripples that
are being created with this idea! If you still want to help, you can
visit his website (see below) to make a contribution directly to
Modest Needs. As of July 1, the IRS officially recognized Modest
Needs as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization which means that all
contributions that came in after May 1 are tax deductible!


Modest Needs Website: http://www.ModestNeeds.org
USA Today article on Modest Needs:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/2002/2002-06-13-modestneeds.htm

Peace to you,
Paul