Happy Father’s Day from The Dad Diary
Celebrating 80 Weeks of Stories, Growth, and Real Life
Happy belated Father’s Day! 🎉 Today is a special one! Not just because we celebrate dads, but because this marks the 80th issue of The Dad Diary. That’s 80 weeks of opening up, reflecting, and growing together. Whether you’ve been here since issue #1 or just subscribed recently, Thank You. Your presence means the world.
2025: Still Going, Still Growing
At the start of the year, I set a simple but powerful goal: be healthy and present for Jasper. So far? Progress was made but perfection is the goal. I’m proud of how far I have come and where I am going though.
I’ve been mostly consistent with exercise, taking long walks that double as my time to clear my head or catch up on podcasts. Topics range from parenting and psychology to business, tech, and even random history facts—because let’s be honest, you never know what random knowledge might end up being helpful when your kid asks, “Why is the sky blue?”
A big shift this year was leaning into a more vegetarian-focused diet, largely inspired by Indian cuisine. It’s helped me stabilize my weight and feel more in tune with my body. If you’re curious about food and parenting—what are your go-to meals that keep your energy up and your toddler happy?
Mental Clarity & Preparing to Teach
Another quiet but important part of my year has been internal work. I’ve been asking myself: What do I want Jasper to learn from me—not just in words, but in example? What values do I want to instill? What stories, habits, or small routines will leave a lasting mark?
This exploration has opened a new goal: shaping a direction for how Jasper learns—not just in school, but at home. What lessons are we prioritizing? What questions are we leaving unanswered?
If you’re a parent, how do you think about what you’re teaching your kids—intentionally or unintentionally?
Work, Disconnected
Not everything has felt aligned this month. My entire team was sent to Minnesota for a work trip—and I was told to stay back. Being left out hit hard. It’s tough to stay motivated and productive when you feel excluded.
But in the quiet moments of that decision, there was a silver lining: uninterrupted evenings with Jasper. No late nights, no missed goodnights. I’ll take those wins every time. Still, it raises a question: When work overlooks you, how do you refocus your energy?
School & Beliefs: A Big Decision
One of the biggest adjustments since our December move has been looking at new school options for Jasper. We’re considering a private Christian Academy—but I’ll be honest, I’m wrestling with some of the belief systems they hold. I want Jasper to grow with values, curiosity, and love—but I also don’t want dogma to define or restrict him.
So I’m asking: How much should a school’s belief system weigh into your decision as a parent? Do you prioritize academics, character, diversity, inclusiveness… or something else entirely?
I’d love your thoughts on this.
New Series: The Story Behind the Diary
If you haven’t checked it out yet, I’ve started a new free series on my Buy Me a Coffee page—all about me, my growth, and the personal journey of raising Jasper. It’s raw, reflective, and maybe even relatable.
It’s totally free, and I’d love for you to give it a read. And if it resonates, share it with a friend who might be on a similar journey.
Thanks again for being part of this community. Whether you’re a dad, know a dad, or just support what we’re doing here—Happy Father’s Day. Here’s to all the imperfect, intentional, ever-evolving versions of fatherhood we show up for every day.
What’s been your proudest dad moment recently?
What questions are you asking yourself this season?
Talk soon,
David
Be Sure to Check Out:
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