Why I’m Writing This

Welcome to my first ever post. I’m Dan.

I’m committing to writing a weekly newsletter for 2026 and beyond. Why? Fuck knows. I’ve always wanted to write something, and a book seems like such a gargantuan task, so I’m starting here. I find writing enjoyable, therapeutic, and hopefully, informative.

So why now?

I’m leaving for Bali in a week. Solo. And I realized I’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start this for months. Fuck it. The right time is now.

I’m a single dad to two amazing young humans (11 and 12). I’m navigating single fatherhood as a divorced 47-year-old man, and I’ve learned a lot over the past five years—about life, about myself—that I think could help others. I’m enthusiastic about health and wellbeing, passionate about men’s mental health and development, and committed to becoming the best version of myself.

My profession? Primary school teacher. I work in the public sector in a lower socio-economic area, and I love it. It’s challenging as hell, but that’s what lights me up. My goal as a teacher isn’t just to deliver curriculum—it’s to co-create happy, healthy human beings. That’s what gets me up in the morning.

But teaching isn’t my whole life.

As much as I want to be the best teacher I can be, I’m more focused on being the best dad, son, and friend I can. We have one short life. I intend to live it fully. That’s why I’m challenging myself to write this newsletter.

I love to challenge myself. I read voraciously. I train regularly. I teach RPM (spin class) outside school hours. I’m learning Indonesian. I solo travel—mostly Indonesia, but hoping to expand as I get braver. I’m an avid advocate for men’s mental health and resilience (something I push for as a teacher, too). And I’ve raised two kids 50% of the time while working toward financial freedom. It’s a while off yet, but I’m focused, committed, and honestly loving every moment of the journey.

I believe I can make a difference—not just to other men, but to anyone reading this. Will it be open and honest? You bet. Will it suck at times? Most likely. But if I keep writing and stay true to helping others, I think it’ll resonate with the right people.

My commitment, written here publicly:

I’m creating systems to write and publish one article a week on this platform, building an audience one reader at a time. I’ll openly use AI to edit and polish my work, but the content—the vibe—that’s all me.

I’ve been putting this off for a while. It makes me nervous, but that’s a good thing, right?

If this resonates, subscribe. I’m writing every week.

Next week’s newsletter? The wake-up call. Navigating the aftermath of divorce. Loneliness vs being alone.

Come along for the ride.

— Dan