Daniel. From the Hebrew language meaning ‘god is my judge’ or ‘god has judged’. It originated as a biblical name from the Book of Daniel, yet since has been adapted for a multitude of other languages such as Daniele (Italian) Daniël Daan or Dana (Dutch) Данаил (Danail) (Bulgarian). And though the phonetics of the name have changed, the meaning remains.

The simple sound of it brings a peaceful life to mind. A light rainfall tapping on the ground around you as your hair dampens. A nice feeling takes over you like an abstract drawing only you can picture. You’re busy taking in the beautiful environment around you, scrutinizing every detail, but it's calming. Your favorite song in your ears but you don’t hear a sound, too invested in the life around you to care. It’s as calm as the smoothest waters yet water crashes around you, the chaotic peacefulness shutting off your brain. 

The name of Daniel has passed on from generation to generation with only one ideal—integrity. 

In the Book of Daniel, Daniel is cast out of his family as a child, sold to be a servant of the king. His journey in life continues, betrayed by those he trusts. only following one principle, God is my judge. He stayed true to his values. whether someone was watching or not. as he knows that what he does for others shall come back around. 

I do not know if I was named with this purpose in mind. But I do know that I should strive to follow the previous greats of my name. 

My dad, named Joseph Daniel after his father Joseph Daniel. Paving the way for the name of Daniel Joseph. A name to follow in the footsteps of my family, listening to the values of past generations yet allowing personal freedoms to align oneself and create one’s own future. A vision formed by ideals of being true to integrity and learning from the past to build upon with God as a judge.