What's in a name?

I just came across this quote (Thanks Heather!), which helps explain quite well why I chose the name of my blog, Ripple Project. It's on the longer side, but in a good way.


"There is one responsibility which no man can evade; that responsibility is his personal influence. Man's unconscious influence is the silent, subtle radiation of his personality - the effect of his words and actions on others. This radiation is tremendous. Every moment of life man is changing, to a degree, the life of the whole world.

Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other man. He cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character, this constantly weakening or strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence. He can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character. By these qualities he will constantly affect the world. This radiation to which I refer comes from what a person really is, not from what he pretends to be. Every man by his mere living is radiating either sympathy, sorrow, morbidness, cynicism, or happiness and hope, or one of a hundred other qualities. Life is a state of radiation and absorption. To exist is to radiate; to exist is to be the recipient of radiation."

President David O. McKay
7 April 1948

I truly believe that everything we are and everything we do ripples through the world around us. We can do nothing that won't affect, for good or ill, someone else in our human family. The very fact of us becoming better improves the world around us. Doing or being less the we could— even locked away, alone— is a detriment to everyone else. There is much more I could say, but I'll expound more another time. Just remember to be and do your best; everyone has an impact.

Stepping along

Step into the dark. Blessed for making a choice; use of agency. Things flowing smoothly, well. Still settling; may be a while. Frustrating. Very tired a lot. Altitude? Stress? IDK. Really shouldn't complain. Nothing really comes all at once. Found temp work quickly. Yay! Pays well. Hopefully leads to more work, made good impression. Still looking at other options, too. House is nice. Roomies lax, fun. No worries. Lot to think about, juggle. Being on my own. Very glad to be taking care of it. Much to look forward to. Many friends to see. Not much time now. Lots to do. Kind of impatient. Probably will all go quickly. Reflecting. Looking forward. Ride the waves. Keep stepping into the dark.

«This stream of consciousness is brought to you by the letter C and the number 42.»

Full Moon Rising

The flaming vermilion sun was in my rear view mirror. In the far distance the mountains I knew lay before me were not visible due to bluish mists and clouds. Just above where the mountains should have been I could see the faint outline of the moon. As it slowly rose, it caught and reflected more light. It was a full moon. With the Bonneville Salt Flats to either side and the mountains obscured, this full moon was the most prominent character in my field of vision. If paganism were my religion, the moon would probably my god of choice. It has always appealed to me; especially a full moon. Something about how when full, it looks complete. It doesn't produce it's own light, but still has a glory all its own and can almost completely brighten the night time. And it brings comfort to me, because regardless of where you are in this world the moon is the same. People separated by thousands of miles can see the same moon.

As I drove east on I-80 the full moon continued to rise on it white and cerulean background. The sun set in the sanguine sky, its light painting the atmosphere even after it had gone. I felt juxtaposed: between colors, between celestial bodies, between my life I was leaving and my life to come. With time the colors faded and the darkness of night overcame, but the full moon boldly shone in the heavens. I was taking steps into the dark, hoping, praying where I was going was where was needed, belonged. Action and change were all I knew for sure. With the full moon lighting my way, seemingly marking my path and destination, I felt oddly comforted. My way was guarded. I was secure. The end was known and this...

just another stop on my journey home.