Category: Blog

Day 35 of the 7-40 Challenge: A Heart Full of Gratitude

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Friends, welcome to Day 35 of my 7-40 Challenge. As I sit here on the eve of Labor Day, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. The long weekend stretches before us, offering a moment to pause and reflect, and today, my heart is full. I’m thankful for my family, whose love anchors me; for my home, a sanctuary of comfort; and for my friends, who fill my life with laughter and unwavering support. In the words of the Roman philosopher Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” Today, I feel that truth deeply—I am truly blessed.

This post won’t be a long one, but it’s a heartfelt one. I want to take a moment to reflect on the power of gratitude and to say thank you—not just to the people in my life, but to God, who I love and strive to please. I try to express thanks as often as the thought crosses my mind, because every day I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to live the life I do.

Of course, life isn’t perfect. It’s a winding road, marked by bumps and bruises, highs and lows, moments of triumph and times of struggle. But isn’t that true for all of us? The beauty of life lies in its imperfections, in the way it challenges us to grow, to love more deeply, and to find joy in the ordinary. Those ups and downs are the threads that weave the tapestry of our stories, and I wouldn’t trade mine for anything.

I’m reminded of Helen Keller’s words: “So much has been given to me; I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.” Like her, I choose to focus on the abundance in my life—the love, the laughter, the small moments that make each day meaningful. I pray I never lose sight of this gratitude, that I never take for granted the blessings that surround me. Every breath, every connection, every opportunity is a gift.

As I write this, I’m sending a prayer up for you, too. I hope you’re spending this Labor Day weekend wrapped in the warmth of people you love, doing things that bring you joy. I hope you have a roof over your head, warm food in your belly, and a heart full of contentment. I’m still working on my goals, still pushing forward on this 7-40 Challenge, but today, my focus is on gratitude—a quiet, steady force that grounds me.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s carry this spirit of thankfulness into tomorrow and beyond. As William Arthur Ward said, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” Here’s to Day 36, and to living every day with a grateful heart.

Day 34 of the 7-40 Challenge: Making Every Moment Count with Family

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 34 of my 7-40 Challenge journey. Today is Saturday, August 30, 2025, and I’m buzzing with gratitude for another day filled with purpose, progress, and the people who make my heart sing—my family.

The 7-40 Challenge is all about building seven meaningful habits over 40 days, and today was a beautiful reminder that success isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about weaving those goals into a life well-lived. Today wasn’t just about hitting my targets (though I’m thrilled to say I did!); it was about soaking up the joy of being with my two favorite people, exploring the world together, and making memories that light up even the most ordinary moments.

Saturdays have a special kind of magic, don’t they? For us, it’s a day to pile into the car and set off on an adventure. Sometimes it’s trying a new restaurant, wandering through quirky thrift stores, or hunting for treasures at estate sales. Other times, it’s just driving around, noticing how the world around us has changed, and letting the road lead us wherever it wants. There’s something so freeing about being behind the wheel, my family by my side, with no agenda other than to be together. It’s these moments—laughing, exploring, just being—that turn an average day into something extraordinary.

Family time is sacred to me. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s one of those irreplaceable things you can’t afford to put off. Sure, life gets busy—work, responsibilities, and all the “stuff” can creep in—but I’ve made it a priority to carve out space for the people I love most. Today was a perfect example of why that matters. We laughed, we explored, we connected, and it filled my soul in a way nothing else can.

As I reflect on today, I want to share three simple ways to make the most of your time with loved ones, whether it’s your family, friends, or chosen tribe:

1. Do Something You All Love
For us, it’s the thrill of discovery. Estate sales are like stepping into a wonderland of the unexpected. You never know what you’ll find—a vintage record, a quirky knickknack, or a glimpse into someone else’s life. It’s not just about the stuff; it’s about the stories behind it, the uniqueness of each find, and the joy of sharing that adventure together. Find that thing you all love—whether it’s hiking, cooking, or binge-watching a favorite show—and make it a ritual.

2. Get Everyone Involved
Today, we cranked up the car radio and took turns picking songs, from Pat Benatar’s fiery anthems to Creed’s soulful rock to Chris Daughtry and everything in between. We were singing, harmonizing, and smiling the whole way. It wasn’t just background noise—it was a shared experience that made us feel connected. Whatever you’re doing, make sure everyone has a voice, a role, a chance to shine. It’s those little moments of collaboration that make the day unforgettable.

3. Don’t Wait Too Long to Eat
Okay, this one’s practical but so important. Shopping or exploring on an empty stomach? Recipe for disaster. We learned that the hard way today, but a quick stop for a sandwich saved the day. Keep the hangry vibes at bay, and you’ll all have a better time.

