When you Seize the Road, it sometimes gets dirty. Photo by D. Paul Graham

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Life’s Too Short …..

December is here, and with it, that familiar fusion of excitement and disbelief. It seems surreal that we were just sneezing through spring allergies, making summer trips, and eating far too much turkey at Thanksgiving. And now we are already making plans for Christmas, buying and wrapping presents, and re-re-re watching Sparky and the Griswold’s. Looking back over the past 11 months, I realize that too often I said, “I’ll get to that later”.  With only 696 hours until we are on the doorstep of anno 2025, I am again reminded that life is shorter and more fleeting than I often admit.  696 hours that remind me that life is too short to leave joy, dreams, and connections on hold. Hours that remind me to make a choice to either live life fuller, richer, and with intent, or to simply let moments pass unnoticed. I choose the former. Yet, within that brevity of time lies its beauty; each day offers something worth pausing for, if only for a moment. And so, this morning’s M5T takes pause to consider that, with life too short, there are choices we can make to live fully in the now.

1. TOO SHORT TO SETTLE FOR LUKEWARM. Why settle for lukewarm attitudes and an uninspired mind? Seek out the fresh, the bold, and the unforgettable. Life is a stream of possibilities. Drink deeply from what invigorates your soul. Seek the sharp flavors, the bold adventures, and the moments that make your pulse race. Drink deeply from fresh, invigorating streams of life. The difference between ordinary and unforgettable is the willingness to reach beyond what’s convenient. Why settle for what’s predictable when life offers so much more? Don’t waste your time on the routine and uninspired. Look for experiences that energize you. Life is full of fresh opportunities waiting to be explored. The best things in life often come when you dare to explore and drink deeply from fresh and endless invigorating waters of the unknown.

2. TOO SHORT TO KEEP THE GOOD CHINA & CRYSTAL HIDDEN.  Some people save the fine china and crystal glasses for special occasions. Why wait for a “special occasion” to celebrate? I say, make Monday that special occasion. In fact, find a reason to make every day that special occasion. Life isn’t about waiting for the right moment; it’s about making every moment feel right. Start your day by pouring your morning brew into that “too nice” mug. Make a toast over dinner with that crystal that has been hidden away years for just the right moment. Make today that right moment. Life is unpredictable and it certainly isn’t waiting for a perfect occasion. Life, your life, is happening right now. Treat every day like a grand opening and your dinners like five-star event, even if it’s pizza or takeout Chinese. Every day is a gift. Surround yourself with things that bring joy, even in the small, ordinary moments, because those are the ones that truly matter.  Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment because, more often than not, the perfect moment is right now.

3. TOO SHORT TO BE A PARROT INSTEAD OF AN EAGLE. Parrots mimic and repeat, eagles lead and soar. Don’t just echo trends or follow the pack, create your own enduring vision and carve your own path. Whether it’s with your family, friendships, career, your art, or your lifestyle, aim for altitude, not imitation. Stop repeating and start soaring. The view is always broader at elevation.  Be bold in how you approach challenges and make choices. Engage wholeheartedly with those things that speak to your individuality. Confidence isn’t just seen, it’s felt, by yourself and those around you. There’s safety in following the crowd, but there’s freedom in following your own lane. Confidence starts with authenticity, and when you embrace what makes you unique, life feels becomes more rewarding at every level.

4. TOO SHORT TO GET TOO COMFORTABLE. Comfort zones are cozy and tempting but can be stifling and limiting. Growth happens at the edge of discomfort and victory and is often just beyond the periphery of comfortable. Take that leap, pitch that new idea, or try something that makes your pulse race. Only risk brings reward.  The genesis of growth is born in those pulse-pounding moments when you push past fear and take “someday” off the shelf, dust it off, and make it today. Step out, lean in, push back on complacency, embrace your fear, and don’t be afraid to sweat a little. That’s when breakthroughs occur. That’s where the magic and great stories take shape for your life.

5. TOO SHORT TO LET YOUR FIRE GO OUT. Passion fuel’s your purpose. Life’s too short to live dimly when you have the potential to blaze. Choose to burn brightly as you love, create, refine your craft, learn something new, explore, or chase a life-long dream. Fan those flames daily by aligning with those things and people that inspire and challenge you. Your fire allows you to stay passionate and always see the world through curious eyes. Let it blaze brightly, because your journey deserves nothing less. I’ve never believed that life should be lived in a slow burn. Life is meant to be lived fully, with excitement and purpose. Your fire is the relentless drive that pushes you beyond comfort, turns obstacles into steppingstones, makes growth happen in the heat of challenge, and turns dreams into reality. Your fire gives every moment purpose and every goal meaning. When you stoke your fire, it lights the way not only for you, but for those around you, inspiring others to find their own spark to live a brighter life.

Here’s to making the most of today, embracing the bold, creating without limits, finding reasons to celebrate, and stoking your fire to burn brightly.

For over 13 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™.  He continues to seek out the uncomfortable to burn bright every day.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham.

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

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