Lesson: You can build a life, a legacy, a dream, but learning who you are is the hardest build of all.

This marks my 32nd drop of The Weekly D-Brief since I started back in March 2025.

Most of what I’ve written has been about Jivati, the process, the lessons, the reality of building from the ground up. But this time, I want to take a step back and properly introduce myself. My name is DevRaj, but if you’re reading this, you can call me Dev, welcome to the inner circle. Loll.

Also, I wanted to genuinely say thank you for subscribing and reading my newsletter drops. Good things should be said sooner rather than later, so, truly, thank you. It means a lot that you’ve been part of this journey. And I really appreciate the love and support.

But this one’s a little different. It’s not about the brand; this one’s about me.

It’s my birthday month (the big 4-0 next weekend) and with Diwali around the corner, it felt like the right time to pause for a second, to show a little more of the person behind the words, behind the brand. People often say I’m unreadable at first. They’re not wrong. I’m quiet by nature. I listen more than I speak. People often tell me they feel comfortable around me right away, even when I’ve barely said anything. I don’t try to make that happen; it just does. I think when someone feels truly seen, they naturally start to trust the space they’re in. Some people see that quiet side as being standoffish, I see it as being mindful. It’s not about holding back; it’s about being intentional. Knowing when to speak, when to move, when to act, and when to just let things breathe for a moment before they unfold. 

I hope as I write these newsletters that part of who I am, the quiet, intentional side, comes through in the tone. That you can feel it enough to trust what I share. I’m not here to gloat or brag. I just want to be real, to be vulnerable, and to show that anyone can step out of their comfort zone and make magic happen.

I spend a lot of time in my head, probably more than I should. My mind wanders, but my feet stay grounded. I’m just curious about why things are the way they are. Why do some people bounce back while others burn out? Why certain moments change you without warning. I notice it everywhere, in how people grow, how nature resets, how the smallest things somehow keep going no matter what. It’s wild, but it’s also kind of comforting. For instance, I’ve rescued three pets, and they’ve all reminded me in their own way what starting over looks like. They don’t hold grudges, they don’t overthink, they just adjust, trust again, and keep living. There’s something pure about that. It gets me thinking about the bigger picture, why we’re all here, and what it means to build a meaningful life. I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s fine. I’m not chasing perfection, I’m just learning to stay aware enough to catch the moments that matter before they pass by.

At this point in my life, I know it’s on me to build, to heal, to grow, and to keep moving forward no matter what life throws my way. No one’s coming to save me, and honestly, I don’t want them to. I’ve learned to trust my own rhythm, that mix of instinct, stubbornness, and heart that somehow keeps me steady through it all. And I’m sure by now you’ve heard me say, “I wasn’t born in India, India was born in me.” I’m proud to admit I’m an undercover FOB at heart. I grew up on Bollywood movies and soundtracks that made me believe in real, loud, over-the-top love. And yeah, somewhere out there, I still believe in finding someone who matches that same energy. But if I don’t? I’ll still be good. Still content. Still grounded. Because at this stage, I’ve learned to love myself fully and realized I’ve already become the person I was searching for.

Through it all, I’ve stayed optimistic, not because life’s been easy, but because I’ve seen what happens when you refuse to give up on yourself. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always look graceful; sometimes it’s quiet, gritty, and uncomfortable. But even then, there’s movement. I’ve fallen, rebuilt, paused, and tried again, and every time, somehow, the light finds its way back in. That’s the kind of optimism I believe in, not the kind that ignores the mud, but the kind that knows how to bloom through it.

And any darkness I carry? I keep that to myself. Not because I’m hiding it, but because I don’t believe in spreading negative energy. I’ve learned how to light up my own shadows instead, that inner flame that refuses to go out. And if that light of mine ever spills over and helps someone else find theirs, then maybe that’s what it was meant for all along. 

And before I wrap this up, I want to give a shoutout to my family and close friends. Thank you for being patient with me, for tolerating me, and for supporting me even when I didn’t know how to ask for help. I’ve made it this far because of the unconditional love you’ve given so selflessly. Everything I do is for us.

Closing Thought

Master your emotions, and you rule the course of events. The outcome is already yours.

Stick around. I’m just warming up.

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_{DISCLAIMER - All content by Devraj Patel, including The Weekly D-Brief, is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute business, legal, or personalized advice. No client relationship is created unless agreed upon in writing. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. You are solely responsible for your decisions—always consult appropriate professionals before acting on this content.}