Photo: D. Paul Graham, “Tinkerbell Dust”, Serenbe circa 2018

“Monday 5 Things” ™ ….. Patterns …..

It was a long but productive week. I was enjoying a cleansing ale as the waves of the evening tide meandered their way higher up the beach.  I softly sang along with the guitarist playing on the patio of the hotel, leaned back in my chair, and looked up. Contrasted against an azure sky, golden sunset light painted the cotton-like cumulus and thin wispy strands of cirrus clouds. Soft sea breeze winds leisurely fashioned patterns with the clouds. The serenity of the moment served not only to wash off the stress of the week but left me with a sense of deep gratitude and awe. Jotting down thoughts of patterns, this morning’s M5T took form.

1. Patterns of Momentum

Momentum is an essential part of our lives. There is a natural tendency for patterns to develop when you keep moving. Momentum avoids stasis, saves us from falling into ruts, and keeps us from being exposed and vulnerable. Momentum can be gained with either big steps or small steps; the key is to keep moving, preferably forward. For a good part of my life, I have believed in what I call the momentum of one more thing. Doing one more thing more each day. One more call. One more meeting. One more note to someone. One more of whatever is most important to me. One more, one more. No matter how tired or frustrated you may be, it is important to keep the patterns of momentum in your life by not giving up. Momentum is fostered by keeping commitments, scheduling time for change, looking for inspiration, having big goals, and by developing new tactics and strategies. Patterns of momentums begin when you choose to just show up and start. What will you show up for this week?

2. Patterns of Wonder

There is a simple beauty to wonder. Especially childlike wonder and delight. If you look for them, patterns of wonder come from letting yourself be amazed, by letting yourself admire someone, and by getting out of your comfort zone and shaking things up in your life. Be deliberate in the habit and pattern of deliberately changing habits and routines. Seek out genius in artists and creatives. Do something creative for yourself. Read something you normally wouldn’t. Visit an art gallery. Stop. Stare. Shake up the context of your life. Speed up. Slow down. Be aware of smells, tastes, textures, shapes; allow yourself to feel and think. Be intentional and push your limits. With everything. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Patterns of wonder are worth nurturing or they weaken and can die. Cultivate your ability to find magic and wonder in the ordinary. Take the time to stare at starry skies or rolling waves. Ask questions. Walk barefoot in the sand or the grass. Take a stroll in the rain. Jump in a puddle. Watch for animal shapes in the clouds. Go outside. And play. What will you find wonder in this week?

3. Patterns of Consistency

Patterns of consistency help smooth out the emotional roller coaster of life that we all ride on. Consistency in good habits and positive thinking develop motivation, discipline, health, stability in your relationships, and provides assurances and behaviors that compliment your goals. Stick to your dreams, your goals, and your objectives. Define your purpose in life and understand what you contribute to the relationships for the ones you love. And then be consistent in both. Hang in there. Drive forward. Act with purpose. Communicate. If you’re having a hard time with this one, scroll up and read number 1 again. Patterns of consistency foster honesty, respect, and accountability. What do you need to be more consistent with this week?

4. Patterns of Perspective

The patterns of perspective can truly be life changing. Hang around me long enough and you’ll hear me talk about the importance of changing your perspective. Changed perspectives can repair fractured relationships and can bring balance in your life. Perspective allows you to prioritize the most important people and things in your life. It allows you to recognize if you are bored, depressed, or in a rut. And then give you the desire and perspective to do something about it. Perspective patterns allow you to listen, to recognize how others may see a situation, and to challenge and understand your world view. Changed perspective lays the framework to consciously seek happiness and peace. Step away from your phone and social media. Be intentional in seeking out insights in who and what is going on around you. Think for yourself. Patterns of perspective are transformative, attracting positivity in yourself and others, breeds gratitude, and allows you to live in the present.

5. Patterns of Positivity

This may be the most powerful of the patterns. Positivity can change mindsets and behaviors for a more fulfilled life. I personally believe that my positivity is grounded in prayer, and each morning I give thanks for the blessings in my life and take time to pray for others. If I don’t start with that focus on positivity, I usually don’t have a great day. Positivity impacts others and yourself. Regauge your brain by replacing your negative internal dialogue with positive thoughts and talk. Smile more, laugh even more. Stop comparing yourself to others and give yourself permission to live your life. Never hold back on showing your enthusiasm. Avoid toxic people and bad habits. Take a breath, pause before you say, write, email, or text in anger. Avoid gossip. Envision positive outcomes. Let go of resentments. Don’t hold back on complimenting others. Find your zone, learn to stay in it for a while, and embrace it for all it is to you. What will you be positive about today?

Here’s to a week of your patterns. Go outside and play.

© 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.

You can find M5T each Monday here on www.southmag.com and by friending D. Paul Graham on Facebook. Paul is a contributing photographer to South Magazine. His photographic work can also be found on Instagram @dpgraham and at www.imageGRAHAM.com . Your feedback is always welcome. Email Paul at dpg@imagegraham.com