Ripples v11.25: The Promise of Today!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,537
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
Monday, June 29, 2009

_______
PEBBLE

All that we're ever promised is today,
I'll try to remember and not wish it away.
-written & submitted by Michelle M., Cincinnati OH

________
BOULDER

There is only one.
One day to let the world know
you can make a difference;
you can change the course of the future.
You can breathe in the air of poverty, depression, hate, and
exhale the air of perseverance, happiness, and love.

Make this that day, and
show the world that
hope lies beneath,
truth lies above, and
we lie here, now;
to make a difference.
-written & submitted by Ryan K., Ashland WI

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PONDER

As I make my way home from a weeklong adventure in Michigan that included a few uROCK! Roadtrip stops and a reunion with my buddies from grad school (we realized while reminiscing that we first came together 20 years ago this month….yikes!), I invite you (and me!) to spend a moment treasuring THE PROMISE OF TODAY and ensuring we make the most of it!

Ooh, and while I have your attention: please notice that both the Pebble and the Boulder this week were written by their submitters, and remember that we count on a continuous feed of fresh quote submissions so we can keep creating Ripples! Submit your own words, or those of someone who inspired you recently!

Peace,
Paul
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Ripples v11.24: Sparks of Fire!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,507
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
Monday, June 22, 2009

_______
PEBBLE

My fingers emit sparks of fire with expectations of my future labors.
-William Blake, submitted by Terry H., Franklin WI

________
BOULDER

Passion, it lies in all of us, sleeping… waiting…and though unwanted… unbidden… it will stir… open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us… guides us… passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love… the clarity of hatred… and the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion maybe we'd know some kind of peace… but we would be hollow… Empty rooms shuttered and dank. Without passion we'd be truly dead.
-Angel (character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), submitted by Leah P., Wisconsin

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PONDER

In some of my presentations I describe passion as PURPOSE in ACTION, taking place in an enriching ENVIRONMENT.

In order to be successful in any specific endeavor (project, class, job, school, life) You need to have a PURPOSE: a well-defined mission or set of objectives, and you need to set that purpose in motion through ACTION. In order to sustain your passion, that "purpose in action" must take place in the right ENVIRONMENT, a place where you and your purpose can be encouraged, nurtured, and supported.

Perhaps this week you can take a look at your life in general, or maybe one specific project or component of your work/school/life, and examine it to see how well you have defined its PURPOSE, how consistently and effectively you are taking ACTION, and how supportive your environment is. Perhaps you can tweak one or more of the three components and watch your PASSION emit more sparks!

Peace,
Paul

Please join our tribe, it is free!
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Ripples v11.23: Chocolate Discipline!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,531
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
Monday, June 15, 2009

_______
PEBBLE

Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar
into four pieces with your bare hands-
and then eat just one of the pieces.
-Judith Viorst, submitted by Amy R., Downingtown PA

________
BOULDER

Maturity is the ability
to stick with a job until it’s finished;
to do a job without being supervised;
to carry money without spending it; and
to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-source unknown, submitted by Beth G., Sleepy Hollow, IL

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PONDER

There could be a project you are working on this week that needs an extra piece of "chocolate discpline." Of course it can be difficult seeking your strength to resist temptation or to follow the path of most resistance and do the thing you NEED to do instead of the thing you WANT to do.

Remember that discipline is more of a SKILL than a personality trait and regardless of where you’re starting out, if you decide to practice this week you will be more disciplined on Friday than you are today.

Peace,
Paul
p.s. Thanks to Jeff for helping me create this week's Ripples AND for helping me select Dagoba Organic Chocolate at the Willy Street Coop. You are da man, and Dagoba is da chocolate!

Please join our tribe, it is free!
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Ripples v11.22: Worst or Best?
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,476
who believe tiny actions create big possiblities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
Monday, June 8, 2009

_______
PEBBLE

Am I the headache or the aspirin?
-source unknown, submitted by Mary P., West Bend WI

________
BOULDER

During the toughest of times,
the best or worst can emerge
from each and every one of us…
which will you choose?
Be a positive influence everyday!
-Mike Leibundgut, submitted by Mike L., Madison WI

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PONDER

Last week I spent a magical day at a summer camp helping the staff prepare for a summer of fun. I told them about a magnificent morning hike I had taken a few hours earlier that included a stop at a swimming hole from my childhood, complete with a waterful and a deluge of happy memories. The experience was interrupted when I encountered several pieces of litter.

I told them that at first I became indignant at the careless actions of thoughtless hikers until I gently reminded myself that we are all guilty of littering sometimes. It might be an empty water bottle accidentally left on a bench, but it could also be an unkind word or action that interrupts a fellow human being's frustrating day.

We are surrounded by busy people who are struggling to make the best of the challenges on their plate. Choosing to carry the trash back with me even though it wasn't convenient became a meditation on my own litter and how I could be lightening the loads of others simply by making better choices in my words and deeds.

I hope you can spend a moment or two this week thinking about your WORST "unintended litter," and perhaps striving to bring our your BEST by helping someone lighten their load!

Peace,
Paul

Please join our tribe, it is free!
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Ripples v11.21: Giant Possibilities!
The Ripples Project is a tribe of 22,441
who believe tiny actions create big possibilities
1999-2009: 10 years of Ripples!
Monday, June 1, 2009

_______
PEBBLE

Nothing is too high if you're a giant in your mind.
-Steven H. (9th grader), submitted by Heather C. (his teacher), Morehead City NC

________
BOULDER

You are everything that is –
your thoughts, your life, your dreams come true.
You are everything you choose to be.
You are as unlimited as the universe.
-Shad Helmstetter, submitted by Mia Su C., Greensboro NC

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PONDER

Thanks for letting me take a week off! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday weekend and short week, and I hope this week is filled with enormous POSSIBILITIES!

Spend at least a few moments pondering them, a few moments savoring them, and then please spend a few moments acting on them!

Peace,
Paul

Please join our tribe, it is free!
http://TheRipplesProject.org/Newsletter.php

It is easy to meet the tribe and submit quotes here:
Facebook: http://FACEBOOK.com/group.php?gid=2204886661
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If you have trouble unsubscribing you can always reply to this message and I will personally assist you. Or you can mail us at:
Paul & The Ripples Project, 1360 Regent St., Madison WI 53715

For good karma, please forward RIPPLES!

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