On February 13th, I celebrated my 35th birthday. And as I reflect on my journey thus far,
I realize that I have learned some impactful life lessons. My life has been one of adventure, hope, and excitement. It has been full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments of joy and moments of pain. But through it all, I have learned a great deal about myself, about people, and about life in general.
I dropped out of school when I was younger, and for a while, I thought that my life was destined for hardship or mediocrity at best. But I went back, and in 2021 I graduated high school at the age of 33. That experience taught me that it's never too late to pursue your dreams. No matter how old you are, you can always learn, grow, and improve yourself.
I have started businesses, succeeded, and made millions. But I have also lost just as much and been forced to build again. Those experiences taught me that failure is not the end. It's an opportunity to learn, grow, and try again. You can always get back up and build something better.
I have been in a jail cell, (although only for a night) I know what it's like to feel like there's no hope. But I also know what it's like to turn your life around in such a drastic way that you can return to the prison to offer a message of hope to those behind bars and inspire them to do the same. That experience taught me that we all have the power to change our lives and impact the lives of others in the process.
At age 21, I nearly lost my life, and that experience taught me that life is precious. We should never take it for granted. We should always live our lives to the fullest and cherish every moment.
Throughout my journey, I have always used business as a tool to connect with people and impact lives in a positive way. I believe that business is not just about making money. It's about making a difference. It's about using your skills, your talents, and your resources to make the world a better place.
One of my favourite quotes is from Maya Angelou. She said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I believe that this quote embodies the essence of what I've learned in my life so far. People may forget the things we do or say, but they will always remember how we made them feel.
As I look ahead to the future, I'm filled with hope and excitement. I know that there will be more ups and downs, more twists and turns, but I also know that I have the resilience, the strength, and the determination to overcome any obstacle.
So, to anyone who may be reading this, I want to offer you hope and encouragement. Whatever you may be going through right now, remember that it's not the end. It's just a chapter in your story. And like any good story, it has its highs and its lows. But the key is to keep moving forward, to never give up, and to always believe in yourself.
Life is an adventure, and we should all embrace it with open arms. Live your life with purpose, with passion, and with a sense of adventure and by doing so you will make an undeniable difference in the world. Thank you for ALL the birthday wishes and warm words of encouragement. I love you all!
... This is 35 and counting.
Love Dan.