David Willis Blog

Day 15 of the 7-40 Challenge: Why Marriage is the Best Adventure I’ve Ever Had

Hello, friends. Welcome to day 15 of the 7-40 Challenge. I’m David, your host on this wild ride of self-improvement, reflection, and transformation. Here we are, deep into round two, and I’m still buzzing with that fire to push forward—one daily task, one honest challenge at a time. It’s pulling something real out of me, day by day, and I’m grateful you’re along for it.

Tonight, I want to get personal. For years, I’ve called myself a writer… and then, well, I just stopped writing. There were flashes—bursts of words on a page, ideas scribbled in the margins of life—followed by long stretches of silence. I’d pick up the pen (or keyboard, let’s be real), only to set it down again. Metaphorically speaking, of course. It’s not a lack of ideas that’s held me back; it’s the deeper hook I haven’t quite latched onto yet. What’s the mission behind these words? Am I just chronicling my own quiet reflections, day to day? That’s fine—consistency alone would be a win. Or am I reaching out, lighting a spark for others to be more, do more? That’s noble too. But the pull I feel strongest is toward the big questions—the ones that keep so many of us up at night, searching for answers in a world that feels louder and lonelier than ever.

Take marriage, for instance. It seems like such a dirty word these days, doesn’t it? Fewer folks are diving into the dating pool, postponing rings and vows indefinitely, or skipping the whole thing altogether. I get it—life’s expensive, independence is intoxicating, and the stats on divorce don’t exactly scream “happily ever after.” But as someone who’s been all in for 26 years (27 this coming January), I have to wonder: Why? Why does something that lifted me higher than I ever imagined feel so out of reach for so many?

I can’t solve the world’s riddles in one blog post, but I can share my story. Because if my words can blend a bit of hard-won reason with the raw testimony of my own joys and stumbles, maybe it’ll cut through the noise. So tonight, let’s talk marriage—not as some dusty ideal from a bygone era, but as the living, breathing bedrock of my life. I’ll leave you with three reasons why it’s been the most uplifting adventure I’ve ever stepped into. And yeah, I’ll weave in a couple of voices from history to remind us this isn’t a new song—it’s one that’s echoed through time.

1. She’s My Best Friend—And That’s the Vow That Stuck

We met on April 1st, 1998—April Fool’s Day, of all days—and tied the knot just nine months later. Whirlwind? Sure. But from the jump, I knew: this woman wasn’t just a partner; she was my friend. My best friend. We’ve walked hand-in-hand through every twist—joys that make you laugh till your sides ache, valleys that test your soul—and those vows we whispered? We’ve kept them, fiercely.

It’s the kind of companionship that turns ordinary days into something sacred. As the great American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson put it in his essay Friendship: “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” My wife isn’t just along for the ride; she’s the one who sees me clearest, flaws and all, and chooses me anyway. In a world quick to ghost and swipe left, isn’t that the real magic? A friendship forged in fire, lasting because we both show up, every day.

2. Marry Young? Absolutely—If You’re Ready to Build Together

I’ve heard the advice lately: Wait. Stack your career first. Chase those solo adventures, fill your passport with stamps, pad your savings before you even think about merging lives. And hey, if that’s your path, own it—no judgment here. But for me? Marrying young was the smartest leap I ever took. We said “I do” broke as a joke, Taco Bell dinners and all, and built our lives from scratch—together.

It wasn’t a hurdle; it was the launchpad. Everything I’ve chased—a career that lights me up, dreams I’ve dared to dream—it’s all bloomed from that shared foundation. No regrets, no “what ifs” about missed opportunities. Just fewer heartaches, less uncertainty, because we poured the work into us from the start. We grew our love and our life in tandem, turning scarcity into abundance.

This isn’t some modern hack, either. Flash back to 1890, when British essayist and poet Coventry Patmore reflected on love’s enduring power in The Angel in the House: “The wife is the heart of the home, beating time to the music of the world’s great heart.” Patmore was writing in a Victorian world worlds away from ours, yet he nailed it—marriage as rhythm, as partnership, as the beat that propels you forward. We didn’t wait for perfection; we built it, side by side. And friends, if you’re hesitating at the edge, hear this: It’s okay to start small. You can grow big together.

3. A Voice That’s Honest, Loving, and Always in Your Corner

Single life has its freedoms, no doubt—the fierce independence that shapes you, the space to chase your own north star. But marriage? To the right person? It unlocks something deeper: interdependence. A real, flesh-and-blood voice in your life who loves you enough to call you out, cheer you on, and hold the mirror when you need it most.

