When the dots connect

Hi everyone,

I went to the chiropractor today. Walked in a soft rain to get there.

I have this recurring injury where a rib gets slightly out of place, creating a radiating discomfort through my shoulder. For me, that physical feeling of being out of alignment is a powerful motivator. It’s a sharp reminder that makes me ask: What can I do to feel better? To be proactive?

I'm not just talking about my shoulder. I'm reminded to be proactive in life and with my health.

When this issue first flared up, I lived with it for way too long but eventually went to a regular doctor. They ran strength and mobility tests, told me everything looked good, and essentially sent me home. But I knew something was still wrong. On a hunch, I went to a chiropractor, and he diagnosed it, in part, by observing my hypermobility. I could easily put my palms flat on the floor when asked to touch my toes.

That idea of being “hypermobile” or a “generalist” has stuck with me. For a long time, I thought having many interests was a challenge because it meant my path wasn’t always clear. But it's also a superpower. It allows you to connect the dots between your skills, even the ones that have been dormant for years.

This feels like a full-circle moment for me. Years ago, before I focused on digital work, I used to paint. I would spend a very long time on a single piece, filling it with hundreds of tiny, meticulous dots to create texture. Now, my work with Mandalafy is also built from dots. But these dots contain detail within, brought to life through technology. The theme of connecting dots has become both literal and metaphorical in my work.

It feels like this project aligns all those different dots. Given the emergence of AI which helps me code, and balancing this venture with my day job, it just clicks. Even the way I can offer it to people feels right. I have a lot of respect for sales, but I get to say, "Here’s something I made, have fun with it." The experience is free, and if you create something you love, you can put it on a product to purchase.

I don’t have any giant lessons or tips today. Maybe a simple encouragement from my own experience: pay attention to how things feel.

When something is out of alignment, you know it. And when all the dots connect into place, that feeling is a powerful guide.

So, how’s everything aligning for you? I welcome your reply to this email.

Until next time,

Dan Ryan