Early morning at the Kivukoni Fish Market in Dar es Salaam. Photo: D. Paul Graham, circa 2011

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Sharpened …..

I likely shouldn’t have taken the pre-dawn walk alone, but I wanted to be there before sunrise to see the fishing boats arrive. The Kivukoni Fish Market in Dar es Salaam is bustling with activity that is an incredible assault on your senses. Before you see the market, you smell the fish.  Colorfully clothed women walk with baskets perfectly balanced on their heads; their hands easy at their sides.  Swahili, French and Arabic can be heard as fishermen haggle prices with the fish mongers. The days catch was plentiful, and the fresh seafood was strewn on wooden pallets to be selected, trimmed and sold. In the middle of the cacophony, I watched the stern face of the man as he carefully sharpened knives. Perched on a bicycle frame, he powered the spinning sharpening stone by peddling the converted bike. Metal on stone made a shrieking sound that seemed perfectly in tune with the surroundings. The sharpened edges of each knife gleamed in the early morning light.  Looking through these images, I could almost hear and smell that day as if I was back in Tanzania. This morning’s M5T was born from that knife edge as a metaphor for the importance being sharpened in life.

1. Leverage Learning. A sharp mind is a curious mind. Whether it’s reading a new book, taking up a course, or just diving deep into a topic you’ve always been curious about, keep feeding your brain. Learn from others. Experiment. Visit museums whenever you can. Make learning something new a daily routine. It’s the difference between simply existing and truly growing.

2. Cultivate Connections. A sharp mind isn’t just about intellect; it’s also about the heart. Engage in conversations that matter, spend time with those who challenge you and support you, and always make room for new relationships. It’s through others that we often find our best selves.

3. Magnify Mindfulness. Amidst the chaos in life, a sharp mind finds clarity. Take a few moments each day to pray, meditate, reflect, or simply breathe deeply. Foster self-awareness. Celebrate your success and grieve your defeats. And in either case, move on. Stay present, reduces stress, and learn to respond rather than just react to life’s challenges.

4. Engage Energy. A sharp life is one that’s physically, emotionally, and spiritually engaged. Keep your body moving, ensure your heart is true, and engage with God. Every day. Engaging your energy on all these levels boosts your mood, sharpens your senses, and keeps you grounded.

5. Pursue Passion. What inspires you and lights your fire? A sharp life is filled with pursuits that excite and fulfill you. Create. Pay attention to your passions. Push yourself. Stretch your strengths. Reignite your dreams. Be curious and open yourself up to new things. Make time for the things that make you feel alive.

It can be easy to go through the motions, but a life well-lived is one that is sharp, keen, vibrant, and full of intentionality. Here’s to a week of realizing what it means to live a sharp life versus one that’s dull.

© 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 has a habit of wandering through alleyways and strange places in other parts of the world.

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

“Monday 5 Things” ™ and M5T™ are trademarks of D. Paul Graham