Tag: gratitude

Day 17 of the 7-40 Challenge: Showing My Work and Finding My Tribe

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Greetings, salutations, and a big ol’ what’s up? Welcome to Day 17 of my 7-40 Challenge, where I’m posting daily to share my journey, thoughts, and creative process. I hope this post finds you well, maybe sipping a cozy drink or winding down after a long day. Me? I’m tucked away in my little corner of the internet, plugging away at my goals, feeling a bit tired but ready to reflect with you.

Lately, I’ve been diving into Show Your Work by Austin Kleon, a compact yet power-packed book that’s got me thinking about creativity, transparency, and community. Kleon’s big idea? Don’t hide your creative process—share it generously. “You don’t have to be a genius,” he writes. “Find something you love to do, do it well, and share it with the world.” For Kleon, showing your work isn’t about bragging or giving away trade secrets; it’s about inviting people into your process, letting them see the magic behind what you create.

This idea hit me hard. Kleon argues that even if you share the nuts and bolts of how you do what you do, it’s unlikely someone will steal your thunder. Why? Because if you’re truly great at your craft, your unique spark can’t be replicated. Instead of creating copycats, sharing your process often wins you fans—people who are inspired by your authenticity and drawn to your story. As Kleon puts it, “The impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you.” That’s a game-changer, right?

One story from the book stuck with me: a barbecue pitmaster from Austin, Texas, who crowdfunded a YouTube series to share his Texas BBQ secrets. This guy didn’t gatekeep his recipes or techniques. Instead, he opened the door wide, showing exactly how he smoked his brisket to perfection. The result? In just a few years, his barbecue joint became one of the best in the country. Why? Because he was generous. By sharing his expertise, he didn’t just gain customers—he built a community of loyal fans who were invested in his story and eager to eat his food. His openness turned his work into something bigger than himself.

This got me reflecting on my own creative instincts. When I’m working on something—whether it’s writing, brainstorming, or tackling a goal—my first impulse is often to hold it close, to guard it like a precious secret. But why? What’s stopping me from inviting others into my process, letting them see the messy, beautiful reality of how I’m building my dreams? Kleon’s book challenges me to flip that script. Maybe creativity isn’t about locking things away—it’s about opening up, sharing the journey, and even inviting others to contribute ideas I might not have considered.

This 7-40 Challenge is my attempt to live that out. Posting daily on the internet is a weird, vulnerable thing. Part of me wants to keep my struggles, triumphs, and half-baked ideas to myself, worried they’re not “polished” enough to share. But then I think: Why not? Why hide the real stuff—the doubts, the wins, the messy middle? Sharing openly doesn’t just hold me accountable; it’s a chance to connect with others who might be wrestling with the same challenges or chasing similar dreams. I’m convinced that together, we’re better. Finding a tribe of like-minded people—folks who are headed in the same direction—can push us forward in ways we can’t do alone.

So here I am, showing my work, flaws and all. I want to be transparent about my struggles and how I’m overcoming them, hoping it might inspire someone else to keep going. I want to share the process of creating, not just the finished product, because that’s where the real magic happens. Whether you’re reading this from a bustling city or a quiet corner of the world, I hope you’re surrounded by a community that lifts you up. And if you’re not, maybe this is your invitation to start building one.

Thanks for joining me on Day 17. Drop a comment or share your own creative process—I’d love to hear how you’re showing your work. Here’s to Day 18, and to creating, sharing, and growing together. See you tomorrow!

Rediscovering the Joy of Cooking: A Journey to Healthier Eating

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Let me start with a confession that might not shock anyone who knows me: I love food. I mean, I really love food. It’s been a lifelong romance, one that’s led me down more than one weight loss journey. Over the years, I’ve had to face the truth—I can get lazy, and when I do, I just eat. But here’s the thing: getting healthier doesn’t mean giving up the flavors I crave. It’s about making smarter choices, counting calories that count, and rediscovering the magic of cooking fresh, wholesome meals that are as good for my body as they are for my soul.

About 18 years ago, I had a lightbulb moment that changed how I saw food. I was flipping through channels and stumbled across Rick Bayless: Mexico One Plate at a Time on PBS. I don’t know what made me stop—maybe it was fate—but there was Rick Bayless, this incredible Mexican food chef and anthropologist, whipping up a salsa that looked like pure art. It wasn’t just the vibrant colors or the way he talked about the ingredients; it was how simple it seemed. He was blending jalapeños, tomatillos, and tomatoes into something that looked like it belonged in a five-star restaurant, and I thought, “Wait a minute. I could do this.”

So, I did what any food-obsessed person would do—I told my wife, “I’m going to the grocery store!” Off I went, piling my cart with serrano peppers, fresh tomatoes, tomatillos, and anything else I could find from Rick’s recipe. When I got home, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. The result? A salsa so fresh, so vibrant, so delicious that I couldn’t believe I’d made it myself. It was a revelation—not just because it tasted amazing, but because it was made from whole, natural ingredients. No preservatives, no junk. Just pure, fresh goodness. As Chef Rick Bayless himself once said, “The best food comes from the simplest ingredients, prepared with care and respect for their flavors.” That moment in my kitchen was when I realized cooking didn’t have to be complicated to be incredible.

