Looking back on 2016, I think the common thread that I hear from friends and family around the world is that the year was a tough one. I can agree with that in some ways, but the way I see the world is also a little different. I could sit down and itemize the things that went wrong, or the hard times I faced, but what purpose would that serve? I like to believe that the lessons I had to learn the hard way have helped me to be a better man and business man. I was planning on writing an end of year post where I look back and thank those people, moments and events that challenged me and have in many ways humbled me. I recently watched an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown” where he visited Japan. One of his guests spoke about a local vegetable that only grows in the winter, under a fine layer snow. He said something along the lines that in life, it takes a certain amount of bitterness to appreciate the beautiful. That really stuck with me. But this post isn’t just about me and the lessons I have learnt. It is about Dr. Jessica Langer, and how with one small gesture of kindness, she helped to touch people around the world who needed some goodness in their lives. The beauty to balance the bitterness one might say. Continue reading “A sit down with Dr Jessica Langer to talk about her viral positivism”
Travel & Lifestyle | How Kobo changed the way I read & how you can WIN during out #KoboGLBhaiku Twitter Party!
Earlier this year you’ll remember that I shared my renewed love of reading while I took place in the #Kobo7 7 Day eReading Challenge with Kobo (click here to see how it went and what I read!) I quickly came to realize that in the busy world we live in, having my e-reader with me has allowed me to keep up with a healthy reading habit. To celebrate the 2016 Giller Light shortlist, alongside fellow book lover Casie Stewart, I am co-hosting an exciting Twitter Party on November 2 @ 8pm EST and I have all the details on Kobo’s latest contest. Come see all the ways you can enter to win with us! Continue reading “Travel & Lifestyle | How Kobo changed the way I read & how you can WIN during out #KoboGLBhaiku Twitter Party!”
Looking back on 2016, but always moving forward.
I woke up this morning to my phone buzzing. Emails arrived like clockwork, and before I could even gather my thoughts after landing back in Toronto late last night, Monday was screaming for my attention. I sit here and stare at my computer screen with a sense of urgency, beating back the stress of too much work and not enough time. Where do I even start on this never ending to-do list? Brands that want to collaborate are calling. Contracts are signed and now I need to deliver. New business partnerships are coming from around the world… and I know that this year has helped to propel me to a whole new level when it comes to running this business that was once just a dream. I’m thinking I might even need some form of outsourced bookkeeping services in the future if things get even bigger.
I don’t think there is anything wrong in admitting that I am proud of what 2016 has become for me professionally. Looking back, I need to thank the year for teaching me more in eight months than I have learnt in 32 years of life. There were very dark moments. But there were so many more moments of light, love, and magic. Today I wanted to take a minute to thank a few people in my life who have helped to show me what it means to be human, whether they know it or not. Perspective is a funny thing, and I am looking at what it means to be humbled by love and life. Continue reading “Looking back on 2016, but always moving forward.”
Travel & Lifestyle | Our bags are packed and we are ready for #FordNAIAS with Ford Canada!
As I write this blog post, I am simultaneously packing and doing laundry. Tomorrow morning I will board a a flight with Delta Air Lines from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Detroit for the North American International Auto Show with Ford Canada. Being that it is my first time attending, I am so excited to see what this year has in store for us all alongside fellow media from across North America! Make sure to follow along in the excitement with me using the #FordNAIAS hashtag and @DoTheDaniel on Twitter and Instagram. Continue reading “Travel & Lifestyle | Our bags are packed and we are ready for #FordNAIAS with Ford Canada!”