"Monday 5 Things" with D. Paul Graham
Monday 5 Things…..Everything…..
Having dinner in a quaint Italian restaurant in Vidalia, Georgia a few weeks ago, my table was across from a couple that seemed more interested in their cell phones than in each other. Putting down his phone to pay the bill, the only conversation that I overheard them having was when he asked, “what’s wrong?” She replied quietly and sadly, “everything.” My heart felt heavy for them. Today’s M5T considers other ‘every’s’ in our lives.
1. Every Morning
Today, right now, this morning, is a chance for a fresh start; to face your fears, to finish what you have started yesterday, and to plan new adventures for the day. Each morning gives you the opportunity to be thankful; to pray. This morning is one in which you can decide to make this an extraordinary day or an ordinary one. Every day you can put your past behind you and focus on the future. Every morning you can decide the way in which your day starts and finishes.
2. Every Thought
You can make a conscious decision to focus each thought. You can choose to think positive rather than negative thoughts. You can hold captive your dreams and rise above adversity. You can prefer to think for yourself; to be the grand master and not the chess piece. You can decide to prefer peace… to move forward and stand tall in who you really are.
3. Every Place
Every destination you go to – near or far – is a gift of different experiences, cultures, tastes and sounds. It’s an opportunity to step in, step up, to wonder afresh, or to navigate new paths. Every place you go is a chance to see design, shape and light with fresh eyes. Every place you go can be an opportunity to transform your heart, mind, and soul.
4. Every Person
Everyone you meet affords a chance to listen, to share and to invest in someone’s life. You can be a model of grace, forgiveness, acceptance and love. You can simply be that smile that says “I see you” to someone else. The people you meet every day, be they strangers, family, or friends, are a clean slate to start a conversation, to refresh, acknowledge, encourage, comfort, confirm, or to affirm.
5. Every Day
Each day that we draw breath is a day to discern your season; to understand the lessons found in valleys, and to appreciate the beauty and joy of peaks. It’s a day to connect with others as well as yourself. It’s a day to choose to love or to hate. It’s a day to choose to change, to respond to needs. Every day is one to accept the value of yourself and your time. To transform and to heal. Each day is one to work to your full capabilities and competence. This day, and every day, is one to the recognize divine appointments that cross your path, to acknowledge your blessings, and be thankful for all that you have.
Here’s to recognizing and embracing all of your ‘every’s’ in your life today, tomorrow, the next day, and all the days that follow.
© 2019 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
