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!

Sign up for Ripples: Paul's weekly inspirational email

Ripples #1399: Caring Hands as Wings

PEBBLE
Hatred is born of ignorance. Fear is its father, and isolation is its mother.
~Christian Picciolini, as quoted by Father Gregory Boyle

BOULDER

We are at a basic crossroads between deepening the decency that comes from caring for each other and spreading the contagion of making anyone who is different into an enemy.…
Read More »
March 16, 2026

Ripples #1380: Jane’s Hope

PEBBLE
You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.…
Read More »
November 3, 2025

Ripples #1374: Helping Each Other Through

PEBBLE
We are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is.
~Mark Vonnegut, as shared by his father Kurt Vonnegut in speeches and writing; mentioned by Gary Goldman during the documentary Group Therapy

BOULDER

Pete, while chatting with his friend and fellow stand-up comedian Mike Birbiglia on Mike’s podcast, tells a story about going to the theater with his wife on a day there had been a minor earthquake.…
Read More »
September 22, 2025

Ripples #1370: The Hard Work of Being Kind

PEBBLE
Work hard to be kind, even when others aren’t being kind to you.
~Joshua Becker, shared by Rob in Annapolis, MD via Joshua Becker’s Becoming Minimalist newsletter

BOULDER

I think we all put up walls because we are scared, because we don’t agree with someone else.…
Read More »
August 25, 2025
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
Search