Let's Make Some Ripples

Have you ever stood on the side of the ocean or a lake and side-tossed a smooth stone to see how many times it could skip across the water? Maybe you dropped a rock or stone into a stream and watched the ripples flow?

That's the feeling that I had last week as I watched positive words unfold at the Inauguration. This post is not about politics - but it has always been about the impact of positive vision, positive words and incrementally creating momentum for positive change. And last week, I heard people from both sides stepping aside, acknowledging one another, listening a little more - just for a short time. Maybe our legislators in Washington, D.C will begin to do this more regularly - initiate two-way discussions that have positive intent - and listen.

Positive ripples matter and I felt lighter as I heard positive words and visions being expressed.

As a strategic planner, team builder and facilitator, I initiate these discussions and assist in the process of articulating positive visions. The group gets to decide what positive ripples to put in motion to get from here to there.

• Where are we now?

• Where would we like to be?

• How are we going to get there?

Getting from here to there - requires positive vision.

The path from here to there is filled with positive ripples (i.e., words and actions).

Positive ripples matter.

Saying positive things matters - expecting something better matters. Incremental positive actions matter. Positive intent matters.

It's the responsibility of our leaders (you and me) to put these things in motion - like skipping a rock for fun. What might we do this week - to make it a better week for ourselves and for others?

As always, it begins at the core.

What is it you hope to accomplish this week? If you'd like to move the needle on your mood, try setting some realistic goals. Build in rewards. Say positive things to yourself. Smile in the mirror. Feel the ripples wash over you.

If you'd like to make a difference in your workplace, do some planning. Plan a team discussion that acknowledges successes, allows time to share each person's top 3 goals and the #1 obstacle/challenge that may get in their way this week. Work together to brainstorm solutions. Watch the positive ripples.

Where else can you imagine putting some positive ripples in motion this week? It might start in your home - straightening something or cooking something that smells good. You might intentionally spread some positive ripples on your afternoon walk (it matters). Maybe you'll connect with a family member or friend and tell them what they mean to you. The positive ripples will be felt long after your conversation ends.

I had a friend call me out of the blue last week - she conveyed the exact message I really needed to hear. She listened to her gut and gave me a call. I hadn't spoken to her in months - and there she was, saying the words I needed to hear. The positive ripples flowed through me for days. I had another friend who came at a moment's notice to listen with her heart - positive ripples. I had a team I was working with express appreciation to me and to one another. It mattered - it fuels me, it fuels our work together. It is filled with positive possibility.

Positive ripples are ripples we intend to send for the higher good of our nation, our organizations, our communities, our families, our homes and more.

Positive ripples matter.

Positive ripples make us happy.

Positive ripples make others happy.

Positive ripples elevate us.

Positive ripples feel good.

Positive ripples are hopeful and fun to watch.

Do something unexpectedly positive for yourself - for your colleagues - for a friend, neighbor or stranger.

Positive ripples matter - thanks for your leadership and light.

© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is a strategic planner and an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information on motivational programs.