Virtual Connection Becomes Realty

I spent Friday night connecting with a good friend and colleague that up until now I have only met virtually. Donna Karlin, Fast Company writer, executive and political coach and BLOGGER extraordinaire was in town for the MYOB Conference presented by HOW Magazine. What made this extra special was Donna resides in Ottawa, Canada and this was the first time she or I have been remotely near the same location to have the chance to meet. She graciously made time to meet me and a colleague for dinner so we could "officially meet" and swap stories.

The conference was being held just outside of Austin at the beautiful Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. Though the drive out there was pleasant I was anxious and a little nervous to meet this woman in person. Donna has accomplished so much in her career developing some of Canada's most influential executive and political leadership. She is what we would call her here in the states - a mover and shaker. I tend to shake more than I move.

From the moment I saw Donna in the lobby my nervousness immediately subsided. With a hearty smile and a reciprocated big bear hug (customary for us down here in Texas), all of the feelings of inadequacy melted away. You see not only have I been a fan and admirer of Donna for some time, she has been a huge fan and supporter of the Ripple as well. Something that gives me more pride and confidence than you could possibly imagine.

As we enjoyed a fabulous meal and a great bottle of wine, I had the opportunity to see why I had been so drawn to Donna in the first place. She is such a genuine and straightforward person that I found myself on more than one occasion wishing we lived closer. Her energy and enthusiasm is infectious and it is so obvious why so many organizations around the world call upon her to right their wrongs.

After an evening of great conversation and lots and lots of laughs I felt sad that our time had to end. As I drove home with my colleague Prince, my mind kept mulling over how amazing it was to actually make a real face to face connection with someone whom I've only corresponded with via email and the occasional catch-up phone calls. The simple fact our meeting came to fruition is such a testament to what I speak about in my book. Connecting truly is one of the most amazing things one can do with their life. I am proof positive of that. My life if brimming full of incredible connections like Donna because I took the time to make them and I am much richer in so many ways because of them.

Thank you Ms. Donna Karlin for taking the time to track down your "Prime Minister of the South." I welcome you back to Austin anytime and hopefully for a much longer visit - this time so you can meet the family.

Feeling incredible as I start this Monday and I have Donna and her get out there and create it mindset to thank for that! And yes Donna, that is a fact - not an assumption! (SMILE!!!)

To check out Donna's website please click here!

Ripple On!!!

Donna Karlin - Guest BLOGGER

Donna Karlin, my good friend and mentor, pinged me a couple of times over this past weekend in regards to my Breakfast Fairy Challenge. She felt some strong synergy between what I was challenging people to do and a cause that she has recently become involved with that she felt my Ripple friends might want to know about. I asked her to be my Guest BLOGGER and share with us all this important Ripple.

Last week at the Conversation With Masters Conference, we launched the Coach Initiative. The mission is “To be the central gathering point where professional Coaches can volunteer their experience and expertise in support of global projects that focus on the betterment of the human condition and uplifting the human spirit. The Coach Initiative holds the value that professional Coaching has the ability to increase both personal and professional effectiveness, contentment and success of committed clients ("coachees").

We made a commitment as a group to donate our time to this initiative, but each and every one of you can do something in some way in your cities and communities to make a difference one kid at a time.

Rick Koca, the founder of StandUp for Kids, spoke to us from the heart, from a place where passion resides…passion and anger that kids have to end up living on the streets because to them it’s better than what they had to live with in their homes.

“Imagine this: you are 13 years old and you don’t know here your parents live. You don’t know where you are going to get your next meal or where you will take your next shower. You do know that you can’t go to sleep tonight because you don’t know what may happen to you when you close your eyes. All you have is hat is on your body and a small backpack of your most prized possessions. This is what over a million kids experience all the time.”

We heard statistics that were shocking that spoke of a way of life, or ‘no life’ as Rick says, that is just plain unacceptable.

Fact: 1.3 – 2.8 million youth are living on the streets each day. If they were all together in one place, that would rank in the top 10 most populated cities in the US.

Fact: 27% of the homeless are children.

Fact: 50% of all homeless children are under the age of 15.

Fact: Almost 50% of homeless children who are school age have observed domestic violence. Many chose to live on the streets because of sexual abuse by a family or household member.

The first question that came to mind was “Why didn’t I know about this?” Once I knew I also knew I had to do something in some way. I started by what I do best…connecting people who are already in positions to make a difference. StandUp for Kids has 30 programs in 19 states. It’s not yet up and running in Canada but we’re still starting to work with powers that be in various positions of power and influence to make a difference starting right now.

I can no longer say “Why didn’t I know about this?” Yes, we can bury our heads in the sand or we can do something in some way. Spread the word. Contact the StandUp for Kids office in your city and ask how you can help. This organization is made up of volunteers.

