Tag: mental-health

The Power of Play: A Day at the State Fair and a Lesson in Living Freely

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Hey there, friends! Welcome to day five of round two of the 7-40 Challenge. Buckle up, because today was an absolute riot of fun. My family and I hit the state fair, and let me tell you, it was a glorious whirlwind of sights, sounds, and pure joy. From the gleaming cars in the automobile pavilion to the endless sea of hot tubs (who knew there was such a demand?), to the irresistible fair food and the electrifying chaos of the Midway—complete with a wild round of bumper cars—it was a day bursting with laughter and memories. I had a blast, and it tied perfectly into today’s reflection from Chase Jarvis’ book, Never Play It Safe. Specifically, his fifth level: Play.

This chapter hit me right in the heart. Jarvis nails something we often overlook: as we grow up, we forget how to play. We get buried under deadlines, responsibilities, and the pressure to perform, and we lose that carefree spark of creativity that comes so naturally to kids. The world might call play silly or a waste of time, but Jarvis argues it’s woven into our very being. It’s not just fun—it’s essential. As the philosopher Plato said in the 4th century BC, “We are twice armed if we fight with faith and play.” Play isn’t a distraction; it’s a cornerstone of a vibrant, balanced life.

Jarvis shares a story that really stuck with me. He describes a guy (whose name escapes me) who was crushing it at an internship, pouring his heart and soul into proving himself. He nailed every detail, worked himself to exhaustion, and eventually landed a full-time job at the company. Sounds like a success story, right? Not so fast. The relentless grind turned him into a workaholic. His personal life faded away, his sleep was a disaster, his eating habits were worse, and he was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Diagnosed with anxiety, he quit his job, started medication, and hit a low point. That’s when a friend recommended a book about the power of play.

Desperate for a change, this guy took on a 30-day challenge to bring play back into his life. He went for walks, played sports, grabbed a baseball bat and a bag of balls, and spent time at the park with a friend, just hitting balls and letting loose. Day after day, he made time for play. And after 30 days? The results were staggering. His anxiety had vanished. He was off the medication. He was, in his own words, “just OK.” Jarvis drives home the point: play is as restorative as sleep. It frees our minds, reignites our creativity, and recharges us in ways that endless hustling never can. As the poet Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in 1885, “In play, we find the freedom to be our true selves, unburdened by the weight of the world.” When we play, we give our brains room to breathe, to dream, to create.

So, how does this connect to my day at the state fair? It’s like the fair was a living example of Jarvis’ point. My family and I dove headfirst into the experience—stuffing our faces with gloriously weird fair food (deep-fried cheesecake, anyone?), cackling like kids in the bumper cars, and maybe buying a few things we definitely didn’t need. We walked over five miles (my feet are still complaining), but every step was worth it. It was a day of pure, unscripted joy. We played. We laughed. We soaked in each other’s company. And you know what? My soul feels light. I’m tired, sure, but I’m recharged. My brain’s ready to tackle whatever’s next, all because I gave it a chance to just be.

So, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, I’m challenging you to carve out a little time for play. Take a deep breath, go for a walk, toss a Frisbee, or blast your favorite song and dance like nobody’s watching. It’s not frivolous—it’s vital. Play might just be the secret to keeping your soul light and your mind free. Here’s to day six, friends—let’s keep the good vibes rolling!

What’s your favorite way to play and recharge? Drop a comment and let me know!

Finding Balance and Gratitude on Day Four of the 7-40 Challenge

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Welcome, friends, to day four of round two of the 7-40 Challenge! As I sit down to write this, I’ll be honest—I’m feeling pretty tired. For the past 45 days or so, I’ve been pouring my energy into this challenge with only a few days off here and there. It’s been an incredible journey, but today, I’m embracing a moment of pause to reflect, recharge, and share my gratitude.

This challenge has pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, and while I’m still working through my goals, I’m encouraged by the progress I’ve made. The road to growth is rarely a straight line, and as the great philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.” His words remind me that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory worth celebrating.

Today, though, I’m giving myself permission to take a little break from my evening exercise routine. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and I know that rest is just as important as effort. Catching up on sleep and spending quality time with my family feels like the right way to honor this moment. After all, balance is key to sustaining the journey.

In the spirit of keeping things short and sweet, I want to share my gratitude. I’m so thankful for the blessings in my life—my family, my health, and all the good things that fill my days. God has been so good to me, and I’m deeply grateful for His care and love. This challenge isn’t just about hitting milestones; it’s about appreciating the journey and the people who make it meaningful.

So, here’s to taking a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to give thanks. I hope you’re doing well, wherever you are on your own journey. No long words or big posts today—just a heartfelt thank you for being here. I’ll see you tomorrow for day five, ready to keep pushing forward.