As I wrap up Day 34, I’m filled with gratitude. I hit my goals for the 7-40 Challenge, but more than that, I got to live a day rich with love, laughter, and connection. I hope you’re having an amazing weekend, chasing your dreams and spending time with the people who matter most to you. Here’s to making every moment count—and to seeing you on Day 35!

Writing Without Fear: Lessons from the 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! I’m 33 days into the 7-40 Challenge—seven daily habits over 40 days to spark growth and transformation. I am so thankful for this challenge. It has me back in a good space practicing daily. 

One habit I’ve clung to is reading or listening to a book for at least 30 minutes every day. There have even been days where I have gotten in a couple of hours, soaking up ideas like a sponge. It’s become a welcome pause, a moment to breathe and grow. For me, this daily ritual is my way of arming myself with knowledge, clarity, and a whole lot of heart.

A Space to Ponder

This reading habit isn’t just about flipping pages or hitting play on an audiobook. It’s about carving out space to think. I’ve revisited books I read years ago, and let me tell you, it’s like meeting an old friend who’s got new stories to share. With a clearer sense of who I am now, those familiar words hit differently. It’s humbling, sometimes exhilarating, to see old lessons in a new light. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” That’s what this practice does—it stretches me, challenges me, and pushes me to become a better version of myself.

Journaling with Courage

Today I began diving into Suleika Jaouad’s The Creative Alchemy, a book that’s both a gut-punch and an inspiration. It’s built around a 100-day journaling challenge, born from the author’s battle with a rare form of leukemia. The book is a collection of 100 essays from her community, each paired with a prompt to get you writing. One question stopped me in my tracks: What would you write if you weren’t afraid?

Whoa. That made me think. Are there topics I am staying away from because I am afraid of them? After considering for a few, I believe this would be my answer:

If fear wasn’t in the driver’s seat, I’d write about my life through the lens of lessons learned. Some parts of my story? They’re sacred, private, and mine to keep. But others—those universal moments of struggle, triumph, and the messy beauty of being human—those are meant to be shared. I want to write stories that uplift, that remind people they’re not alone. I’m inspired by Zig Ziglar, who said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” His words weren’t just about sales—they were about connection, service, and lifting others up. That’s the kind of writing I’d do: stories that resonate, that spark hope, that build bridges.

Faith, Love, and Shared Humanity

Writing without fear would mean living with intention. It would force me to be deliberate about my time, my words, and how I share my faith in God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve never been shy about being a Christian, but I’ll admit I’ve sometimes held back personal stories, worried they might make someone squirm. Here’s what I’m learning: discomfort often comes from how a story is shared. If I approach it with love, empathy, and a desire to share God’s love, the walls come down, and understanding takes root.

My goal—whether I’m writing or speaking—is to share God’s love through my story. I want to shine a light on the struggles we all face, the shared humanity that binds us. As Charles Dickens put it in A Tale of Two Cities, “We are all fellow-passengers to the grave.” If we embraced that truth—that we’re all in this together—the world would feel less divided. I believe in right and wrong, and my faith is my anchor. Sharing stories of hope, resilience, and redemption is how I’d write if fear didn’t hold me back.

Choosing Courage

This 7-40 Challenge has shown me that fear is a choice. Every day, when I carve out time to read, I’m choosing to grow. I’m choosing to challenge myself. I’m choosing to live with intention. If I can take that courage to the page, I can write the stories that matter—stories that inspire, uplift, and remind us we’re all fellow travelers on this crazy road called life.

So, here’s to writing without fear. Here’s to sharing the lessons learned. And here’s to trusting that our stories, when told with love, can light the way for others. As C.S. Lewis once said, “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Let’s start where we are. Let’s write without fear.

So, tell me—what would you write if you weren’t afraid?

Day 31 of the 7-40 Challenge: When Life Reminds You What Matters Most

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to Day 31 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m sharing the ups, downs, and unexpected detours of this journey. Some days, everything clicks like clockwork. You breeze through your to-do list, check off your goals, and feel like you’re absolutely crushing it. Everything works just as you planned, no surprises, no hiccups. And then, there are other days—days when life throws you a curveball, and you realize some priorities outshine even the most well-intentioned plans.

Today was one of those days. I was powering through my seven daily habits, ticking them off one by one. I was on a roll—until I didn’t quite make it to my exercise goal. But let me tell you, the reason why is one I wouldn’t trade for anything.

We had company over tonight, which already shook up the routine a bit. But before they arrived, my son looked at me with a genuine smile and asked, “Dad, do you think we could spend some time tonight and maybe shoot around a golf game on the Nintendo Switch?” Y’all, I love my goals. I love my habits and the structure they bring to my life. But there was no way I was going to say no to that.

