For as long as I can remember, I have always had an outspoken opinion and a curious, wandering mind. But, I wasn’t always brave enough to share my thoughts and emotions openly, to allow myself to be vulnerable and raw in the eyes and minds of others.
Exactly one year ago, I took a step in a different direction with a full heart overflowing with excitement and pride – and nerves, to be honest. I took a leap of faith and embarked on a crazy journey as I released my lifestyle blog, The Daily By Daniel, to the public. On this day last year, not only did I set free a vision that had continued to grow and flourish in my mind for years, but I also set free the timid boy that was once too shy to speak up, as I revealed myself to my peers in a new light.
I started my blog as a formal, public diary of sorts – a place to freely reveal my inner thoughts, emotions, and even criticisms to those interested in learning more about me and what I have to say. In the last year, I wrote about lighter topics – like my favorite woven t-shirt, brunch, summer, Mondays, and the rain – as well as deeper, more intimate themes – such as my college graduation, the prospect of aging, the power of apology, and, ever so subtly, love. And through all of those distinct moments that I shared on my blog that have collectively strung together into a more profound narrative, it seems that my “diary” has undergone a metamorphosis – as have I, as have we, my readers.
Thanks to your interest and encouragement, I feel as though The Daily By Daniel has unexpectedly evolved into a forum for discussion, a place where we share our thoughts mutually, and collectively contribute to grander conversations around the landscape of our contemporary culture. You have all given me so much with your feedback and support. But more importantly (and honestly), by embracing this passion project, you have also given me a true sense of belonging and a tenacity to be brave in pursuit of self-expression, unafraid of painting my thoughts with bold, meaningful, unabashed brushstrokes. I am truly humbled by your faith in my voice and your acceptance of my vision, even if you don’t always agree with its content completely. In return, I hope my lens as a writer has also served as a mirror for you – providing you with a space for introspection and self-reflection, where my point of view has shed light upon your own.
So, to my community of readers, critics, dreamers, artists, intellectuals, visionaries, and romantics, I conclude Chapter 1 in the same way I started it, with: Thank You. Thank you for allowing me to continue writing this story and for giving it a home, and for believing in it. I started The Daily By Daniel for me, but I continue it every day for you. Who knows what the future holds, but rest assured, I’ll be sure to write about it.
Yours Truly,
