Guest Blogger-Rippler JAG

I met JAG a few months ago and though we have never met in person she has quickly become a good online friend and someone who has become a fantastic supporter of my work. She has offered up several examples of how Ripples have happened in her life; most recently sharing a three act play she wrote about a book being a connection point. I so love her openness and amazing take on this world that I just had to share her with you my fav BLOG readers.

I give you JAG!!!

Funny how Ripples work. I don’t know how you got here, but I found my way while searching for something entirely different. The first post I read was the one where Steve shared the story of his son Josh making snow angels. As a veteran snow angel-er myself, I could relate to the joy that comes with such a simple activity! And, although I usually have the benefit of much more snow, I loved the way his example was connected to a broader life lesson. So I bookmarked the site… and have been a regular reader ever since.

I’m JAG and I live in Ottawa, one of many Canadians who seem to have fallen under the Ripple spell. Just so you know, I have the TV on in the background as I’m writing this. It’s muted, because I can’t handle the stress of watching my home team, the Ottawa Senators, in the Stanley Cup finals. I can’t watch… but I can’t NOT watch. So I figure glancing from time to time without fully listening is a noble compromise. I know… I’m a hockey wimp! (And yes, I still call myself a Canadian… J)

So, what’s the appeal of the Ripple anyway? I don’t have my own business. I’ve never written a book. I’ve always disliked “networking” and avoid it as much as possible. But in the past few years, I’ve become a fan of connecting. I finally accepted that I have little interest in small talk and stopped trying to fake it. I prefer to try to connect at a more genuine level. This makes some people uncomfortable, although that is not my intent. For those who are willing to take the risk along with me, it has lead to fascinating conversations and discoveries! Here are three of my favourite questions for connecting (or Rippling, as Steve would say!):

• So, what do you love/enjoy most about your job? (This works well at work-related functions…)
• Interesting… Can you tell me more about that? (In response to just about anything!)
• What do you do for fun? (The first time I was asked this at a party, I was floored. I thought it was brilliant!)

I guess it’s no surprise that I’ve hooked onto the principles of the Ripple. I really appreciate that they’ve opened my mind to the different ways of connecting – it doesn’t always have to be in the context of a conversation. I connect/Ripple through my actions and, I believe, through my very thoughts (since they shape my actions). It’s been lovely chatting – I’ll sign off with a story about a woman and the Ripple…

The Ripple: A Play in Two Short Acts

ACT ONE – takes place before the Ripple enters JAG’s life…

• JAG is at a book swap.
• She spots a book on the Life of Dolphins.
• She remembers how Kaye, the instructor from that last course she took, LOVED dolphins and had adopted them as her personal & professional symbol.
• She remembers Kaye with fondness, and smiles.
• She moves on to the next book on the table.

ACT TWO – takes place with JAG under the influence… of the Ripple

• JAG is at a book swap.
• She spots a book on the Life of Dolphins.
• She remembers how Kaye, the instructor from that last course she took, LOVED dolphins and had adopted them as her personal & professional symbol.
• She remembers Kaye with fondness, and smiles.
• She places the book in her canvas bag.

Later that week…

• JAG finds Kaye’s mailing address on the Internet (somewhere in Maryland, USA).
• She writes a little note on her business card and tucks it onto the book’s cover.
• She pops the book into the mail.

The End.

(Or is it? We are talking Ripples, after all… J)

PAX
(which means peace!)

Thanks JAG for such a great post. More importantly....thanks for being such a great new friend!
Please check out JAG's BLOG by clicking here!

Ripple On!!!


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