ripples

There are small moments in one's life that effect us more than we would once expect. Some of these memories include when I was randomly introduced to Counter-Strike at Milwaukee PC when I was 13, or when I decided to go to that first forensics meeting on a whim. This could qualify as another one of those moments I suppose, although perhaps not as life changing when it comes to my actions, perhaps more a philosophy.

As a freshman in college I got involved in everything. Why not do everything in the first semester then choose what I like best? This included me getting involved in Housing and Residence Life, and since my RA just happened to be the NCC (national communications coordinator, basically the guy that talks to other schools Housing orgs) for UW- Eau Claire, he got me onto the short list of people to attend the NACURH (National Association for College and University Residence Halls) housing conference at UW- Oshkosh. If you haven't noticed already, housing really loves their acronyms, so I'll try and keep to to a minimum from here on out.

At these conferences there are countless speakers and educational moments to be had, along with some fun afterwards (but watch out, there are RA's everywhere). One speaker named Paul Wessleman, who calls himself the Ripples Guy, and even drives a Ripples themed car, gave a speech about how small acts can cause a large difference given enough time and effort. He started his speech by handing out small "Ripples" cards to everyone in the audience and told us not to look. Next he told us to start exchanging cards around the room, as many times as it takes to get "your" card. Given that there were atleast 2,000 people in this huge athletic arena, and noone was able to look at what these cards said, chaos ensued. I probably handed off my card 7 or 8 times until I found my card. We got back to our seats and he said, flip them over.

"Trust your crazy ideas"

           -Dan Zadra

 I don't know what it was about that quotation, but it made me smile. I've been an individual who can go off the beaten path a little compared to society, and sometimes makes a few crazy mistakes. This quotation empowered me, it helped me believe that some of those crazy ideas could work for me. I put the card in my wallet, and it hasn't left since. There were (and believe me, there still are) times when I've doubted a decision that may not have been popular, or a thought that certain individuals thought could never work or be approved, and looking at this phrase has helped my mind to move past the doubters, and keep the idea growing. When an idea becomes powerful, it doesn't matter the opposition. 

When I got home from NACURH I went to Paul's website, http://theripplesproject.org/ , and signed up for his weekly emails. It's nothing creepy or cultish, its just one email that takes 2 minutes to read each Monday morning that aims to inspire you in a different way. I know there will be people that read this blog that might instantly think this whole idea is just weak, or dumb, but I don't really care. I happen to think I'm a pretty average guy, and I make sure to read Paul's emails every Monday; they have become a part of my routine. 

So how did that small ripple effect my life in a physical way? I figure the Ripples Card may not last forever, so I decided to make the quotation a bit more permanent. So yesterday I went into Queens and got it tattooed on my chest. It's not huge or anything, just a pleasant reminder  that one's imagination is an incredible gift that should never be wasted. The quote was handwritten by a great friend, and my tattoo artist was a very down to earth fellow who I came to respect pretty quickly. 

I told myself after getting my first tattoo that I would never get another one, but apparently I forgot that I decided that. I've got no remorse over this one whatsoever. The first tattoo was a symbol for me, and this one certainly is too. Will I ever get another? It took almost 3 years for me to get my second one, I guess we'll have to see if it takes that long again, but lets say that I've already got a solid idea for a third. 

If your a normal person who might like (or need) a bit of inspiration now and again, I would highly recommend Paul's website and newsletter. I think that under all of our tough exteriors we are all looking for something to keep us motivated, and this is a good outlet for that.

Till next time. :)