Ripples #579: Choosing Thoughts!
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,548
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

The thoughts we choose to think
are the tools we use to paint
the canvas of our lives.
-Louise Hay, submitted by Terry H., Oak Creek WI

________
BOULDER

It’s not about what happens.
It’s about perspective.
I may not be able to change what takes place,
but I can always choose to change my thinking.
-Michelle Sedas, submitted by Tena B., Carbondale IL

_______
PONDER

As those of us here in the U.S. prepare to celebrate Independence Day this
weekend, I want to remind as all that a key component of freedom is having
the right to choose. I have mentioned this a few times already in previous
issues AND I think it is worth repeating: we can choose how we respond even
when we do not get to choose what has happened.

If something or someone is bothering you this week, one way to celebrate
your independence is to choose a different way to think about it and perhaps
that will lead to a different way to respond.

Peace,
Paul

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Ripples #578: Really YOU!
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,548
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.
-Joseph Campbell, submitted by Terry H., Oak Creek WI

________
BOULDER

Don't lose track of who you are
just because it might be easier
to be somebody else.
-Mr. Schuester (GLEE), submitted by Justin B., Austin TX

_______
PONDER

If you try to be like someone else, you will end up getting fired because
the role of somebody else is already taken and we only need one of them.

If you try to be someone you are not, you will end up getting let go
because others will inevitably sense the incongruence, sniff out the fraud.

It is not always easy, simple, or convenient to "just" be you. It is,
however, the most precious gift you have to offer the world. Everyone you
encounter benefits whenever you bring your full, best self to school, to
work, to life.

So thank you in advance for each time you choose to be really, really,
REALLY you!

Peace,
Paul

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Ripples #577: Dream, Then Do!
Monday, June 14, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,272
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

Dreams are achieved by our persistence in pursuing them.
-written and submitted by Kurt Hofman, Knoxville TN

________
BOULDER

The trick is to combine your
waking rational abilities with
the infinite possibilities
of your dreams.
'Cuz if you can do that
you can do anything.
–movie “Waking Life”, submitted by John P., Pomona NJ

_______
PONDER

Maybe it is from your childhood, maybe it is from yesterday. No matter how
long ago, no matter crazy, no matter how few or how many people you have
told: if a dream has been persistent then you need to pursue it,
persistently!

Dream, then do!

Peace,
Paul

*****
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Ripples #576: Our Boat!
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,272
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

To say my fate is not tied to your fate
is like saying, "Your end of the boat is sinking."
-Hugh Downs, submitted by Carol L.N., LaCrosse WI

________
BOULDER

The moment you think only of yourself,
the focus of your whole mind narrows,
and because of this narrow focus,
uncomfortable things can appear huge
and bring you fear, discomfort,
and a sense of feeling overwhelmed by misery.
The moment you think of others
with a sense of caring, however,
your mind widens.
Within that wider angle,
your own problems appear to be of no significance,
and this makes a big difference.
-Dalai Lama, submitted by Ryan P, San Luis Obispo

_______
PONDER

You could be facing some difficulties this week that cause you to feel like
your boat is sinking. What if you made it your priority to identify someone
else around you in need and become obsessed with helping them?

You may notice that your boat has less water than it did before, and you
may discover an extra set of hands to help you stay afloat.

Yes, you can.

Peace,
Paul

*****
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Ripples #575: Sacrifice!
Monday, May 31, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,289
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

The important thing is this: to be able at any moment
to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.
-Charles Du Bos, submitted by Linn W., Milwaukee WI

________
BOULDER

Those who are living in their highest light know that it is good to share
your life and your love, for we have, indeed, come together for a reason.
-The Highest Light Teachings, submitted by Bruce P Madison, WI

_______
PONDER

Here in the U.S. last Monday in May is recognized as "Memorial Day" to
honor soldiers killed during wartime. While it is for many of us the
holiday weekend that kicks off summer, most people spend at least a few
minutes thinking about those who sacrificed everything while serving their
country.

