Ripples
Every Monday since 1999, Paul has been sending out Ripples, an email containing two upbeat quotes submitted by readers (Pebble, Boulder) and something to think about for the week (Ponder). Enjoy recent issues below, and farther down you can use the keyword cloud or search bar to dive into our archive of over 1,300 issues. Have a quote that might make a good Pebble or Boulder? Submit it here!

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Ripples #1392: Sometimes We Lose

PEBBLE
It’s possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That’s not weakness, that’s life.
~Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation, shared by Amanda in South Lake Tahoe, CA

BOULDER

When you are struggling with an apparent defeat, remember that you have control of how this situation can benefit you in the long run.…
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January 26, 2026

Ripples #1390: Life Amidst Its Perils

PEBBLE
Strength is the knowledge that you are living inside a long, deep and beautiful story.
~unknown Tarot Card reader, shared by Emily in Dublin, Ireland (who found this line in a New York Times article)

BOULDER

I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.…
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January 12, 2026

Ripples #1389: Looking Forward

PEBBLE
If you only focus on what you left behind you will never see what lies ahead.
-Gusteau from Ratatouille [lightly edited], shared by Robin in Milwaukee, WI

BOULDER

This is the challenge of life, isn’t it?…
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January 5, 2026
Keywords
Action Attitude Best Self Carpe Diem Change Choices Compassion Connectedness Conquer Courage Discipline Embrace Possibility Explore Face it Friendship Generosity Goals Gratitude Growth Happiness Hope Joy Kindness Leadership Life Love MLK Optimism Passion Patience Persist Perspective Preparing to Win Priorities Reflection Release Renewal Responsibility Rippliness Risk Savor Service Shine Surrender Values
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