1999-2019: Celebrating 20 Years of Ripples
Ripples #1055: The Only You!
Aug 12, 2019
PEBBLE
Don’t be just like anyone. Be better for everyone by being the only you.
-Justin Jones-Fosu, shared by Mary in Oswego, IL
BOULDER
The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.
-Alan Watts, shared by Holly in Phoenix, AZ
PONDER
It is so good to be back into the swing of things after a few weeks of downtime; I’ve already fired up some Wisconsin-based educators as they wrapped up an annual summit around inclusion issues, and I’m packing and prepping for another round of college orientation programs.
I’m also doing some un-packing, because I’ve noticed that no matter how many presentations I give and now matter how many messages I get from folks who tell me they’ve benefitted from crossing paths with The Ripples Guy…I still tend to tuck way various insecurities (what if I’m not wise or funny or prepared enough for this group) and worries (what if I’m unable to connect with them) that reveal themselves in the days before a string of presentations.
The good news is that even though I’m not immune from experiencing these thoughts and feelings, I’ve learned not to reject them or run from them or fight them (which usually only helps them fester). Instead, I’m usually able to greet them as old friends whose intention is to prevent me from making a fool of myself.
So I smile, thank them for making themselves known, and reminding them (and me) that the most sacred responsibility I have is to show up with the very best possible version of myself. That often means some self care (sleeping and eating and exercising) and some prep work (creating and reviewing and revising), and then just letting go of the rest.
Can you join me this week by bringing your YOUEST YOU to school, to work, to life?
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