I thought this could be a good day to think about sacrifice and how giving
up something in the short term often leads to greater gain. Sacrificing
something to enrich the greater good does not have to result in our death,
nor does it even have to be painful. The right thing can even make us feel
good: donating a few dollars/hours to a community organization, defending
the honor of someone who is unable to speak up for herself, or doing the
right thing even when it is not the easiest or most convenient course of
action. Sacrifice is an opportunity for all of us to participate fully in
society, and to become our full, best selves in the process.

Peace,
Paul

*****
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Ripples #574: Be Bold!
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,281
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

Be bold.
If you're going to make an error, make a doozy,
and don't be afraid to hit the ball.
-Billie Jean King, submitted by Kristin K, Salisbury MD

________
BOULDER

Standing in the
middle of the road
is very dangerous;
you get knocked down
by the traffic
from both sides.
-Margaret Thatcher, submitted by Linda H., Manhattan KS

_______
PONDER

This section is called "ponder" because each week I strive to craft a
message that invites you to think about how the above quotes relate to you
and your crazy full life.

However, this week I don't want to get you to think about anything. I want
you to BE BOLD! That decision that needs to be made, that action that you
know will make a difference for school, work, life, etc.: GO DO IT!

Pondering is good and today is the day to transform the pondering into
action.

Peace,
Paul

*****
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Ripples #573: Change Your Life!
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,268
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

To change one's life: Start immediately.
Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions.
-William James

________
BOULDER

We immediately become more effective
when we decide to change ourselves
rather than asking things to change for us.
-Stephen Covey, submitted by Nick P., New Jersey

_______
PONDER

Most of us know the serenity prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept
the things I cannot change, the courage to accept the things I can, and the
wisdom to know the difference."

It is sometimes easier to whine about things we cannot control than it is
to jump into action and change what we can. Your life can be better tomorrow
if you take action today, so make a decision and then choose a direction and
then CHANGE!

Peace,
Paul

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

_______
PEBBLE

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

________
BOULDER

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

_______
PONDER

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

Peace,
Paul

p.s. I'm seeking a few dozen people willing to share their smiling faces
and/or voices. We're coordinating the project on Facebook just because it
is easier (maybe its time for you to join Facebook?). Join this group for
details: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59352891391.

*****
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Ripples #571: The Work of Love!
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,363
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

If you can learn to love yourself and all the flaws,
you can love other people so much better.
And that makes you so happy.
-Kristin Chenoweth

________
BOULDER

We need, each of us, to begin
the awesome, difficult work of love;
loving ourselves
so that we can become able
to love others without fear,
so that we can become powerful enough
to enlargen the circle of our trust
and our common striving for a safe, sunny afternoon,
near to flowering trees and under a very blue sky.
-June Jordan, submitted by Seb H., Madison WI

_______
PONDER

What could happen if you loved your self as deeply as you love your best
friend?
What might change if you embraced every grain of your being the way a child
delights in every grain of beach sand?
As you seek deeper love for yourself this week, you will likely deepen the
love you share with others.

Starting……now.

Peace,
Paul

p.s. As you enjoy this weekly splash, please remember its arrival is
dependent upon our happy tribe of Ripplers who share nuggets of wisdom they
encounter and also forward Ripples on to their friends, family, co-workers
so our pond keeps enlarging. I'm honored to coordinate our efforts, and I'm
honored each time you submit a quote or invite new members to our tribe.

*****
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Ripples #570: How You Carry It!
Monday, Apr 26, 2010
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 25,306
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities

_______
PEBBLE

It’s not the load that breaks you,
it’s the way you carry it.
-Lena Horn, submitted by Nicole W., San Luis Obispo CA

________
BOULDER

There is no person without faults,
none without a burden.
None is sufficient in himself,
none is wise in himself;
therefore, we must support one another,
comfort, help, teach, and advise one another.
-Thomas a Kempis (translation), submitted by Lois B., Calumet MI

_______
PONDER

You can handle your load if you carry it correctly. Back injuries often
arise when we don't lift with our legs. Soul injuries can occur when we
forget to use all of our strength and all of our resources. That includes
bringing your best self to face challenges, and it includes asking for help
from the tribe of people you have assembled for just such purposes.

Today I wish for you the courage to ask for help and the strength to offer
help.

Peace,
Paul

*****
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