1999-2019: Celebrating 20 Years of Ripples
Ripples #1070: The Joy of Gratitude
Nov 25, 2019
PEBBLE
Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It’s the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.
-Amy Collette, shared by a friend in Arizona
BOULDER
Some people could be given an entire field of roses and only see the thorns in it. Others could be given a single weed and only see the wildflower in it. Perception is a key component to gratitude. And gratitude is a key component to joy.
-Amy Weatherly, shared by Julie in Wolfeboro, NH
PONDER
A few weeks after we began sending out these Ripples emails back in 1999, we asked for feedback from the 75 people on the list. My friend Mike suggested that he’d enjoy them more if there was a theme rather than just a couple of random quotes. I resisted at first since I suspected it would involve a little more effort, but I soon embraced the challenge.
Ever since then, each Ripples focuses on a specific theme. While I’ve made an extra effort to keep the topics we explore varied and fresh, we also have a few traditions that I savor. This issue marks the 20th year that we’ve celebrated Thanksgiving with a fresh serving of gratitude.
One of the main reasons Ripples still zooms out every Monday morning is that every week I receive a sprinkling of gratitude from readers. Some folks want to share how a specific issue helped navigate a difficulty; others are appreciating the consistency of having something to ponder each Monday.
There have been a few times when I’ve wondered if it was time to retire the concept or take an extended break just to avoid burning out. Your thankfulness has inspired me to continue the tradition while developing self-care strategies (I’ve already pre-assembled a few December issues so I can enjoy some down time over the holidays and you can still enjoy some ripply goodness!).
So as we take a few days to celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m feeling gratitude for those who help us find good quotes to share, for those who share Ripples with others, and for all who join us each Monday with an open mind and an open heart. #urock
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
P.S. You’re welcome to peek at our Gratitude Quote Archive (https://www.facebook.com/notes/10150380209601662/) stored at our Team Ripples (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TeamRipples/) Facebook group.