Erica Lumpert, CEO of Security Associates of Coastal Georgia, knows what being guarded means. Photo by D. Paul Graham

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Guarded …..

This is going to be awkward but I feel that it’s time I come clean. I realize I may lose some readers of M5T, but I can’t keep this covered up and hidden any longer. I’m a fan, a big fan actually, of the film …. “The Bodyguard”. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve watched it since it was released 32 years ago. Traveling last week, I watched it again last during a late-night marathon of processing images in the hotel. Now, before you judge me and unsubscribe from M5T, never to look at a Monday the same again, bear with me. Bodyguard Frank Farmer (Costner) and Diva Rachel Marron (Whitney) got me thinking about the things in life that should be guarded. And just like the crescendo of Houston’s voice in that song, this morning’s M5T elevates those things we should all guard with our life.

1. THINKING. Your mind should be a fortress. Protecting your thinking filters out distractions and negative influences, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in your life. Rejecting nonsense, illogic, and outright lies shield your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Cultivated thinking is deliberate and it clarifies. It helps eliminate unnecessary stress, anxiety, and negativity. Guarded thinking fosters resilience to external pressures and challenges. Thinking for yourself sanctions better decisions that lead to your personal growth and success. A guarded mind promotes understanding, patience, effective communication, and healthy relationships. It is a decision to be selective about the media, conversations, and content you consume, while making time and effort to surround yourself with positivity and inspiration. Guarded thinking is found by feeding your mind, practicing mindfulness, and stopping negative thinking patterns before they take root. Set boundaries and limits to reframe negativity into positive constructive thoughts and ideas.

2. HEART. Protect your heart from cynicism and bitterness. Any number of influences can turn your heart cold; fight to keep it warm but with caution.  Guarding your heart is fundamental because it encompasses your emotions, desires, and values that directly influence your life. Protecting your heart helps prevent emotional turbulence caused by toxic relationships or hurtful experiences. A guarded heart is less prone to impulsive decisions based on fleeting emotions or external pressure. It ensures a healthy sense of self-worth, not relying on external validation to feel valued.  A guarded heart sets boundaries, protecting yourself from emotional manipulation or harm. It is discerning, mindful of who you allow to get close to you. Surround yourself with people who respect your emotions and encourage your growth. A guarded heart sets emotional boundaries that teaches you to recognize when to detach yourself from harmful situations or people who drain your energy. It is a constant reminder to stay true to your core beliefs and values making it harder to be swayed by external pressures.

3. SOUL. Your soul is that deep, quiet part of you. The one that recognizes what truly matters in your life. Guarding your soul is about protecting your deepest self, your spirit, your purpose, and your inner peace. It is the essence of who you are and safeguarding it is key to living a meaningful and fulfilling life. Be relentless to ensure the noise of life doesn’t dampen or drown the essence of who you are. Constantly find ways to feed your soul. Align yourself with purpose. Guarding your soul keeps you centered with your life’s true purpose and values, ensuring that you don’t get derailed by distractions or superficial desires. A protected soul maintains a sense of peace, spiritual health, and connection to God. It helps in resisting temptations that could lead you down unethical paths or compromise your character. A guarded soul is resistant to, but not infallible to, darkness, making you less susceptible to negativity, despair, or harmful influences that can dim your inner light. Guarding your soul ensures that you find fulfillment not just in material success but in the deeper aspects of life of love, compassion, and connection. Cultivate and engage regularly in spiritual activities like prayer or meditation that will nourish your soul and keep you grounded. Set strong boundaries in your life. Define your values and stick to them. Avoid compromising situations or environments that clash with your spiritual or moral beliefs. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you on a deeper level, fostering connections that encourage your soul.Step away from activities, habits, or relationships that drain your energy or lead you away from your true self.

4. RELATIONSHIPS.  Protect the people who matter most by showing up and being present. Guarding your relationships is essential because they significantly shape your emotional, mental, and social well-being. Relationships, whether romantic, familial, or friendships, can be a source of joy and support, but they also require maintenance to thrive. Protecting your relationships ensures that they remain a safe space for emotional support, security, and healthy vulnerability. Guarded relationships will likely withstand the test of time, growing stronger through shared challenges and the ups and downs of life. Guarding relationships means setting boundaries that prevent negativity, misunderstandings, unhealthy dynamics, and toxic behavior from developing. Secure relationships deepen connections, creating a deeper sense of trust, love, and respect.  Set clear boundaries to avoid misunderstandings and prioritize open honest communication. Give your relationships the time and energy they deserve. Prioritize quality time, active listening, and presence over distractions, especially in today’s fast-paced, cell-phone-constantly-in-hand world. Guarding your relationships means cultivating the respect, care, and love needed for them to flourish and stand strong in the face of life’s challenges.

5. VOICE. Your voice reflects who you are. It is your essence. Guarding your voice is essential because it represents your identity, values, and power in the world. It’s uniquely yours and is how you express yourself, stand up for your beliefs, and connect with others. The world will try to tell you what to say, how to think, and who to be. Protect your voice, use your voice, and never let anyone silence your voice. Guarding your voice ensures that you maintain self-respect, integrity and to allows you to speak from a place of truth. Your words have power. They can influence and have tremendous impact in the world around you. Protecting your voice allows you to use it effectively, whether to inspire others or to advocate for change. Guarding your voice set boundaries, ensuring that others don’t take advantage of your silence or manipulate your words.  Not every situation or person deserves a response. Guarding your voice helps conserve your energy for what truly matters. By carefully choosing when and how to speak, you minimize the risk of your words being misunderstood or taken out of context. Before speaking, ask yourself if what you’re about to say aligns with your values or serves a constructive purpose. Guard against idle or negative speech. Silence can be powerful. Sometimes the best way to guard your voice is to refrain from speaking in situations where your words might be wasted or misused. Decide when, where, and with whom to share your thoughts and feelings. Not every conversation (including social media) needs your input, and not everyone deserves your openness. When you do speak, use your voice to ensure that your words reflect your authentic self. Don’t let fear of judgment or opposition silence you from expressing your true beliefs and values. Avoid gossip, complaining, or speaking in a way that diminishes yourself or others. Guard your voice by choosing words that uplift and promote positivity.

Here’s to a week of staying sharp, staying kind, and more than anything else, staying ‘you’ through anything or anyone that may come your way. Oh, and sue that song that will be in your head all day.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™.  He sang that song in the shower this morning.

© 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