Ripples v9.44: Walls or Windmills?
10/29/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.
-Chinese proverb, submitted by Kathleen H-D., Kansas City KS

____________________BOULDER ____________________

It takes a lot of courage
to release the familiar and seemingly secure,
to embrace the new.

But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.
There is more security in the adventurous and exciting,
for in movement there is life, and
in change there is power.
-Alan Cohen, submitted by Dana A. Neillsville WI

____________________PONDER ____________________

I chose this week's theme for a few people I know who are making some big decisions this week and for anyone else who is facing change.

Halloween is upon us, so let me say it this way: If fear is attempting to TRICK you into building walls, give yourself a TREAT by pondering the magnificent possibilities that "winds of change" might be carrying your way. Perhaps a windmill may be more useful tool than a wall to harness the power of the wind.

Good luck, and good skill in making your decision!

Peace,
Paul

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Ripples v9.43: Stand Up!
10/22/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

A strong man stands up for himself,
a stronger man stands up for others.
-the movie Barnyard, submitted by Monica T., Springfield OR

____________________BOULDER ____________________

Stand up to your obstacles
and do something about them.
You will find that they
haven't half the strength
you think they have.
-Norman Vincent Peale

____________________PONDER ____________________

This week was another series of adventures, first to West Virginia to hang out with residence life professionals from MACUHO, and then to Iowa and with a crew of student leaders at Drake University. During presentations at both places I issued challenges to STAND UP and take action on information they gained from their respective conferences. Therefore, I challenge each of you to STAND UP and take action too! The first quote is about standing up for others, the other quote is about standing up to your obstacles, so choose one and, well…

…STAND UP!

Peace,
Paul

P.S. One more week to transform a $5 donation for Nothing But Nets into TEN BUCKS! Click here for details:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/resources/NBN

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Ripples v9.42: Soul Possibilities!
10/15/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project

____________________PEBBLE ____________________

Nature never repeats herself,
and the possibilities of one human soul
will never be found in another.
-Elizabeth Cady Stanton, submitted by Tina C., Oregon

____________________BOULDER ____________________

I've come to believe
that each of us has a personal calling
that's as unique as a fingerprint –
-and that the best way to succeed
is to discover what you love
and then find a way to offer it to others
in the form of service, working hard, and
also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.
-Oprah Winfrey, submitted by Marilyn F., Lincoln NE

____________________PONDER ____________________

This week found me in the fabulous Pacific Northwest to spend Columbus Day with Lacamas Community Credit Union and then a few days at a meeting of YMCA professionals. It was fun to connect with two groups who are helping people in substantial and distinct ways: the credit union assisting members with the financial parts of their lives, and the YMCA folks who are busy growing healthy kids, families, & communities.

It turns out that each of us has a fantastically individual contribution to create, and just in case you have forgotten: the world really is a better place because YOU are in it! Your efforts at work, school, home, or somewhere else are appreciated by others who may or may not have mentioned it.

So I dare you: spend 30 seconds accepting and appreciating your SOUL POSSIBILITIES, and then take 30 seconds to let someone else know you value their contribution to your world.

Peace,
Paul
P.S. We exceeded our Nothing But Nets financial goal AND have big news to share from Kelly & Chris! Click here for details:
http://PaulWesselmann.com/resources/NBN

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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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