Monday Morning Gratitude

Mondays usually come with alarms, coffee refills, and that familiar mental checklist of everything waiting to be done. But this Monday feels a little different. Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and with it comes a rare and welcome gift—a day off.

Dr. King’s birthday isn’t just a name on the calendar or an excuse to sleep in (though I’ll gladly accept that part). It’s a reminder to slow down and reflect. His words still echo decades later, calling for kindness, equality, and the courage to stand up for what’s right—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Having the day off gives space to think about those ideas without the usual rush. It’s a chance to appreciate progress made, acknowledge how far there still is to go, and consider the small ways we can live out those values in our own lives. Not through grand gestures, but through everyday actions—listening more, judging less, and treating people with respect.

So today, I’m enjoying a quieter Monday. Maybe a second cup of coffee. Maybe no alarm at all. A little rest, a little reflection, and a lot of gratitude for a holiday that honors someone who challenged the world to be better.

Tomorrow, the grind will be back. But today, I’m thankful for the pause—and for the reminder that even on an ordinary Monday, we can choose to move forward with purpose.

Happy Monday, and happy MLK Day.