My wife doesn’t sugarcoat. If I’m veering off course, she’ll say it straight—no lies, no fluff. We talk it through, work it through, and emerge stronger. It’s not always easy; growth rarely is. But that honest feedback? It’s gold. It turns “me” into “us,” and suddenly, you’re more than you were—sharper, kinder, braver.

Of course, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. If marriage doesn’t fit your blueprint right now—or ever—skip ahead, and let’s agree to disagree with grace. But if you’re reading this and feeling that quiet tug, that whisper of “maybe,” let me say it loud: It’s okay. Go ahead and marry the one who sees your soul. Build from that small, sacred place, and watch it expand. Having someone truly for you—honest and unwavering—early on? It’s the foundation that carries you through a lifetime.

I love being married to my wife. I love her. And if these words inspire even one person to chase that kind of love—to see it’s still out there, worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears—then this post has done its quiet work.

We’ll see you tomorrow for day 16. Keep showing up, friends. You’ve got this—and so do they.

David Willis Blog

Day 14: Round Two of the 7-40 Challenge – Showing Up When It Counts

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 14 of the 7-40 Challenge – and we’re officially deep into round two. Let’s be real for a moment: this round has felt a tad tougher than the first. Life’s rhythm has picked up speed, pulling me in a dozen directions, and I’ve had to dig deep to stay on track with everything I’ve set out to accomplish.

If you caught yesterday’s post, you know I spent some time at the hospital looking after a family member. Not in my plan, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was there when I was needed and got to show love and care. But what about the rest of the weekend? It unfolded far from my blueprint. Not every goal on the list got checked off, and that’s okay. Plans shift; that’s the beautiful, unpredictable dance of real life. What matters most is this: even when the script flips and things get hard, we still show up. We keep it real, one step at a time.

That’s the heartbeat of tonight’s reflection. This isn’t just about ticking off daily goals for a quick win – no, friends, I’m chasing something deeper. I’m reinventing how I live, aiming for true transformation. I want to be more, do more than the version of me that’s been coasting on autopilot. And let me tell you, that’s a worthy pursuit… but it won’t come easy.

I’ve got years of baked-in habits, personal hurdles, and those sneaky inner voices that whisper, “Stay comfortable.” Breaking free? It demands focused effort, laser-sharp concentration, and – above all – unwavering faith in God. As Aristotle wisely put it, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” I’m convinced it’s not too late. With steady attention, I can reinvent. I can renew. I can step into the transformation I’ve been longing for – all by building those new habits, day by day.

To anchor that faith even deeper, let’s lean on timeless wisdom: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). Let’s think about this – if the plans are misaligned, committing them won’t magically fix things. But when they’re rooted in God’s will? That’s where the divine momentum happens. For me, that means stewarding my health, unleashing the gifts He’s wired into me, and loving others with intention. Those are the ambitions I’m anchoring to – and they’re why, even through a bumpy weekend, I keep pressing forward.

Wherever you are tonight, whatever chapter you’re in, I hope you’re well. May your weekend have held pockets of joy, and here’s to a week brimming with purpose and productivity ahead. Catch you tomorrow for Day 15 – let’s keep building! What’s one small “reinvention” you’re leaning into this week? Drop it in the comments – I’d love to cheer you on. 🌱

David Willis Blog

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? (Spoiler: It’s Not What You Think)

Hey there, friends. How many times have you heard that classic line? What do you want to be when you grow up? Or its close cousins: What do you want to do with your life? Who do you choose to be? If you’re anything like me, you’ve been hit with these questions since you could barely tie your shoes. And if you’re honest, they’ve probably kept you up at night, staring at the ceiling, wrestling with answers that never quite feel solid enough.

I know I have. For years, I’d mull it over, chasing some perfect response that would make everything click. But every time, I’d come up short—defeated, like I’d failed some invisible test. The one thing that kept bubbling up, though, the one concrete thread through all the uncertainty? I want to help people. It’s that simple, and that stubborn. And here’s why: I’ve felt the weight of love poured into my own life—unearned, overflowing, straight from God—and it lit a fire in me to pass it on. To show up for others when they need it most, to be the kind of help that says, “You’re not alone in this.”

Back when I was younger and a whole lot more idealistic, I thought I had it figured out. I spent four years as a music/youth pastor, waving my arms like a mad conductor during worship services and hanging out with teenagers who were navigating the chaos of growing up. I figured that was my lane for helping—guiding folks in the church, pointing them toward something bigger. And don’t get me wrong, that’s noble work. There are people wired for it, called to mentor kids or lead choirs with a passion that lights up rooms. But for me? It started to fray at the edges.

