Photo: D. Paul Graham, “Namaste Sunrise II”, Blue Ridge Mountains, 2020

“Monday 5 Things” ™….. RE’ing …..

There are moments when M5T’s come together quickly, almost spur of the moment. This week presented one of those moments that found its genesis at the end of my Sunday morning yoga session. Whilst prone on my yoga mat, I was pondering my back issues that continue to plague me, yet thankful, that for the second week in a row, I didn’t topple over at any point in the hour-long class. I opened my eyes to take in a brilliant cerulean Georgian morning sky with nary a cloud to be seen; my ears attuned to the gurgles of  the Savannah River flowing along with other early risers walking or running about at the waterfront as the sun rose over the city. Our instructor read a quote that used alliteration emphasizing renewal.  As I reflected on that passage through the day, this morning’s M5T was realized.

1. REaffirm.

Positive affirmations are so powerful, not only for ourselves, but for those that are a part of our lives. Before you do anything this morning, take some time to reaffirm first to yourself your value, your dreams, your faith, your talents, and your blessings in life. Throughout the day, reaffirm and cultivate positive thoughts, words, and deeds for those that cross your path. Choose to motivate, to lead, to make a difference, no matter how small that difference may seem. For those you love, let them know how important they are to you, how special they are, and how they make a difference in your life.

2. REacquire.

Take stock of where you are in your life. Reflect. Are your actions aligned with your values, goals and dreams? Take a deep breath and take a risk. Seek solutions without being paralyzed by the problem. Be aware – of yourself and your environment. Walk your own path. Stop procrastinating; take action today.

3. REalign.

Replace negativity with positive thoughts. Stop complaining. Refuse to engage in gossip. Question. Everything. Learn from your failures and mistakes. Visualize, plan, act, implement, then revise as necessary. Repeat. Replace the negative, the toxic, and the draining by reprioritizing with those people and activities that enhance your energy, that inspire you to be a better person. Respect others, even when you disagree with their point of view; listen to them, learn from them, strengthen your convictions, be gracious in change when you realize you’re wrong.

4. REclaim.

Ruthlessly choose how you use time. Start to live healthier; mentally and physically. Understand you are not responsible for others happiness, but that you can be a a gift, a blessing, and an encouragement to them. Live. Your life not what others expect of you. Demand of yourself to reclaim your independence, your confidence, your self-respect. Make your presence known. Learn to say no. Be intentional – with everything.

5. REcreate.

Focus on experiences not possessions. Never stop learning. Keep reading. Look around, change your perspective. Let yourself be surprised. Choose to do something completely different each day. Laugh out loud – for real – not with an acronym on your phone. Be the example for others. Be grateful and show it.

What are your RE’s? Here’s to a week of RE’s whatever those may be for you!

© 2021 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

D. Paul Graham 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.

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