Sometimes, the most important goals—the ones that truly matter—take precedence over everything else. So, what did we do? We cranked up some music, fired up the Nintendo Switch, and played 18 holes of Mario Golf. And let me tell you, it was a blast. We laughed, we competed, and we made memories that I’ll carry with me forever.

Here’s the thing: I set goals and build habits so I can be my best self—fit, present, and ready for the people who mean the most to me. My family is my why. They’re the heartbeat of everything I do, second only to my relationship with God. When they call, when they need me, or when they just want to hang out and play some virtual golf, you better believe I’m choosing them over any checklist.

I feel so incredibly blessed to have these relationships in my life. My family is my treasure, and moments like tonight are the ones I cherish most. It’s a reminder that life isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about showing up for the people you love.

So, how about you? Have you carved out time today for the ones who light up your world? Have you laughed, connected, or done something just for the joy of it? I hope so, because those are the moments that make life truly rich.

Drop a comment below and let me know how you’re spending time with the people you love. I’d love to hear about it! Thanks for joining me on Day 31 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m grateful for you all, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 32!

Day 30 of the 7-40 Challenge: A Walk, a Stranger, and a Lesson in Gratitude

~ David Willis ~ 1 Comment

Today marks day 30 of my 7-40 Challenge—a 40-day journey where I’ve committed to practicing seven habits daily to better myself and the world around me. Ten days to go, and I’m already overflowing with gratitude. This milestone feels like a victory, not just for sticking with it but for the unexpected moments that have reshaped my perspective along the way. Today, I want to share a story from my lunch break—a simple walk that turned into a profound reminder of what it means to be thankful.

It was an unusually cool August day in Oklahoma, where triple-digit heat is the norm this time of year. The temperature hovered in the low 70s, a rare gift that made my daily half hour walk feel like a treat. I was strolling through downtown, earphones in, soaking in the fresh air and the rhythm of my steps. The walk itself is always a highlight—part exercise, part mental reset. But today, it became something more.

As I paused at a crosswalk, a voice broke through my music. “Young fella, young fella! Can I talk to you for a minute?” I turned to see an elderly man, his clothes worn and his face weathered, clearly someone who’d been living on the streets. I popped out an earphone, smiled, and said hello. He grinned back, his eyes bright despite his circumstances, and said, “Young fella, can you spare 87 cents?”

Eighty-seven cents. The specificity caught me off guard. Either this man knew exactly what he needed—down to the penny, tax included—or it was the cleverest pitch I’d ever heard. I couldn’t help but chuckle, especially since he called me “young fella” at an age when I’m starting to feel more “old fella” than “young.” I reached into my pocket, and pulled out what I had…a $5 bill. I handed it to him and said, “How about five dollars?”

His reaction was pure gold. His eyes widened in what seemed like genuine disbelief, and he broke into a wide, toothy smile. “Thank you!” he said, offering me a fist bump. “God bless!” That moment hit me like a ton of bricks. Here was a man, likely facing hardships I can’t even imagine, radiating gratitude for a simple $5 bill. If that’s not a reality check, I don’t know what is.

I wish I could’ve stayed longer, sat on that curb, and heard his story. Why 87 cents? What brought him to that corner? What was his life like? Despite his circumstances, his smile was infectious, his gratitude palpable. It made me pause and reflect on my own life. I’m not sharing this to pat myself on the back—far from it. This encounter humbled me. It reminded me that even in the face of struggle, gratitude can shine through. This man, with so little, was thankful for what I could give. That’s the posture I want to carry in my heart.

The 7-40 Challenge has been about building habits, but moments like this remind me why I’m doing it. Life is a gift. I’ve been provided for, even through tough times. I’ve worked hard, sure, but I’m blessed beyond measure—a family that is healthy and safe, a roof over my head, food on my table, a warm bed to sleep in. These are things I can so easily take for granted. Meeting this man today was a clear reminder to stay grounded, to use the talents and resources I’ve been given to better myself and the world around me.

I don’t know if that gentleman will ever read these words, but I’m grateful for him—for his smile, his gratitude, and the chance to pause and reflect on that downtown corner. As I head into day 31 of the challenge, I’m carrying his lesson with me: gratitude isn’t just for the big wins or the easy days. It’s for the small moments, the unexpected encounters, the reminders that we’re all connected.

So, I’d love to hear from you. Have you had a moment recently that made you stop and feel grateful? Share your story in the comments—I’m all ears. Day 30 is in the books, and I’m ready for tomorrow. Here’s to day 31 and the lessons it brings.

See you then.