Day 3 of the 7-40 Challenge: Round 2 – Pressing On Through Turmoil

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Welcome to day three of round two of the 7-40 Challenge. Today has been exhausting—a true test of endurance. Yet, despite the fatigue, I’m staying focused on my goals, holding myself accountable to the path I’ve set.

My heart is heavy today, burdened by the turmoil unfolding in the national news. I won’t dive into specifics here, but if you’ve seen the headlines, you can likely sense the source of my sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and their tragic loss.

A thought on goals

Working toward these goals isn’t always a joyride—I’ll be honest about that. Some tasks are deeply rewarding, while others feel like a slog. Still, they’re worth the effort. One goal I carried from round one into this round is reading for at least 30 minutes daily. So far, I’ve finished three books: two I’d read before and one that was new to me. I’m now on my fourth, Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis. I’m familiar with Jarvis’s work, but I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book when I started listening to it (audiobooks help me fit reading into my busy days).

I’m drawn to motivational content—books that inspire me to grow, act, and push beyond my current limits, whether for this challenge or life in general. In Never Play It Safe, Jarvis outlines seven tenets for living with purpose: taking risks, avoiding the trap of playing it safe, and achieving what you’ve set out to do. So far, though I am only through three of the chapters, it’s been a compelling read, though I’ve found myself wrestling with some of his ideas.

This brings me to tonight’s reflection: we don’t have to agree with everything an author says to find value in their work. It’s possible to glean powerful insights—nuggets of truth that resonate—while setting aside what doesn’t align with our perspective or values. I’m experiencing this with Jarvis’s book right now.

In his first chapter, “Attention,” I’m fully on board. Jarvis emphasizes the importance of giving laser-focused attention to the tasks at hand. Setting aside distractions to pursue your goals with intensity is critical, and I’m applying this principle daily.

The second chapter, “Time,” was thought-provoking but trickier for me to grasp. Jarvis suggests that time isn’t just a fleeting resource; it can be manipulated or even expanded. As someone who views time as finite, I initially struggled with this concept. But I believe he’s driving at how focused attention (from the first chapter) alters our perception of time, making it feel like it stretches or contracts based on our immersion. My takeaway? Deep focus helps us maximize the time we have, turning hours into productive breakthroughs.

It’s the third chapter, “Intuition,” where I’m hitting some cognitive dissonance. Jarvis argues that sometimes, despite advice from others pushing us toward a certain path, we know deep down it’s not right. He suggests intuition can guide us in these moments. I’d counter that unless you have significant experience in a given area, what feels like intuition might just be confusion or bias. In such cases, seeking wise counsel is essential. As Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (ESV).

As a Christian, my perspective on guidance is rooted in my faith. I believe God is actively involved in my life because I’ve accepted Jesus as my Savior. Through the Holy Spirit, sent as a guide, and through my relationship with God—built on Bible study and prayer—I receive guidance toward the right path when I’m still, seeking, and grounded in Scripture. Proverbs 11:14 reinforces this: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (ESV). For me, intuition isn’t some mystical inner voice; it’s either divine guidance or wisdom gained from experience.

Relying solely on gut feelings without self-awareness or authenticity can be misleading. As Francis Bacon wrote in his Essays (1625), “Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted… but to weigh and consider.” This applies to intuition, too: we must test our instincts against experience, counsel, and truth.

I know not everyone shares my spiritual or philosophical views, and that’s okay. I can only speak from my own experience and testimony: God has made Himself real to me, and I trust He’ll lead me when I seek Him. So, for me, what Jarvis calls intuition is better described as divine guidance or hard-earned experience.

What do you think? When you read a book, do you accept it all at face value, or do you sift through the ideas, keeping what resonates and setting aside the rest? How do you approach intuition or guidance in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective.

Onward to day four!

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times: A Life of Gratitude Through the Storms

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was life. It was beautiful. Even when it wasn’t, it was. Does that even make sense? Let me explain.

As Charles Dickens famously opened A Tale of Two Cities in 1859: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” That captures the push-pull of existence perfectly—the highs and lows crashing together, shaping us in ways we can’t always see at the time.

I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. From an early age, I knew what it felt like to not have much. Yes, I have eaten government cheese. With a little bit of salt, it isn’t too bad. I had hand-me-down clothes and probably shopped at thrift stores long before it was cool. What did I learn from it? You do what you have to survive and be grateful. There are always others that have it much worse.

Those early struggles built a foundation of resilience. Like the 19th-century poet Thomas Carlyle reflected during times of economic hardship: “Adversity is the diamond dust with which Heaven polishes its jewels.” It wasn’t easy, but it taught me to cherish what I had and keep moving forward.

