Celebrating 13 years of “Monday 5 Things”. Photo D. Paul Graham / imageGRAHAM, LLC

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. 13 Years of M5T …..

It’s been 13 years of “Monday Five Things”. Thirteen years of showing up every Monday with Five Things that have pondered life’s oddities, challenged perspectives, offered up some laughs, and hopefully raised an eyebrow or two. It’s been 13 years of finding delight in the random, mining nuggets of knowledge, recognizing wisdom in the trivial, and always finding five things to consider as we warm our hands around a cup of whatever jolts us awake on a Monday morning.  This morning’s missive is about you. A thank you as we kick off another Monday. Without you, these words would simply wander the digital void, aimless and unread. So, here’s to you, the pistons to this engine, the espresso to the start of the week, the keepers of the grind, the ones who clear off the cobwebs of a weekend and laugh in the face of Monday, charging headfirst into the week with the battle cry of “just watch me”. This morning’s missive is a heartfelt thank you, to you the M5Ters.

1. YOU MAKE MONDAY MORNINGS BRIGHTER. Mondays can be robust. We’re all coming off the weekend and gearing up for the week ahead. Every one of us is extraordinarily busy, yet here you are making time to read M5T, adding it to your Monday routine, and choosing to spend those precious minutes of time here. That brightens the start of my week. Every time I upload a week’s missive, I hope and pray that my words can be a spark, of motivation, of reflection, of a smile, a laugh, or perhaps a tear on a cheek to anyone who takes time to read M5T. Consistency is no small thing, and I am truly humbled that you come back each week. Yet here you are Monday after Monday, and that loyalty is something that I don’t take lightly. I’m appreciative for each and every read, comment, thumbs up, or private message that you send me. Your weekly presence is what keeps M5T alive, and I’m so very thankful for you.

2. YOU MAKE M5T MORE THAN WORDS. For me, M5T has become more than just words on a screen. Having written this each Monday for now 13 years, I interlope differently as I watch and listen to people. I ask deeper questions with genuine curiosity. I think and create with more depth, breadth, vulnerability, and focus. I am more engaged in life around me with my all my senses. All of which, and for each of you, I am eternally thankful. Your time with M5T has afforded me a voice that grows and matures each year. It’s by sharing those observations and life experiences that I hope to bring value to you each Monday. Knowing that 5 things, whether they are simple or complex, can resonate with you and bring something meaningful into your life gives M5T a purpose far beyond the words themselves.

3. YOU’RE OPEN TO MY TANGENTS. I think that one of the best things about M5T is that it doesn’t stay within strict boundaries, and you, dear M5Ters, make that possible. I can explore quirky thoughts one week, share a heartfelt reflection the next, and you show up, open to whatever new direction we might take on any given Monday. Your willingness to join me on these sometimes-random journeys is such a gift. Because of you, M5T is a space where curiosity is free to roam and where we can all be pleasantly surprised by where the path leads. The stories you share with me are such a blessing. Your experiences make this space feel like a true conversation. One that’s alive, evolving, and filled with real human connection. It’s no longer just me on the other side of a keyboard; it’s become all of us together, sharing our lives, one Monday at a time.

4. YOU REFLECT THE POWER OF CONNECTION. You’ve built this community. Through your shares, your interactions, and the way you’ve connected with me and each other, M5T has become more than just a collection of lists. It’s now a community of people who are all in on this journey together. You’ve turned what started as 5 simple points into a place where people can connect and find common ground. That’s not something I could have done alone, and it’s a true testament to the power of community. You’ve built this space as much as I have, and I’m so grateful for that. Every time you engage with M5T, it’s a reminder of our shared humanity and the universal desire to connect. You’ve proven that even in our differences, there’s always common ground, of love and mutual respect we can stand on. Every response, question, or reflection you send back makes me realize how each of us is on our own path, searching for meaning, clarity, motivation, or just a moment of joy. You’ve reminded me that our journey is collective, even if our destinations are unique. When you pass along a M5T to your circle of family and friends, it’s like giving me a green flag to reach new readers. And there’s no bigger compliment than that.

5. YOU’RE A REMINDER TO STAY GRATEFUL. Your messages and feedback often make me pause and reflect on the importance of gratitude. You’ve made me laugh, cry, and at times you’ve moved me to my knees in prayer. When I see how some of these posts resonate with you, it reminds me to appreciate the little things and to keep gratitude at the core of what I share with you. You have affirmed the need to take time for reflection. Preparing M5T each week is an exercise in slowing down, pondering, and reflecting. You embrace this practice with me each Monday as you take time to read M5T. A reminder for us all of the value of taking a step back from the rush of daily life to contemplate and reconnect with what truly matters. In this simple act of a few minutes of reading, engaging, or smiling at a list, we can all be reminded that life is full of small but significant moments. Monday 5 Things, with all its musings, serves as a weekly reminder of the beauty in these small joys, and I’m so very grateful that you choose to take time to share them with me.

Here’s to thanking you for being the heart of “Monday 5 Things”. Without you, M5T wouldn’t exist as it is today. Your presence, thoughtfulness, and engagement make each hour of thought and every word worth writing. Here’s to you and the shared journey of reflection, curiosity, and connection that we’re creating together.

For over 13 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™.  He continues to be thankful for you, the readers of M5T!

© 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