The dastardly Monterey Mexican Fox Squirrel. Photo by D. Paul Graham, “Squirrel!!!”, Laguna Seca, Monterey CA 2024

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Intentionally …..

They were huge. The largest Sciurus Nayaritensis I had seen in some time. All over the hills, they had an intricate network of hidden holes leading to what I assumed were their underground squirrel-condos. I was in Monterey, one of my favorite parts of the world, at Laguna Seca, one of my favorite racetracks (who am I kidding, I love every track that I get to spend time on). I was perched on the hillside at the 10-story drop of the famous ‘Corkscrew’ between T8 and T9.  The Mexican Fox Squirrels, as they are known, seemed to be even more numerous than my last visit to Laguna four years prior. No confirmation if they are in the country legally, but I digress. As I moved to another photo-spot, my foot wedged into a burrow-hole, twisting my ankle as I fell. It would have been worse had my fall not been broken with my monopod and a $6,000 lens, leaving my ankle swollen and my pride bruised and embarrassed. I spent the rest of the weekend maneuvering around the track, ankle wrapped, stepping very intentionally so as not to take a tumble again. And from those pesky squirrels, this morning’s M5T began Intentionally.

1. INTENTIONAL IMPACT. No matter where you are or what your life is like, try to intentionally make an impact in other people’s lives. Inspire. Be exceptional. Live meaningful and clear dreams, goals, and objectives. Develop relationships that go beyond thumbs up and “friends” on social media. Have a purpose, a so that. Live to improve, not to be perfect. Be consistent in your honesty and your positivity. Be true to yourself. Be thankful for your blessings. Give back. Pay it forward. Do and give more than expected. Send a note, write a letter. Find ways, no matter how large or small to make a difference for someone else today.

2. INTENTIONAL CREATIVITY. We all have a creative side, no matter how deeply hidden it may be. Creativity nurtures inspiration. It innovates and engages our hearts, minds and very soul. Dedicate and commit time to create and explore. Rewrite parts of your life as necessary. Cultivate, embrace, value, savor, and embrace each moment of whatever you create. Open yourself up to new perspectives, new experiences, and new people. Adapt to uncertainty. Be a problem solver. Relax. Collaborate. Break through boundaries. Take risks. Make time to create. Refuse to listen to the negative voices. What will you create today?

3. INTENTIONAL DISCIPLINE. Discipline is difficult. Our society tends to focus on the immediate, the most satisfying, even if momentarily or shallow. It is far easier to run from difficult and uncomfortable situations. Intentional discipline requires consistent effort and perseverance. At times agonizingly slow, discipline obliges steady progress. Discipline comes from specific goals and staying on track, with daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly routines. Discipline often necessitates that we unsubscribe, disconnect, disengage, and detach ourselves from toxic habits and relationships. The discipline of life-long learning will bring depth and breadth in your life. Read. Stay curious. Engage with others to broaden your knowledge and skills. Take no short cuts.  What part of your life needs intentional discipline?

4. INTENTIONAL ALIGNMENT. Intentional alignment is a mind-set of being true to who you know yourself to be, or who you really want to be. Alignment is taking the higher road. It is the value that you place on yourself. It is an emotional and spiritual state of mind. Intentionally take breaks, take a walk, take a nap to realign yourself if you feel off center. Intentional alignment brings clarity, direction, and purpose to the map of what you want in life. It is consciously and purposeful living your core values, beliefs and principles. Those core values are reference points to choices you make in life. Choose wisely.

5. INTENTIONAL WEIRDNESS. Absolutely my favorite intent of this M5T. Our world pushes conformity in what we believe, what we think, how we work, and how we play. It seems that anyone that goes against those expectations is branded weird. I say, stand up for yourself, stand out from the crowd, think for yourself, and be random. Learn to love yourself for who you are. Dance to your own tune, especially if you are out of tune. Push every envelope, every box that others try to hold you inside of. You don’t have to be understood by everyone. Refuse to abide by social expectations. Don’t believe that what the media says is right. Rebuff the dreaded “because we’ve always done it that way.” Push against the status quo. Be yourself. Be weird.

Here’s to living an intentional week in all that you do.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™. He is mocked by squirrels around the world.

You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com