Photo: Leeann Ritch, @Leeannritchphotography, The Room at Common, Savannah 2023

“Monday 5 Things”™ ….. Thankful

I looked down the wedding table at family and friends and my heart swelled. The ceremony and the woman beside me brought an entirely new meaning to the word thankful for me. Another feast this weekend, albeit at a smaller table, and I began to think about all that I have to be thankful for. Here are some of those words (some profound, others rather tongue in cheek) that let me focus on being thankful for who and what is in my life.

1. C Words.

Creativity – because it makes me feel alive. Cabernet Sauvignon – because I’m considering pouring a glass or two as I type this. Centered – because that’s what I strive for. Challenges – because they lead to wisdom and strength. Carbohydrates – because, because…. I know, I know, I can’t help myself. Candlelight – because of the hopeless romantic in me. Counseling – because I needed it. Cow Bell – because you just can’t ever have enough cow bell.

2. F Words.

Faith – because it is the root of my life. Family – because you inspire me. Friends – because old and new, you have all impacted my life in more ways than I could ever put into words. Fear – because it challenges me, teaches me, and takes me out of my comfort zone. Façade – because I am learning to drop mine. Fallible – because I know I am. Failure – because I have learned the best lessons in my life from those experiences. Free shipping – because of Amazon. Food – because it provides warmth, nutrients, ambiance… and it allows us to fellowship and bond with others, especially this week. Farmers – because they are the unsung heroes of what we are able to put on our table each day. Ferrari – just because.

3. P Words.

Photography – because it gives me fresh perspective, it makes me see light, texture, and people in renewed ways and makes me feel alive. Prayer – because it centers me and brings focus; it allows us to talk with God, and it gives us time to think about others. Perseverance – because it creates dreams, defines purpose, and teaches patience. Porsche – just because.

4. T Words.

Thankfulness – because it’s good to recognize just how much we have and how abundantly we are blessed. TSA precheck – because I don’t have to take my shoes off at the airport. Travel – because wanderlust has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Tachometer – because pushing that little needle up against a red line feels and sounds sooooo good. Technology – because we love it or hate it, most times both. Tears – because sometimes tears of sorrow or laughter are needed and shouldn’t be held back. Theater – because we can all appreciate a good thespian. Traditions – because they give us a sense of belonging, of community, of values, of celebration… they create memories, a sense of purpose, and a look back at generations before us. Telemarketers – there is no ‘because’ for these people; I was just checking to see if you had read this far.

5. W Words.

A beautiful and loving Woman named Lee Ann, who is now my Wife, who loves me for who I am, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and who brings out the best in me. Wine – (see Cabernet Sauvignon in number 1 above). Women – because of their beauty, their strength, their vulnerability, their ability to nurture, the way they use honesty to clarify, and how they make us men so insane on so many levels. Watch Tower – because All Along it is one of my favorite songs. (It may still be a little too early to realize I worked in ‘wine, women, and song’ there…. just saying). Wonder – because I love being surprised or amazed by something or someone. Work – because it keeps me intellectually young, motivated, and challenged. Written – because nothing beats taking the time to send a hand-written note to show you care about someone or receiving a card or letter from someone that cares about you. Or simply taking time out to read; enjoying the texture of the paper on your fingertips as you slowly turn pages, marking the edges with notes, feasting your eyes on incredible images, and letting the written word permeate your mind.

Here’s to being thankful beyond one day in November (or October if you are north of the 49^th). To making a concerted effort to live intentionally with a grateful heart. To giving thanks daily for the blessings of the things and people in your life. And to never holding back on letting them know they are loved.

© 2023 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

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For over 12 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