Fast forward to today, and my family’s food journey has evolved. We’ve navigated food allergies, sensitivities, and the usual challenges many of us face. Gluten and corn products are rare in our house, but that hasn’t stopped us from eating well. If anything, it’s pushed us to get creative. We’ve learned there are endless recipes and resources out there to make healthy, nutritious meals that don’t skimp on flavor. The excuse of “healthy food is boring” just doesn’t hold up anymore—not when you can make a hearty chicken noodle soup that puts canned versions to shame or a salsa that tastes like a Mexican fiesta in every bite.

This morning, I was reminded of another milestone in my cooking journey: the first time I made Tyler Florence’s chicken noodle soup recipe from Food Network. I remember stirring that pot, inhaling the aroma of fresh herbs and vegetables, and thinking, “Campbell’s, you’ve been lying to me my whole life.” That soup was a game-changer—comforting, flavorful, and made with real ingredients. Tonight, my son is taking the reins and making that same recipe for us. I’m thrilled to see him in the kitchen, not just because he’s a great cook, but because it’s a chance to pass down the joy of cooking and the habit of eating well. As Chef Tyler Florence once put it, “Cooking is about creating something delicious to share with the people you love.” Sharing these moments with my son feels like planting seeds for a healthier future.

Here’s what I’ve learned on this journey: eating well doesn’t mean deprivation. It’s about balance, moderation, and choosing foods that nourish you. When I eat healthy, filling meals, I don’t feel the urge to overindulge the way I do with processed junk. There’s something satisfying about knowing I’m fueling my body with ingredients that are good for me—and that taste amazing, too. It’s like alchemy, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

So, why am I sharing this? Because I’m on a mission to take control of my health and my waistline, one delicious meal at a time. It starts with remembering the lessons I’ve learned: cooking doesn’t have to be hard, and healthy food doesn’t have to be bland. It’s about taking the time to chop those veggies, simmer that soup, and savor the process. It’s about sharing those meals with my family and teaching my son that good food is worth the effort.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. We’re taking it one step, one meal, one day at a time. Here’s to eating better, feeling better, and maybe even making a killer salsa along the way. See you tomorrow!

Day 16 of the 7-40 Challenge: Facing the Mirror and Lighting the Way

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good evening, friends, and welcome to Day 16 of my 7-40 Challenge—a journey of growth, reflection, and relentless pursuit of purpose. Have you ever had one of those moments where clarity hits like a lightning bolt, and you’re left with a choice? Do you dive in with both feet to confront the challenges staring you in the face, or do you keep sidestepping them, hoping they’ll sort themselves out? I’ve been there, and today, I’m standing at that very crossroads.

When I look in the mirror most mornings, I like the guy I see. He’s working hard to level up his life, pouring his heart into his family, and genuinely thrilled just to be here, soaking up the gift of life. But this 7-40 Challenge isn’t about coasting on good vibes. It’s about those raw, honest moments where I ask myself: Am I where I want to be? Am I checking off the goals I’ve set? If the answer is “no” too often, it’s time to get brutally real. I have to face the question: You know what needs to be done—why aren’t you doing it?

Right now, I see the issue clearly, and I know I need to jump in with everything I’ve got to tackle it. But do I have the guts to follow through? For the last 20 years, I’ve carried entrepreneurial dreams—ideas for side businesses, solutions to problems I could solve for others. They’ve swirled in my head, but nothing’s truly taken flight. As I shared in yesterday’s post, I’m done with scattered focus. I want to zero in on my mission: to inspire people, to be a catalyst for those ready to make a change. But to do that, I have to live it myself. I have to embody the transformation I want to spark in others.

And here’s where it gets deeper. When I talk about inspiring people, I’m not claiming to have it all figured out. I’m not standing on some pedestal, acting like I’ve arrived. I’m just a guy who’s further down the road in some ways—marriage, career, life—and I’ve got experiences to share. The successes I’ve tasted, the frustrations I’ve wrestled with, the obstacles I’ve overcome—I want to turn those into strategies for others facing the same battles. By sharing what I’ve learned, by inspiring each other, and by leading the way for those who feel lost, we make it through together. As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” That habit of showing up, of sharing the path, is what I’m building.

My mission is to take what I know and show the way forward. Whether it’s work-related challenges like planning and crushing your goals, relationship struggles like being the best spouse you can be, or parenting hurdles where we’re inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and do more than they ever thought possible—I want to help. I want to leave this earth one day (hopefully far from now) knowing I made a difference, that I helped someone navigate their hard times and come out stronger.

As Benjamin Franklin put it, “Well done is better than well said.” Intentions are great, but action is what counts. I’m committing to more doing—more sharing, more leading, more inspiring—in the days ahead. And tonight, I don’t have all the answers. I’m still searching for exactly how to bring this mission to life, but I’m okay with the uncertainty. It’s part of the journey.

Thanks for being here with me. If you’re facing your own crossroads or have a lesson you’ve learned that could light the way for someone else, drop it in the comments. Let’s inspire each other. Until tomorrow, keep pushing.

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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.

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

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

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. 🌱