Photo: D. Paul Graham, Homestead Miami Sunrise, 2023

“Monday 5 Things”™  ….. More More’s …..

It was a perfect start to the day. I drove in silence. No music, no news. The car windows down allowing the cool morning air to refresh me. A halo of brilliant Rosso Corsa light from the infield could be seen for miles. I had the track to myself as I stepped out of the elevator onto the roof of the grandstand. A thin line of orange began to appear along the horizon. I took pause to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of the moment, to center my mind, and to thank God for such a gift as this. My prayers began to go deeper with intensity and intimacy. And I found myself craving more. More communion with God, more of the people that I love, and more of what is really important in my life. This morning’s M5T shares some more more’s.

1. More Simplicity

As I get older, the more I realize the profundity of the adage that “less is more.” Less clutter of “things,” more of the people and environments that give me peace. More stopping and taking time to appreciate what is right in front of me. More deep and meaningful conversations with the most significant people in my life. Stripping away shallow needs and fears that I’ve pointlessly held onto for years. More peace. More comfort and being content with who I really am.

2. More Creativity

Take more time to use that other side of your brain. Be proactive to design opportunities to engage in the act of creating. To let life take shape. To let creativity, fulfill, excite, and challenge. More creativity sanctions more connection with ideas, people, and thoughts. More creativity presents occasions for space to grow, to play, and to surprise ourselves and others.

3. More of the Present

Being in the present quietens our mind, replacing chatter and clutter with focus. It lets us appreciate ourselves. It gives us time to breathe, to slow time down and to appreciate all that we have in our lives. More of the present lets us recalibrate, to recognize changes in our lives. More of the present gives us the liberty to risk, to love and to trust.

4. More of your Dreams

Our dreams give us purpose, direction and meaning. Dreams define, guard, and preserve who we are. They shape our choices in life. Dreams build and move us toward our future. More time with our dreams creates in us a sense of control, enveloping ourselves with hope, releasing inner desires that move, motivate, and inspire ourselves and others. Dreams create clarity of vision, focus our ambition, and can be a call action to overcome obstacles that get in our way.

5. More Gratefulness

A mindset and heart-set of gratefulness provides opportunities for more empathy and less aggression. It creates deep relationships with others. Gratefulness allows us to celebrate the present and to be healthier physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Gratitude blocks the toxicity of negative thought and emotions. More gratefulness leaves little room in our lives for stress, slowing us down and focuses us on others. Gratefulness can be a catalyst for positive change, for healthier self-worth and makes us more resilient, more relaxed, optimistic, and kinder.

Here’s to a week of more of your own more’s in your life.

© 2023 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

For over 11 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T. You can reach Paul by email at dpg@imagegraham.com