I found myself frustrated, grinding through the routines without the joy that should come with it. The final straw hit when the pastor pulled me aside and said I’d lost the confidence of the deacons. I could quit or be fired. Ouch. That stung deep, and for years, shame wrapped around it like a vine. I beat myself up, wondering if I’d blown my one shot at making a difference. Admitting it wasn’t for me felt like defeat all over again. But looking back? That was the pivot point. It forced me to dig deeper: What does “helping people” really mean? What does caring for them look like when the spotlight’s off?

Here’s a truth that’s reshaped everything for me: Every job—heck, every moment—holds a chance to serve. I love the story comedian Michael Jr. shares about chatting with an auto mechanic during a show. Michael ribs the guy a bit, saying, “Man, fixing cars all day? That must make you leap out of bed every morning.” But the mechanic? He lights up and fires back: “Every single day, I wake up knowing I get to help people reach their destinations—making sure their rides don’t leave them stranded.” Boom. That’s service in grease-stained glory. Tangible, real-world care that keeps lives moving.

And that? That’s the pivot we all need. It flips the script on our everyday grind. In my day job now, “helping” isn’t some grand gesture—it’s picking up the slack so a teammate can breathe easier. It’s stepping up to lead when positive change is needed, sharing the know-how to make things smoother. Or just listening, helping someone see their own blind spots or find words for what they’ve been holding back. It’s not tied to a title or a paycheck; it’s woven into how we show up.

Mother Teresa once said it perfectly: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” And let’s not forget what Frederick Buechner wrote: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Spot on, right? Helping isn’t a job—it’s a way of life. A daily choice to love people right where they are, mess and all.

So, circling back to that nagging question: What do I want to be when I grow up? Here’s my answer now, clearer than ever—I want to be a follower of Christ. Someone who loves fiercely, who serves without a scorecard. The vocation? That’s just the vehicle. Sure, I chase work that plays to my strengths, stuff that sparks my curiosity and pays the bills. But there’s a world of difference between what you do and how you do it. Nail the “how”—root it in love and service—and suddenly, the “what” stops feeling like a cage.

If we could bottle that and pass it around, imagine the freedom. You could tinker with careers, pivot without panic, make a living in a dozen ways. But without that foundation? Even the dream gig turns hollow. True happiness? It blooms when who you are lines up with what you give.

Just some late-night musings from me to you. What’s stirring in your world? What did you dream of being as a kid? Where’s your journey taken you so far, and what golden lessons have you picked up along the way? I’d love to hear your story—drop it in the comments, shoot me a note. Let’s swap tales and keep the conversation going. Catch you tomorrow.

David Willis Blog

Day 10 of the 7-40 Challenge: Rediscovering Tribes and Rallying for Real Change

Hello, friends! Welcome to Day 10 of my 7-40 Challenge. If you’re just tuning in, quick recap: I’m deep into my second round, committing to seven daily habits for 40 straight days. It’s all about staying on track, building momentum, and chasing that full-on transformation I’ve been after. No fluff—just steady progress toward becoming the person I know I can be.

Today was one of those classic weekdays: packed to the brim with hustle, deadlines, and that satisfying grind of checking off goals. I knocked out tasks that pushed me closer to the life I’m building, but amid the chaos, I carved out time for one of my non-negotiable habits—reading for at least 30 minutes. And let me tell you, it felt like reuniting with an old friend who drops wisdom bombs you didn’t even know you needed.

I dusted off (well, actually, hit play on the audiobook) Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin. This one’s been on my shelf since my first read years ago, back when I was wide-eyed and soaking up every page. Truth be told, I didn’t fully get it then—some of his ideas flew right over my head. But picking it up now? It’s like the book’s evolved with me. Those references to the wild world of the late 2000s and early 2010s—think the rise of social media tribes and the early influencer era—still hit fresh and real, even in 2025. Godin’s dissecting how we’re wired to connect in groups that matter.

If you’re new to Tribes, here’s the gist: Godin argues that in a world drowning in noise and options, true leadership isn’t about bossing people around or climbing corporate ladders. It’s about scarcity—leadership is rare because it requires vulnerability, a clear vision, and the guts to stand for something. He flips the script on traditional power structures, saying that the real magic happens when you rally a “tribe”—a passionate group of like-minded folks—around a worthy mission. Tribes aren’t built on mass marketing or forced loyalty; they’re organic, fueled by shared stories, rituals, and that electric sense of belonging.

