This is a black-and-white hand-drawn illustration of a wide, exaggerated smile. It’s just the mouth, nothing else. No nose, eyes, or face. The lips curve sharply upward at each corner. It’s almost as if the large grin is forced. The upper lip is thin, while the lower lip is full. The mouth is open, revealing two neat rows of big, rounded teeth.

Just act normal (part 2)

July 7, 2026Leave a comment

Ready or not, here comes change. Read 696 words about how to act when life grabs you by the groin.

A work-in-progress sign sits flat against a white background. The sign is diamond-shaped. It’s yellow with a black border. Centred in the sign is a dark grey silhouette of a man sitting on a pile of rubble. He’s wearing a straight-beaked hat and work boots. One foot sits flat while the other is stretched out resting on its heel. The man is holding a cigarette close to his mouth. Smoke is curling up and away from the cigarette.

Unfinished business

May 25, 2026Leave a comment

Trying again: the difference between failing and giving up. Read 295 words on why action is always the answer.

This is a flat, black-and-whilte line drawing of a person. The drawing is one continuous line, never breaking to draw another part of the person’s body. They have their back to you with their arms raised over their head. Each hand rests upon the top of the person’s head. It’s as though they are in disbelief. Or like they’re shocked, having come to some sort of deep realization.

Always in my way

December 23, 2025December 23, 20254 Comments

The moment I realized the problem was me: 454 words about being in my own way.

This is a minimalist black-and-white line drawing of a balance scale or seesaw. A long, thin horizontal plank rests on a triangular fulcrum in the centre. The plank is slightly tilted, with the left side raised and the right side lowered, suggesting imbalance. Small motion lines appear near both ends of the plank, implying gentle wobbling or instability. The triangular base sits firmly beneath the centre point, with stress lines along the edges from the weight of the plank.

In moderation

December 18, 20251 Comment

A search for the sweet spot: the clichés of living life in moderation. In 334 words on The Davis Daily.

Zoom in on a baseball resting on a field of grass. You can see the stitching in wavy lines wrapping around the ball. The grass is textured and scattered. But it’s all facing the same direction, leaning toward the right. The background is empty. It feels quiet and reflective. Will the ball be picked up or left alone?

What could have been

November 15, 20253 Comments

Regret versus redemption. In 239 words on The Davis Daily

When ‘life’ happens

May 18, 2025May 16, 2025Leave a comment

Read Issue 60 of Life: Under Construction, a fortnightly newsletter by The Davis Daily. Join the crew for 15 interesting things about growth and creativity, wealth and wellness.

The Davis Daily

A blog about life: under construction

Tag: growth