A very dear friend gave me a book this week. It’s a good book. A book about holding out hope in
a cynical world and stretching to do difficult things despite knowing some of them are destined
to fall short and fail. I’ve no doubt I’m going to enjoy it.
So I opened it up and discovered that she’d gone and written a little note to me on the inside of
the cover and now, no matter how good the book is going to be, the best part of it will always be
right there.
These are the simple words my friend wrote to me:
“Dean, Thanks for believing in all of us.”
I read those words and I was undone. To be reminded of the impact and influence we have in
one another’s lives is heartwarming and humbling and not a little frightening.
And it got me thinking about my life, my career, and even this little show of ours and what it is
we’re actually trying to do. I think my life pretty much comes down to three basics:
I want to enjoy my life, I want to grow my life, and I want to help others do the same.
Enjoying and growing a life are not easy things to do. Even in the best of environments they
require encouragement. Some like to say that all it takes is to believe in yourself, but that’s only
half of the equation. Like it or not, the wheels of life don’t really start moving until someone else
begins to believe in us too.
I’m here with you right now, not because I’m a good home designer but because 4 years ago
someone believed I could pull off doing a home improvement show, of all places, on the radio.
She believed in me and now every week I get to pay it forward by believing in you.
So let me tell you just a couple of things I believe about you ...
I believe, no matter what you’ve done or not done, or how young or old, or rich or poor you may
be, you can take hold of your life, right here and now, and begin to rewrite your story.
I believe your life is mostly built from very small moments. And no matter how many of yours
have gone wrong so far, those moments are history, and the only two moments that ever count
are the one you’re in right now and the one that comes next. Both are your to choose.
I believe that mutts and strays and rescues can become the greatest redemption stories, and
that redemption stories are the best stories of all.
I also happen to believe that mutt of a house you live in can—with enough artful thought and
attention—become a redemption story and take its place as a precious and irreplaceable part of
your family.
Most of all, I believe you can do it.
And I believe the best gift you could give this holiday season is to let someone else know that
you believe in them too. Don’t underestimate your impact or influence.
I challenge you. Choose to believe ... with enough love, and artful intention, and care, we can all
build ourselves a beautiful life.