The rugged vistas of Highway #1 toward Big Sur. Photo by D. Paul Graham

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Full of It …..

Driving along Highway #1 towards Big Sur is perhaps one of the most beautiful drives in the world. A drive where the California shoreline meets the Pacific Ocean with an intense embrace, a stretch of rugged coastline that is otherworldly in its beauty. Driving south, the mountains soar sharply from the vast ocean, their peaks often shrouded in an ethereal mist. The cliffs, etched by years of the relentless primal forces of waves and wind, create a jagged silhouette against an indigo blue horizon where land and sea meet the sky. Plumes of white spray from waves violently crashing against the rocky shore is a constant reminder of nature’s unrelenting power. And I found myself full of serenity and thankfulness. Full of thankfulness to have the opportunity to make this drive.  Full of thankfulness and awe for God that created such beauty. Full of thankfulness and love as I watched LA silently looking out over the ocean at the numerous stops we made, as each corner revealed yet another breathtaking vista. Full of thankfulness for some time to slow down and share these moments together, to filing our lungs with deep breaths of fresh ocean air, and to having our souls stirred by a tapestry of the vast splendor of the harmony of creation that unfolded before us both. This morning’s M5T is Full of It.

1. FULL OF GRATITUDE. Gratitude turns ordinary moments into something a little more extraordinary. Gratitude is a shift in perspective. It shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s already there. Gratitude increases your happiness, providing reasons to count your blessings and appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Gratitude strengthens bonds, making others feel valued and understood, deepening connections and building lasting trust. Gratitude builds resilience and helps to find strength in difficult moments. It’s the realization that even in hardship, there are still things to be thankful for; lessons learned, support from others, or simply the chance to start anew.

2. FULL OF POSSIBILITY.  There is endless potential in the blank canvas of everyday, and you’re the artist holding the brush. It is a mindset of seeing every moment as a chance to create something new, something uniquely yours. Life isn’t static. It’s a wild, unpredictable ride full of all sorts of possibilities. Possibilities create the power of choice, each day offering numerous opportunities to learn, to embrace the unexpected, to seek wisdom, and to shape your life that is unique to you.

3. FULL OF ENERGY. When you’re full of energy, every day is an opportunity waiting to be grabbed with both hands. Being full of energy allows you to actively shape your day, to make things happen, and moves you from “I’ll get around to it” to “I’ll make things happen now.” Energy transforms procrastination into productivity. Energy is contagious and creates a ripple effect that others will be affected by. Energy gives you the stamina to face challenges head-on, turning setbacks into opportunities. Being full of energy syncs your body with your mind, fueling creativity and innovation.

4. FULL OF LOVE. Being full of love strengthens meaningful connections with family, friends, and even strangers. These connections enrich your life, making every interaction feel more significant and every relationship more fulfilling. Being full of love means you’re more generous with your time, your kindness, and your compassion. It’s a mindset of lifting someone else up, from brightening their day with even the smallest act of love and compassion.  Being full of love makes it difficult to hold onto anger, resentment, or fear. Love sooths your soul with a sense of calm and inner peace. Love gives meaning to life. Love fuels our biggest dreams and provides serenity in the smallest moments. Being full of love allows you to live with purpose, driven by something greater than yourself.

5. FULL OF FAITH.  Faith provides guidance in uncertainty, when life’s path gets foggy. Faith helps to navigate the unknown with a sense of purpose and direction, even when you can’t see the road ahead. Being full of faith means trusting that things will work out, even if you don’t know how or when. It’s the assurance that you’re not alone in the journey, no matter how rugged the road forward may be. Faith gives you the strength to weather the storms. It is the anchor that keeps you grounded, preventing you from being swept away by doubt or despair. Faith reminds you that there’s a greater plan at work, that comes from the smallest seed. Faith can fuel your dreams, keeping you motivated with the belief that no matter what happens today, there is reason to be optimistic for what tomorrow will bring. There’s a calm that comes with faith, a deep sense of inner peace that transcends circumstances. Faith gives you the quiet confidence to trust in a bigger picture, a higher power, and a deeper sense of purpose for a larger purpose for your life.

Here’s to a week of being Full of It in all things in your life.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™.  He is often accused of being Full of It.

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

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