I remember being a freshman in college and having my first stupid run-in with credit card debt. It was crushing me. I owed a couple of thousand dollars and I asked my dad to help me pay it off. He told me no. He could have helped, but he was teaching me a valuable lesson. I had to learn how to manage my money and take care of myself.

That “no” was tough love at its finest. Benjamin Franklin, ever the voice of frugality in his 1730s Poor Richard’s Almanack, warned: “Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt.” I understand that so much better having gone through it.

When my bride and I got married, we were broke broke. One broke doesn’t fully explain it. But we had each other, a place to call home, food on our tables, and we had each other. We weren’t poor at all. We have just gone up from there. We have now been married over 26 years and have had a beautiful marriage and have raised a wonderful son.

Our love proved unbreakable amid the scarcity. William Shakespeare put it timelessly in Sonnet 116 around 1609: “Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.” We’ve climbed together, turning those lean years into a legacy of joy and family.

When I went through cancer, my body hurt and I didn’t know what the future looked like. But I had my faith in God, my wife and son, my friends and family. I had hope that the prescribed treatment would work and one day I would again be cancer-free. It did. A prayer was answered. I am cancer-free.

In the darkest moments, hope and support carried me. Viktor Frankl, drawing from his Holocaust experiences in Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), reminded us: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude.” I chose faith and gratitude, and it led to healing.

In each situation above, there was bad times and good times. There was love and heartbreak. There was joy and frustration. And at the center of it all? A life that I am so grateful and excited to live. God has been so good to me. I can’t help but be thankful in the good times and the bad times. In the end, it is the life I have lived and I love it.

Life’s duality isn’t a bug—it’s the feature that makes it profound. What’s your “best of times, worst of times” story? I’d love to hear it in the comments.

Day Two of Round Two: Embracing the 7-40 Challenge with Heart and Purpose

~ David Willis ~ Leave a comment

Good evening, friends! Welcome to Day Two of Round Two of my 7-40 Challenge journey. I’ve been turning this challenge over in my mind, examining it from every angle like a kid inspecting a shiny new toy. I’m digging into the benefits, sizing up the potential pitfalls, and finding my footing as I go. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” I’m aiming to do a bit of both here, and I’m thrilled you’re joining me on this ride.

Let’s kick things off with the good stuff—the benefits of diving headfirst into the 7-40 Challenge. There’s something downright energizing about having a clear goal laid out in front of you. It’s like a lighthouse guiding you through a stormy sea, giving you focus and a reason to get up each morning with purpose. For me, tackling these seven daily habits over 40 days is like pouring high-octane fuel into my life. It’s helping me get fitter, sharpen my mind, and connect with others who are chasing similar dreams. As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” These habits are my way of living well—not just for me, but for the folks I hope to inspire along the way.

Now, I get that this challenge isn’t everyone’s jam, and that’s perfectly fine. But if you’re reading this, I’m genuinely honored. Even if you’re the only one who sees these words, you’re enough. This journey isn’t just about me grinding through my goals; it’s about building a community of dream-chasers and doers. I’d love to hear what you’re working on—your goals, your hurdles, your victories. Drop me a comment or a message, because as much as I hope to spark something in you, I’m counting on you to light a fire under me too.

That said, let’s keep it real—there’s a potential downside to all this focus. If I get too laser-focused on my own progress, I might miss the bigger picture. I could end up staring in a mirror, patting myself on the back for what I’ve accomplished, and that’s not what this is about. As C.S. Lewis wisely said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” The 7-40 Challenge isn’t about me crowing about my wins; it’s about doing the right things so I can lift others up, share my story, and encourage folks to chase their own dreams. If I make it all about me, I risk turning this into a prideful solo act, and that’s the last thing I want.

At my core, I’ve always known I’m here to help people. Whether it’s through a kind word, a shared experience, or a nudge to keep going, I want to be someone who uplifts and inspires. When I lose sight of that purpose, I feel like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit. This challenge is my way of staying grounded, of making sure my actions line up with my mission to be good to others. As Maya Angelou beautifully said, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” That’s the heart of the 7-40 Challenge for me—using my journey to shine a light for others.

So, yeah, there are upsides and potential pitfalls to this challenge, but all in all, it’s worth every ounce of effort. These goals are worth chasing, and I’m stoked to be on this path with you—wherever you are, whoever you are. I’m grateful for you, even if we’ve never met. Before I wrap this up, I want to hear from you. What’s something you’re working on? What’s got you fired up right now? Your story might just be the inspiration someone else needs.

Here’s to Day Three of the 7-40 Challenge! Keep pushing, keep shining, and I’ll see you tomorrow.