The timeless beauty of ornate headstones in Bonaventure Cemetery. Photo by D. Paul Graham

 “Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Lean In …..

I was with LA for the funeral of her friend, and I was taken back to my time as a child growing up in the Anglican church. My wandering mind was jarred with the words, “leaning into unfailing faith”. The words struck me profoundly, centering my thoughts and refocusing my attention to what was being said from the pulpit. In one of the most beautiful, honest, and loving eulogies I have heard, the bishop spoke about the unfailing faith of a man that I now wish I could have met. A man who was not perfect yet lived his faith fully and unfailingly. A man who left a legacy of impacting and influencing so many people. A man who deeply loved his wife and the church. I found myself leaning forward in the pew to listen closer. Before I knew it, this morning’s M5T was leaning into some principles of a life well lived.

1. LEAN INTO YOUR UNCERTAINTY. Life doesn’t come with instructions. Perhaps it’s better that way. Uncertainty permits us to embrace the unknown, welcome change, be flexible, and stay open to new paths. The payoff can be immense; navigating the unknown can lead to your most significant discoveries in every area of your life.When we lean into uncertainty, we adapt to peaks and valleys, recognize those catalysts for change, and allow us to better understand ourselves and what we truly believe in. Leaning into uncertainty with unfailing faith in what you believe provides the assurance that even in the darkest, stormiest, or foggy of times, there’s a plan greater than you can see at that point in time.

2. LEAN INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIPS. Relationships are your greatest asset in every area of your life. Relationships amplify your influence and multiply your joy. Invest time in building meaningful relationships with people; the returns are exponential. Whether it’s through a deep conversation, simple acts of kindness, shared passions, committed growth with your partner, or gut-splitting laughter over a meal and libations, relationships enrich our lives. Healthy relationships keep us centered, keep us growing emotionally, and deeply enrich our lives. Relationships are your support system, and faith strengthens these bonds. Whether it’s family, friends, or a spiritual community, these connections are the foundation of a life well-lived, offering wisdom, support, and love when you need it most.

3. LEAN INTO YOUR STRENGTHS. Strength comes from scars. Obstacles are inevitable. Our response to obstacles defines our journey. Practice resilience. Failure isn’t the end; it’s the feedback loop. Any worthwhile endeavor involves setbacks. Inner strength is your ability to adjust, learn, refocus, and push forward. The strongest people aren’t those who never fail, but those who never give up. Resilience is about adapting and learning, not just enduring. Fine tune your strengths to better handle the challenges life throws your way. True strength comes from within, and faith is what fortifies it. With unfailing faith, you find that your inner strength isn’t just about physical or mental resilience. It’s a profound belief that you’re supported by something greater, giving you the courage to face any challenge. Strength and integrity are intertwined, with faith as their anchor. When faced with moral dilemmas, your faith provides the clarity and strength to stand firm in your values, ensuring that your actions are consistent with who you are and what you believe. Leaning into your strength with faith recognizes that your power is both a gift and a responsibility. It’s about using that strength not just for yourself but for the greater good, guided by the unwavering belief that you are never alone on this journey.

4. LEAN INTO YOUR CREATIVITY. Creativity is not just for artists. Creativity is found in problem solvers, entrepreneurs, partners, teachers, friendships, and anyone looking to make an impact in the world around them. It’s about seeing the world differently and finding new ways to connect the dots with others. Creativity turns challenges into opportunities. Foster and nurture your creativity with curiosity. Curiosity may be your most underrated asset. It’s the drive to think for yourself, ask questions, taking risks to explore, and to never settle for the obvious answer. Feed it constantly, and it will take you places you never imagined. Our most profound moments of creativity often stem from a willingness to embrace the unknown, push beyond our comfort zones, speak our mind, and seek new perspectives. Commit to the process to create, to iterate, and to refine a relentless focus on personal growth. Allow your faith to inspire your creativity. Whether through art, writing, or problem-solving, your creativity is a way to reflect the beauty and complexity of the world as you experience and understand it.

5. LEAN INTO YOUR ‘SO THAT’. I’ve written a lot about ‘So That’ over the years. It’s been a guiding principle in my life. Your ‘So That’ is your ‘raison d’etre, your purpose in life, the reason you were created, your justification for being, your reason for living. It’s what makes all the discipline, the commitments, the hard work, the sacrifices, and the late nights worthwhile. When you align your life with your ‘So That’, you’ll find that success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it. Lean into finding what drives you, what excites you, what motivates you, and what you believe in. Your “So That’ provides a rhythm that guides your decisions and fuels your perseverance. It’s the mission behind your actions, keeping you balanced and focused on what is of real importance in your life. It’s your personal brand, and in a world of noise, your ‘So That’ makes you stand out. A “So That” rooted in faith is all the more powerful. It’s the understanding that your life has meaning beyond personal success. Every action, every decision, is a chance to align with your values and contribute to something greater. Faith gives your “So That” depth and breadth, turning daily routines into acts of attentiveness, grace, and thoughtfulness that builds your legacy.

Here’s to leaning into principles that are solid foundations in your life, anchored with ‘So That’s’ of enduring and unfailing faith.

Paul is passionate about people, culture, photography and business. He has embraced his wanderlust with his travels around the globe and is at peace with his need for spirited drives in all things automotive.

For over 12 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™.  Despite many failures, he continues to try and live his best ‘So That’.

© 2024 D. Paul Graham