I made a promised to Rick that I would tell everyone I knew and even those I don’t through the power of the written word. Steve Harper, an amazing man, lives the Ripple. He doesn’t only talk about it which is why he invited me to share this.

If you go to the website you can see how you can help. And each and every one of you can then make a difference one kid at a time.

Thank you for sharing this very important Ripple. There is nothing more worthwhile than saving the life of a kid and how they are living right now is no life at all.

Best…

Donna Karlin

Thanks for an inspiring call to action Donna. I ask all of you to join me in helping spread the word about Stand Up For Kids. My personal and professional tag like is:

Make a Difference. Start to Ripple.

I can't think of a better way to do just that than by answering the call and helping create some very special Ripples for kids that really need them.


Ripple On!!!

Steve Harper

Create The Life You Want By Rippling - Critical Question

My good Canadian friend Donna Karlin, internationally acclaimed Shadow Coach, challenges me with a question each and every time I talk with her. I think that question is a perfect way to finish up this series.

What Would Your Life Look Life If....?

When you look back through the lessons on Creating the Life You Want By Rippling, ask yourself what would you life look like if you took the time to implement and engage each of the outlined lessons for your life?

Donna's question always helps me overcome whatever fear, anxiety or trepidation that I might be experiencing. It allows me to gain a better perspective of what is possible if each and every obstacle, self-doubt and perhaps negative barrier were removed.

What would my life look like if I wasn't worried about how people perceived and valued my message?

Would I have more confidence to make more phone calls to companies who need me? Of course.

Would I focus more attention on having organizations bring me in as their speaker? Certainly!

Would I be willing to eliminate anything that stood in my way from bringing the Ripple to the masses? No doubt.

The question gives me perspective and the hint of what is truly possible. A glimmer of hope and a true understanding of what I can have if I am just willing to put in the time, the effort and dedicate my heart.

I would be remiss if I didn't quickly thank you Donna for always challenging me and for making me examine that which is possible! It is my sincere desire that this question helps many of my readers to achieve more with their own lives.

So as I conclude this series I ask you to go back and look at each of the outlined lessons and ask yourself what would your life would look like if.....

Answer the questions and take that step towards living the life you really want and deserve.

Next week I am doing a couple of book signings and speaking as part of a panel discussion at the SXSW Conference with Carlon Haas and Jen Blackert. I am certain that the conference and the variety of interesting and talented people I will meet will leave me with much to report!

If you are in Austin and able to attend....click here to learn more about our session.

To check out the Press Release click here.

Good luck and good Rippling!

Ripple On!!!

Steve Harper

Create The Life You Want By Rippling - Lesson Two

You learned in yesterdays lesson one of my important mantras in terms of motivation behind Rippling. Now let me share with you my main Treasure Chest mantra that makes reaching out to others to create those Ripples possible.

"People are an unbelievable treasure chest of opportunity. You just have to take the time (and make the effort) to pick the lock, lift the lid and look at what's inside."

Most of us are really bad at connecting, not only with strangers but people we might see every day. One of the reasons we are so bad is because we allow our past experiences, filters, emotional baggage, fear and a myriad of other things cloud our judgment and block our path.

Donna Karlin an amazing friend and mentor of mine has a great example of how our filters a.k.a. garbage gets in our way in her BLOG today. Check it out by clicking here.

When I started looking at people for the world of possibilities they offer, not just for what they could do for me or my career, the doors of opportunity really started to open for me in all areas of my life. I began to see that it wasn't all about me; which as the youngest of four kids, I must admit was somewhat shocking to learn. No, I am as you are, simply a passenger on this train and no matter how much we might like it to, the world is never going to revolve around either of us. We are all in it together so I believe we should all make the most of it.

I do believe that everyone you meet, everyone who crosses your path is placed there for a reason. Some have a very distinct purpose while others simply pass through our lives like grains of sand slipping through our fingers. However the purpose everyone serves comes down to what you do with the opportunity.

Who is glaringly in your life right now that you don't spend the time with, don't make the effort with? What untold opportunities riches might this person bring to your life if you would only take the time and make the effort to unlock their treasure chest?

We all have filters, we all come with baggage. The law of the Ripple says you have to set those aside to truly experience and enjoy the riches the power of the Ripple can and will bring. Take the time. Get to know them. Explore why they are in your life or have crossed your path. Look for opportunities to create Ripples for them.

I truly believe if you look at people as a treasure chest of opportunity you will find you will have taken a significant step towards creating a Ripple-centric life. Let me tell you, that is the kind of life you really want!

Until next time.....

Ripple On My Friends!

Steve