Godin says early on: “A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, a leader, and an idea.” It’s not about size; it’s about movement. He challenges us to stop waiting for permission and start leading, because when a leader shows up with a compelling “why,” followers aren’t just attracted—they’re transformed. Think of it like this: In the faceless scroll of social feeds, what pulls you in isn’t another ad—it’s a voice that echoes your unspoken frustrations and dreams, turning “me too” into “us together.” Godin weaves in riffs on everything from micro-revolutions in niche communities to the power of heretics (his word for the disruptors who shake things up). It’s a quick read, but it lingers, poking at your excuses for not stepping up.

One line that stopped me cold this time around? “People don’t believe what you tell them. They seldom trust what you show them. But they almost always believe what their friends tell them.” Boom— that’s the tribe currency. Another gem: “Leaders make change. Leaders don’t wait for someone else to do it.” It’s Godin’s signature style: punchy, provocative, and laced with that quiet urgency that makes you nod and think, “Wow, he’s right.”

This revisit sparked a ton for me, especially around my business goals (more on those here soon). But the big takeaway tonight? My core mission hasn’t budged: I want to leave this world better than I found it, day by day. That means showing up with intention, loving people fiercely, and treating them the way Jesus modeled— with grace, truth, and real love. Tribes lights a fire under that, showing me it’s not enough to just live it quietly. It’s about defining my “worthy mission” so clearly that it draws others in, inspiring them to chase their own passions alongside mine. No more solo treks; let’s build something communal, something that ripples.

All these years later, yeah, I get it now—deeper than before. I’m itching to put these principles into play: spotting my tribe, amplifying the stories that unite us, and leading without apology. We’ll see where it takes us, and I’ll report back as I experiment. Accountability is key in this challenge, after all.

So, spill it—what book are you diving into right now? What’s one lesson that’s sticking with you? Or hey, if Tribes has crossed your path, what’s your favorite Godin zinger? Drop a comment; I genuinely love hearing from you and swapping ideas. I look forward to the conversation.

Until tomorrow—keep moving forward, finding your why, and chasing true purpose. You’ve got this.

David Willis Blog

The 7-40 Challenge: Finding Gratitude in the Grind of Yard Work

Hey there, folks! Welcome back to another installment of the 7-40 Challenge, where I’m pushing through the second round, now deep into week two. I’m making solid progress, and for that, I’m stoked! Today’s post is a little different, though—less about a normal exercise session and more about the unexpected workout that real life throws at you. Spoiler alert: it involves a lawnmower, a jungle of a yard, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Today’s exercise wasn’t planned. It wasn’t a neatly programmed set of reps or a long walk. Nope, it was just me, out in the yard, wrestling with the wild overgrowth that’s been neglected for far too long. I spent hours taming the beast—mowing, trimming, and sweating my head off. Let me be real with you: I’m tired this evening. But you know what? There’s a deep, satisfying ache in my bones that comes from knowing I accomplished something worthwhile.

As the Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” Ain’t that the truth? Today’s yard work was a reminder that sometimes the best workouts happen outside the gym, in the messy, sweaty reality of taking care of the place we call home.

I’ve got a bit of a love-hate thing going with yard work. I love when the yard looks crisp, clean, and inviting—like something out of a magazine (or at least, close enough). But mowing? Ugh. I used to dread it. Back when I was younger, I’d grumble my way through it, annoyed that I had to do it. Fast-forward to now, and something’s shifted. Maybe it’s the new place we’ve moved into, or maybe it’s just me getting a little wiser (or at least, less whiny). These days, I’m trying to approach mowing with a new mindset: I don’t have to do it—I get to do it.

That simple flip in perspective changes everything. I get to take care of this home we’re building. I get to make it beautiful, to keep it sharp and well-maintained. It’s not my favorite task in the world—let’s not get carried away—but there’s a quiet pride in looking out over a freshly mowed lawn and knowing I put in the work. Today, I’d even say I did it well.

As I was out there today, sweating under the sun, I couldn’t help but think of another gem from history. The poet Kahlil Gibran wrote in 1923, “Work is love made visible.” That hits me hard as I think about pushing the mower back and forth. Yard work, as mundane as it can feel, is a small act of love—for my home, for my family, for the life we’re creating here. It’s not glamorous, but it’s meaningful.

So here’s my thought for you tonight: gratitude changes the game. I’m learning to face each day with a heart full of thanks, even for the stuff that makes me groan. This life? It’s a gift. Every blade of grass I cut, every weed I pull—it’s a chance to steward what I’ve been given. It is a gift from God and I’m grateful for it, even the sweaty, tiring parts.

Wherever you’re reading this, know that I’m thankful for you. I hope you’re having an awesome day, surrounded by people you love, maybe even tackling your own version of “yard work”—whatever that looks like for you. Keep showing up, keep finding the good in the grind, and I’ll catch you tomorrow for Day 10 of the 7-40 Challenge. Stay grateful, friends!