Last month Kath from Minuscule Moments reminded us that we should build on our dreams to create the life that we wish for. Because Kath is right—life truly is a gift. In my monthly series, The Life Enthusiast Chronicles, marvelous humans from around the globe explain why life is so awe-inspiring to them.
Today I’m super excited to spotlight the fine words of a good friend in Florida, who has solid roots in Thailand, Mr. Dannie Hill. I can’t remember when I first started following Dannie’s blog, but I knew instantly that I connected with his depth and vulnerability. Dannie writes in such a beautiful way, showcasing the ups and downs of life with a strong spirit.
Recently I was blown away with one of his early works, In Search of a Soul, a unique and emotional adventure which follows a former Navy SEAL who hits rock bottom and sails off to find himself. I recommend Dannie all the way.
Even though he was humble to be offered a Life Enthusiast spot, I knew he would rock it out…and he did.
Connect with Dannie on Twitter. Get ’em, Dannie!
Britt asked me to be her Life Enthusiast for January and thankfully she gave me extra time to compose my thoughts.
Like so many of the others she has given this honor to I asked her and myself, “Who, me? Do you know what my life is like? Enthusiast…?”
And then I started to worry.
Could I write something real? I’m a fiction writer after all. I doubted of my ability to articulate real feelings. Next came purpose, doubt (again), and finally resolve.
For something that seems so innocent, my mind is finding it hard to wrap around the fact that I actually am happy about life.
Who knew?
Life has dealt me blows, shown me love, astounded me, and always made me wonder why. This little exercise has brought all that back to me.
Britt. I give you a tear and a smile for asking such a difficult task of me.
I’ve done things in my life. Lived many places in the States, spent time in Budapest, lived two years in the Marshall Islands, fought in a war, helped build a church in Brazil, met the love of my life who gave us three wonderful children.
I came close to death several times and lived in Thailand for ten years, which I think of as my second home.
All of these happenings have given me an enthusiasm for the wonders of nature, the hard realities of life and, as of late, the compassion of humans.
I often wonder what is next, but know in my heart I will enjoy the next step.
My first thought about this post was I would write about my love of nature, the sea, the forest, the wild places and its myriad of life. But now after pondering for days I see life (enthusiastic) has much to do with people I’ve come to know and family.
I see myself as inadequate in interacting with people, but so many won’t give up on me.
I’m humbled at the actions of people I’ve come to know—many I’ve never met in person. Their enthusiasm feeds me and so in lies my Enthusiastic Life.
I would ask you all to take a few moments to open yourselves to the wonders of nature, to smile at people you pass on the street, to misplace the faults of your family (along with your own) and most importantly: Don’t find yourself being the one that always says, “I love you, too.”
Give and you will receive so much more in your enthusiastic life.
Try these simple, difficult, soothing, healing and important things and you too will feel some of my enthusiasm for life.
Britt. Thank you for putting this burden on me—the burden that turned into a blessing.
I know or know of all the great people you’ve selected before and it is an honor to be counted among them.
Britt Skrabanek 
Dannie, I really enjoyed getting to know you a little better here. I love the photos! This was such a good idea Britt.
Thank you, Abby, for visiting and reading. Britt is the kind of person everyone should have in their life!
“Don’t find yourself being the one that always says, ‘I love you, too.'”—That quote is wonderful. Such depth in those few words. Wonderful post.
Thank you, Carrie. It took me many years to practice not being the ‘too’ person.
What a marvelous idea! And what a fine, inspirational post.
Thank you Mike. Britt’s idea is something that touched my heart.
Dannie is genuine people, and a hell of a writer. Proud to consider him my brother.
Thank you, Tim. You are one of the people I look to, knowing you’ve been through hell and returned. I am your brother! And thank you for reblogging
Reblogged this on T. W. Dittmer and commented:
Dannie Hill shares some wisdom and parts of himself on Britt Skrabanek’s “Life Enthusiast Chronicles.” Dannie is one of those people I’m damn proud to associate with.
Stop by and listen up.
Lovely post…. brilliant idea!
It is a brilliant idea. Britt has come up with a simple concept that makes us all think about life.
Reblogged this on Dannie C Hill- The writer and commented:
I just wrote a post for Britt Skrabanek about Life Enthusiastic. I must say that this simple little post is one of the hardest things I’ve had to write. Please go over to Britt’s wonderful blog and you’ll be smiling like I am. Enjoy and let me know what you think. You are all in my thoughts.
Britt. You are an angel for asking me to write this post. I am honored and humbled at the same time. Thank you for making me take a hard look at my life.
Sorry, I’m just responding to you here. Had to dig through all of the awesome comments.
I’ve never been called an angel before, so thank you for that. It’s funny how hard it is to look at life, isn’t it? We get so caught up in “doing” rather than “being”. I’m guilty of it too, so I know it all to well. But when we stop…man, oh man, how marvelous life truly is.
I’m pretty much blown away with the wonderful people that visit your blog. And you are an angel, dear lady.
Beautiful post and I agree the more you sit and think about life, the more you realize how wonderful it is.
Thank you, Sheila. It’s so true and it’s been a long time since I sat and thought about it, but Britt gave me a reason.
Now you’ve done it, Dannie — gone and made me cry on a very, very cold day here in Toronto. The tears are freezing as they stream down my face!
Great post hon. A well-deserved spot on Britt’s blog, and a terrific start to 2015. Wishing you many years of the life you want to live.
xox
eden
You are such a dear, sweet man, Dannie. I know we have only started to follow each other on the various social networking places, but I’m always happy to see you when you stop by. I look forward to getting to know more about you.
Great post!
xoxo
Casey
Thank you, Casey. I do enjoy your blog and getting to know you!
You are the one person who can make me feel good and warm on any day of the year. Thank you, pretty lady, for all your support!