Photo: D. Paul Graham, “Ticking away the moments”, Savannah 2016

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. If You Only…..

A contemplative week this past one was. Life challenges uncommon and uncomfortable. A week that ran the gamut of stress, busyness, joy, laughter, and tears. Experiences equally exhilarating and exhausting. I recalled a coffee shop conversation that I had interloped on a few years ago, as one friend asked the other; ‘What would you do if you only had a month to live?’ I remembered a previous M5T missive that I had written. This morning’s M5T asks, “If You Only…..?”.

1. If you only had one year?

What would you focus on? Where would you put your priorities? What would you do differently? What would the really important things be in your life? Why aren’t you living these things now?

2. If you only had one month?

What fears, worries and hurts would you let go of? What would bring you the most joy? Who would you apologize to? Who would you forgive? Would you forgive yourself for the things that you have held against your own person?

3. If you only had one week?

Who would you call to just hear their voice? Who would you write a note to? Who would you tell that you love them? Who would you thank? Who would you honor?

4. If you only had one day?

Who would you want with you? Who would you want to hug, to kiss, to laugh with, to cry with. Who would you just want to sit with? Who would you want to share a meal or a drink with?

5. If you only had one hour?

Would you have any regrets? Would you have clarity and peace of where you place your faith? What would eternity look like for you?

Here’s to sorting out the really important things in life and making the most of the rest of this year, this month, this week, this day, and this hour.

© 2022 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 10 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T ™.  Each Monday, Paul shares his observations, thoughts and passions on people, life, and culture.