Photo: D. Paul Graham, ‘Dewy’s System” New York Public Library circa 2018

“Monday 5 Things”™….. Verba ad Annum …..

For anyone that has been following M5T for a year or more knows that I’m not big on New Year resolutions. Rather, I prefer to pick five words that I use to center my thoughts through the year. This morning’s M5T shares my thoughts on five words for 2022. What words would you pick?

1. Challenge

A year of challenging myself to take my thoughts to a higher level. To innovate and to create. Pushing myself to dissent when I don’t agree. To exercise. To move out of my comfort zone. To dream big and then challenge myself to dream even bigger. A year to challenge myself to see things in a different light, from a different perspective. And then to photograph those perspectives. A year of challenging myself to let my passions be known without excuse.

2. Shenanigans

Just saying the word is fun. Not the underhanded type of shenanigans. Rather fun adventures and spur of the moment actions. Fun-loving mischief that leads to deep, belly aching laughter. The kind of shenanigans that involve singing at the top of my lungs in the car. At a stoplight. With the windows down. That entice the people in the car next to me to sing along. Shenanigans that allow me to play more, to have more fun, and to be easier on myself. A year of picking a direction and just driving. For a day. For a weekend. Or longer.

3. Protective

A year of developing the habit of better protecting my time, my mind, my body. Taking quality over quantity.  Refusing mediocrity on any level, first with myself and then with others. Physically purge the unused items in my closet, my garage, my life and to embracing less. Rebuffing toxic relationships and negative thoughts to protect my dreams, my vision for my life. Being resolute in protecting the commitments I make and the people I love.

4. Focus

A year of focusing on first things first that remove clutter and distractions. A year of focusing on what truly matters in my life so that I ignore the things that don’t matter. The focus and belief to take my faith to another level. To add value in all I do. To recognize validation from myself not from others. The focus to remove myself from gossip or from matters that don’t concern me. To say “no” more that allows me to say “yes” so that I can focus on the deeper matters of my life.

5. One

Each day this year. One hour to just pray in the morning. One hour in the afternoon to just think. One photograph per day that is just for me. One reckless act of kindness and compassion every day to someone that crosses my path. Each day to let one person know they are valued and appreciated.

Here’s to your words that will shape your 2022. Wishing you all wild success and happiness this New Year!

© 2022 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 atwww.imageGRAHAM.com . Your feedback is always welcome. Email Paul at dpg@imagegraham.com