Photo: D. Paul Graham, “3 am”, Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, 2023

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. One …..

One day. Each team had one goal, one objective. To win the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. I was one of hundreds of photographers, each looking for that one shot that would capture the excitement, the intensity, and the legacy of the race. On any circuit, I find that I am one with myself, the track, the experience, and at peace with the splendor of my solitude in the midst of many, doing something that I love. As the clock swept past midnight, the crowds and fans thinned, the Floridian winds warmed, and jostling by photographers for position no longer was an issue. As I walked through the paddocks and then took pause to sit on the pit-wall to take in the moment, this morning’s M5T took form as I mused on ‘One”.

1. One Thought

A positive mindset can silence the negative voice you have inside. One positive thought can create a positive outlook. A positive thought can aid in understanding that negativity, challenges, and failures are temporary. One thought can build a mindset of well-being, resilience, and clarity. One thought can shape a healthy state of mind, allowing focus, rest, a change of heart, and fuel for growth.

2. One Song

One song can awaken long forgotten deep emotions and memories. One song can invoke dancing, air guitar, steering-wheel drumming, and singing at the top of your lungs. One song can change your mood and make you laugh or cry. One song can connect, unify, and bond. One song can relax, excite, and spark creativity.

3. One Smile

My mom always said that a smile costs you nothing. One smile can signal approval, happiness, contentment, and positivity. A smile communicates, elevates, and connects you with others. A smile makes you more attractive, and influences emotions both for yourself and whoever you are smiling at. One smile is contagious and is universal no matter what country or culture you are in.

4. One Pause

We are surrounded by noise, distractions, and at times chaos. Our phones, computers, and social media drag us into rabbit holes of consumed time, distraction, and noise that over stimulates. Taking a pause gives you time out for yourself. Seeking to pause, to create silence around you, gives you time to test, to absorb, to observe. Pausing allows for inner silence, internal focus, and renewal, both from internal noise and external noise. Pausing can level emotions and deescalate tensions.

5. One Idea

One idea, whether big or small, can bring clarity to your life emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. One idea can attract people to you, bring about change, and determine decisions, directions, and dreams. One idea can provide space to create, to transform, to solve a problem, to innovate, and to inspire others.

Here’s to a week of appreciating the unique One’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.