Photo: D. Paul Graham, “17 Mile 356”, Fanshell Overlook, 2022

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Passions …..

For each Sunday that I’ve been fortunate to attend the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, I pause at the top of Hay’s Hill before heading down to the storied 18^th fairway.  I close my eyes and let my other senses take it all in. The early morning mist and fog moisten my face. My ears fill with the rumble of cars queuing up for Dawn Patrol. I breath-in the rich smell of exhaust from the automobiles and quietly thank God for the blessings in my life. I walk leisurely down the hill to the lineup of cars and drivers excited to enter the field at dawn. There will be time to move fast as the morning starts, but now is a time I take to relish, to savor, to appreciate the moment, and to let the passion of being here take hold of me. And once again, inspired by a most beautiful part of the world, M5T considers passions in our lives.

1. Pay Attention

To your passions. Capitalize on what you know. What makes your heart, your thoughts, and your creativity race? What is effortless to you? What have been the high points in your life? Pay attention to those; pay attention to those passions.

2. Nurture

Consider where you want to be. Be open to listening to others who share your passion; learn from them, let their enthusiasm be a catalyst for your passions. Recall what you loved as a child; what you dreamt, what excited you. Develop, encourage, exercise, and foster your childhood dreams and passions.

3. Purpose

Keep moving on a path of self-discovery. I don’t agree that you should follow your passions. I believe you should lead with your passions as so often your passions shape your calling in life. Embrace that calling. Live your calling with passion.

4. No Limits

Don’t ignore your passions. Expand your map. Don’t hold back your emotions for what is most important to your life. Know your strengths and feed them. Let your passions fuel your dreams.

5. Be Intentional

Experiment. Have a mindset of always looking for opportunities to learn. Your passions can be an incredible map that can lead you to new opportunities, new experiences, and new focus in life. Let your passions raise the bar in your life. People will recognize genuine passion. Your passion can encourage, lead, motivate, and change lives.

Here’s to a week of embracing, celebrating, and living your own passions in life.

© 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.