Like my newly updated website, sometimes people must go “under construction” when we need a makeover, some personal rebranding, or deep soul searching. When that happens, unless you design and wear a t-shirt that has an Under Construction message, others will not know what is happening. On the outside, you may look pretty much the same. But when it is time to apply the changes, all the improvements that have been happening behind the scenes will be made public, and the new you will be obvious to everyone.
For the past few weeks, I have been updating my website. You can see the results as you navigate through the simple pages. Please do that and feel free to give me some feedback on the Make Contact page.
Interestingly, my website revamp coincides with a personal one. A few weeks ago, I left a lucrative yet extremely stressful job when I realized it was taking a toll on my health. Friends, the money and status are not worth trading for your mental and physical well-being. I know that all too well, having been through some devastating losses in my life.
The parting was a good one. I learned a lot about myself and what I need in my work life. I also sensed that it was time for some inner reflection—to just get quiet, listen to my soul, listen to God, and make room for healing and growth.
So, I spent time deep in the Tennessee woods, praying, crying, meditating, listening, reading, and finding joy again, too. It is what I needed, and God met me there.
When my heart was fully open, I found a single question within: “What do YOU want, Dan?”
Many of you can relate to this: I spent most of my life meeting the wants and needs of others, while giving my own wants and needs a back seat. Some call it people-pleasing. Some call it a coping strategy from a dysfunctional childhood. Others call it duty. In my case, all three are correct. Once that truth surfaced, I was able to investigate the reasons for it, and that set me on a course of self-discovery and renewed passion.
The result has been profound. I’ve drawn even closer to God, turned away from some bad habits, fully accepted who I am and what I want next in my life, refocused on finding and sharing love, and set myself on a new course professionally as a writer, speaker, and teacher.
To begin, I have updated my website with new branding and messaging. I hope you like it. My intention was to make it much more personal—still promoting my novel PLANET OF EDEN, but also letting the world get to know me as its author.
YOUR TURN
Is it time for you to make a drastic change in your own life? If so, I hope my story and website will inspire you to go “under construction” yourself. Friends, life is just too short to wallow, to wonder “what if,” to hide from the past, to resist the changes you know you need to make, to run from God, to miss out on love and beauty that are right in front of you. Take back your Power. Get quiet. Reflect. Pray. Lean on those who love you. Change. We’re all works in progress—under construction in one way or another.
Like a shiny new website, I know that once the changes in your life have been made offline and you click the “publish” button, the world will gawk in utter amazement at the new you!
Be awesome, dear friend!
