Jordan (@jordan_gray_consulting) is a world class thought leader on the subject of sex and relationships. My past partner Jenn shared many of his blog posts and newsletters with me. We even watched parts of one of his courses together.

It was instantly clear to me that Jordan had both a passion and deep wisdom in many key areas when it comes to relationships.

When I finally got to work with Jordan, he shared that he has been passionate about this work since he was a child, before he even fully understood what adult relationships could be.

Jordan started professionally working as a coach, teacher and guide very early in his 20s. I remember my 20s, and I was in no place to give anyone dating or relationship advice. But at that age, Jordan’s frameworks and guidance helped many, and many more since then. And he has continue to grow his practice and his impact exponentially.

It was a great honour to spend quality time with Jordan in Vancouver during our photoshoot. I was so inspired by how much passion and love he still has for his craft, even after almost 20 years. His career is a masterclass in DEEP FOCUS.

It’s clear to me that Jordan is on a path that is fully aligned with his heart and his soul.

He’s doing such important work and also not losing himself in the work. This last part is important because it can ensure sustainability. So many of us are deeply passionate, but go far in our work too quickly, eventually burning out—a challenge I personally face. I noticed that Jordan’s energy was grounded, clear and energized. That’s impressive for someone who is 2 decades in on one topic.

I learned so much and felt so inspired by our time together. I can’t wait for our next hang.

Big love,

D

Hey Vancouver friends: I am coming to see you in June and I only have ONE SPOT LEFT. I found a gorgeous photography studio in Gastown and will be offering my signature HEARTshot photoshoot experience.

👉🏽 But I am almost fully sold out for the week. So if you are looking to significantly upgrading your online presence, so that you can connect with more of your dream clients, let’s connect asap.

My area of specialty is supporting speakers, authors, coaches, therapists and artists.

I have worked with hundreds and have taken over 800,000 photos of people all over the world.

The people I want to support the most are individuals who are committed to using their passion, wisdom and energy to positively impact the world.

I know how to help these people take photos that ACTUALLY FEEL and LOOK like their best selves.

I will be in Vancouver June 12 to June 16. If you are interested click the link here and you’ll find all the details including pricing, examples and a ton of testimonials. New clients welcome.

Big love,

D

I am not sure what Helen meant by her answer in this video, but it hit hard.

Every time I watch her answer it impacts me deeper.

I am about to make an assumption and I could be way wrong. So if that’s the case, I apologize. But I have a feeling her answer is connected to the active war taking place in her home country.

The truth is I felt tongue-tied. You can hear it in my voice when she tells me she is from Ukraine.

I was nervous because I didn’t have the courage to say what I really wanted to say.

If I did, it would of sounded something like this…

How are you?

How is your family?

I am so sorry for what is happening in your home country.

It’s a tragedy. And my heart breaks everytime I hear about the pain and suffering that is taking place in your beautiful country.

AND…

I am deeply inspired by the tenacity and strength of the Ukrainian people.

The odds are so heavily stacked against them, yet they refuse to stand down.

I hope this war ends quickly and as peacefully as possible. There has already been way too much unnecessary suffering.

That would've been my truth.

But instead I said “nice” in a super high pitched tone.

It’s awkward and difficult for me to talk about war and death and pain with a stranger. I don’t want to upset them or overstep and make things worse.

This scenario has happened to me before. Toronto is my home, but Iran is my homeland—where I was born. So when a non-Iranian person reaches out to show support for the tragedies happening in my home country, it melts my heart.

Looking back, I wish I spent a minute after our photoshoot to have a conversation. Not for social media, but just as humans.

I think Helen started following me on IG, but I can’t find her.

Maybe one day we will talk to each other again.

Helen, thank you for your time. Thank you for your smile. And thank you for your truth in answering my question at the end. Whatever inspired your answer, I am grateful we got a few moments to make something beautiful together.

Big love,

D

PS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Helen and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.

I became obsessed with photography 8 years ago.

Here’s what got me hooked…

When I started taking black and white portraits, I noticed something.

Every human I photographed had two deep feelings that were in conflict:

1. Every human wanted to be seen. And…

2. Every human had a fear that if people saw the real version of themselves, they wouldn’t be liked, loved or respected.

No matter what the person looked like, how old they were, how successful they were… each person I photographed had some version of this conflict.

I had it too. I still have it.

It takes a shit ton of courage to be yourself and to share your truth with the world: the mistakes, the disappointments, the big dreams of what we thought our lives would be.

People who are honest with who they are and what they have gone through will always have my highest respect. Even if their past was messy—mine certainly was.

Because when we share these things, it reminds us ALL that no one is perfect.

And that reminder is what makes us feel connected.

Not just to the person in the photo, but also to our own hearts.

Huge respect to Cody for being so damn real with his answer at the end of this video. Thank you brother for keeping your heart open and being willing to share your wisdom with me and the world.

Big love,

D

PS: In case you were wondering I always ask for permission from each person before I share their photos and their videos on social media. Always.

PPS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Cody and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.

I have many goals and intentions for this year, but my most important goal is to follow Ryan’s advice at the end of this video.

I commit to being more compassionate, more patient and more kind to myself this year.

This doesn’t mean 2023 is going to be easy. I have an action-packed and ambitious year ahead.

But I can be really critical of myself, which is why Ryan’s advice is so meaningful.

Instead of celebrating how far I've come, in the past I would obsess over each and every mistake. Instead of focusing on what I was able to do, I would focus my attention on what's missing or what’s wrong.

It’s a heavy weight that I can now see has actually slowed me down over time.

Self-compassion and patience will give me energy to continue growing as an artist. I also believe that it will give me access to healthier consistency and allow me to burn out less.

So what would 2023 look like if we ALL decided to be 10% kinder to ourselves?

Notice that I didn’t say 100%.

And to be honest, I think even just 1% kinder would be a big deal for so many of us.

Thank you Ryan for taking time out of your day to slow down and make art with a stranger.

Big love,

D

PS: If you want to see the behind the scenes video of me approaching Ryan and taking these photos, check out my Instagram or my TikTok.