It’s one thing to surround yourself with inspiration. It’s another to permanently affix it to your body. Being an incessant editor of everything I do, I can’t commit to such permanence.

My younger brother, however, has no problem with this. Danny drafted his first tattoo in a sketchbook and has done the same with every one since. Before getting the inaugural tattoo, he thought about it for months. He even brought the sketch to my dad and told him what he planned to do. The placement was a statement in itself – wrapping around the wrist of his hand-shaking arm. The different elements creatively denote his birthdate and favorite number. Impressed by the thoughtfulness behind the mark, my dad became a supporter of permanent body ink that day.

Each subsequent tat is symbolic of something meaningful to my brother. Some are dedicated to our dad (one being his signature and date of birth). Some are reminders of how to live well (the newest reads: enjoy the little things). And one was done as a gift to me because he felt so strongly about the meaning behind it…

That’s my handwriting. I wrote it in his sketchbook.

Arms exposed, my brother is a walking inspiration before he ever says a word. And when he does start talking (or singing), he rarely stops. Dude has got a lot to say, and whatever it is, he always speaks with gusto. I’ve never met someone with a greater passion for each day. He epitomizes create happy.