16 Comments

Dan, I think the best writing comes from a place of authenticity. If we all sound and look the same then this space just becomes an Instagram of words. Keep writing the story only you can write. I appreciate your voice in the conversation.

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Thank you Matt. I really appreciate the kind words and support. There's no point in writing if you don't derive some kind of personal satisfaction from it. I'd much rather lean into my authentic self and find success on my own terms rather than chase the blueprint drafted up by the big dawgs.

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Geee whiz Dan - this is genuinely one of the most enjoyable things I've read in a long time. Early in my career I felt such a pressure to put the professional pants on and it's only recently I've learnt that the playfulness and the colour is so damn important. The world doesn't need more squares...

Keep bringing the fun mate.

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Jesse! I never had a chance to thank you for this awesome comment. I'm grateful for the read and genuinely believe that we need more writers taking genuine risks on this platform. It took me a while to come around and realize that my true voice is my best voice, and I hope to see others taking the plunge, no matter how out of place their work may seem at first.

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I'm having lots of fun doing it. << I think you've figured out what you're doing if you feel that.

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Definitely... and I plan to keep on keeping on! Thanks for reading Patricia!

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I adore this so very much!! You are truly liberated. The best thing about being a "grown ass" man, is that you can write whatever you want and NOT care about what others think. There were so many gems in this article. One of the best takeaways is you still doing some of the "nine year old " version of yourself stuff. Staying childlike is what makes aging sweet. And your writing, your mid-life, your attitude is sweet!

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It's in my nature. Who am I to deny this silly-ass, but ridiculously entertaining child inside of me?

Thank you for reading!

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Great piece and you put into words how I feel a lot of the time!

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Brian! Thanks for reading! Glad I was able to put something out there that others could relate to.

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Love this, Dan ... I love the 'you be you' declaration of intent. The writing is sharp, witty, smart as, and different (in the very best kind of way). The very best voices in this space seem - to me - to be the ones doing the thing only they can do. Excellent work, more of the same, please. As Arnie said, stick around!

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"Remember, Sully, when I promised to write like all the other substackers out there?

...I lied."

Love your comments! I promise to keep on plugging away here with my own brand of creative lunacy, for better or worse.

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We'll be following along!

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I wish I could write half as well as you Dan. I am much further into life’s journey. Ok I’m just plain old, and proud, and I have no idea what I am doing on Substack 😁😘

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Jo, first of all, thank you for your kind words. Coming from you, that means a lot. Second, it's fun, right? I love coming here and using this space as a dumping ground for whatever stupid little idea decides to drill itself into my brain. I'm gonna keep on doing it! 😜

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Jesse! Thanks for the read, and welcome aboard the crazy train! Greatly appreciate your comment, and I'll do my best to continue bringing the pain to the Substack platform! 🤪

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