The Next Mission

Stardate 09.21.2026

Yesterday began with a special visit to our house of worship.

Our bishop came to bless our new entrance.

During his homily, he talked about the importance of people coming together to accomplish something for the good of the community. He shared a story from a small church where he once served. The church needed a new roof. The congregation came together, each person bringing different gifts and strengths to the project. Together, they built the roof.

I thought about our own congregation.

For years, parishioners had struggled with the steep stairs leading into our church. There were injuries. Fundraising was put on hold. There were plenty of obstacles.

The congregation kept working toward a solution.

Yesterday, we stood together as our bishop blessed the new entrance. It is more welcoming, and it gives parishioners an easier way to enter our church.

It was a good reminder of what can happen when people bring their gifts to the same table.

After the service, we dedicated the rest of the day to family time.

The Chargers came up short, while the San Diego Padres came through and brought their magic number to two for the final wild-card spot. I also completed my checklist for the trip.

That brought me to this morning.

The next mission is ready.

This afternoon, I leave for Scotland and London.

Soon I will be meeting with my DoNotAge partners from around the world for our second international conference. Before the conference begins, I will have some time to explore Scotland. Then I'll take a roughly four-hour train ride into London.

After the conference, I will have some personal time to explore the London area before heading home.

I'll also be listening and learning.

Some of the doctors and researchers I will meet are working to understand how we can increase the number of years we live with good health and wellness. Longevity has become an important part of my own journey, and I'm looking forward to learning from people who have dedicated their lives to the subject.

I'm bringing my MacBook Pro along so I can continue my daily blog while I'm away. That means the stories will continue as the mission unfolds.

Yesterday, our bishop talked about a small church building a roof together.

Our congregation built a new entrance together.

Today, I'm heading across the ocean to learn from people around the world.

There is a lot ahead.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your checklist is complete. Your next mission has been authorized.

Bones: Scotland and London, Spock. He's going to learn about longevity, too.

Spock: Precisely, Doctor. I suspect the Captain will find a few lessons worth bringing home.

Yesterday reminded me that every person has something to contribute. Sometimes it takes a roof. Sometimes it takes a new entrance. Sometimes it takes boarding an airplane and crossing an ocean.

I'm grateful for the people who helped make yesterday possible.

And I'm grateful for the people who will become part of the next story.

One percent better. One day at a time.

Engage.

 

Family Day Today

Stardate 09.20.2026

I spent yesterday with my wife chipping away at the massive to-do list after returning home from cardio tennis. We accomplished quite a bit.

Today is family day.

After worship, we will gather at our son's home to cheer for our favorite sports teams. There is some extra excitement surrounding the San Diego Padres right now.

While I was sleeping, the Padres found a way to beat the Miami Marlins in extra innings. Ethan Salas delivered the walk-off RBI single in the 10th inning, giving San Diego a 7-6 victory. The win was their 12th in the last 13 games and brought their playoff-clinching magic number down to three.

The turnaround near the end of the season has our family excited. The Padres are right in the middle of the National League wild-card race, and every game carries plenty of meaning now.

Today we will cheer for them together.

Our other favorite team, the Chargers, will be playing at the same time. That should make for an interesting afternoon at our son's home.

This is one of my favorite ways to spend family time. We gather together, watch our teams, celebrate the good plays, endure the difficult ones, and enjoy each other's company.

There is something special about having a shared interest that brings everyone into the same room.

Today begins with worship. Then comes family, football and baseball.

I'm grateful for all of it.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

— Psalm 118:24

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, the probability of simultaneous sporting events producing emotional volatility appears quite high.

Bones: Spock, he's watching with family. Let the man enjoy the afternoon.

Spock: A logical observation, Bones.

Bones: I have those occasionally.

I'll take their advice today. There will be plenty of time for travel tomorrow. Today is for worship, family, and a couple of teams worth cheering for.

One day at a time.

Engage.

Captain's Note: "Our calling is not to write perfect words, but to reveal perfect grace through imperfect moments—one percent better, one day at a time."

Cardio Tennis Today

Stardate 09.19.2026

I’m moving fast this morning.

After a great night of sleep, I’m rushing to get ready for cardio tennis at 8am. I’ve been away from home for a long time, and I need a good workout before I get back on the road.

Europe is only a couple of days away.

There is still plenty to do before I leave. This morning, I’m focused on getting my body moving and enjoying some time on the tennis court.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Michael, your schedule appears to have accelerated.”

Bones: “Let him play tennis, Spock. He’s earned the workout.”

Spock: “Agreed. Physical preparation appears logical before another journey.”

A good night of sleep, a little cardio tennis, and a few quiet minutes with God. That’s enough for this morning.

Now I need to get moving.

Engage.

Lucy is Legal

Stardate 09.18.2026

Lucy has been parked in my driveway since her adoption a couple of months ago. I was fortunate to work with a concierge from my day job to locate her outside of Chicago. Once I drove her home, I discovered my insurance company considered her a commercial vehicle.

While it's true this type of van has commercial applications, the Ram ProMaster is also one of the popular choices for people like me who want to build a van for travel adventures. That's where the insurance challenge popped up.

Yesterday, I visited a local insurance agent who uncovered a creative solution. She researched multiple companies for me and found a way to insure Lucy without breaking the bank. My agent classified her as a recreational vehicle.

Lucy is now fully street legal.

I set aside time to get the paperwork handled for Lucy's title and registration while taking care of the insurance issues. Once the anti-theft device for the plates arrives from Amazon today, I will be able to install Lucy's new Iowa plates.

Thanks to our daughter, Lucy will have personalized plates in about six weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing those plates on the van.

The real work on the van conversion begins once my travel assignments are complete. I'm building modules for the plumbing, electrical system, galley, and shower using extruded aluminum.

For once in my life, I believe I can actually finish a major project on time.

There are 3 years, 9 months, and 17 days remaining until the Mission Clock runs out and full-time travel begins.

May you live long and prosper.

My Hero, Nile Kron, Now Resides in Heaven

Stardate 09.17.2026

One of the greatest ambassadors for University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Nile Kron, is now with the Lord.

The last time I saw Nile, he was visiting my store with his grandparents. I asked Nile if he could do me a huge favor and deliver some coloring books to his friends at the hospital.

Imagine this amazing kid captain showing up and passing out coloring books to his buddies, all patients doing their best to deal with challenging circumstances.

Nile asked his grandmother to take a picture of the two of us together while he held up a copy of Where in the World is Wilson? I don't have that picture. It was taken with his grandmother's phone. I will forever cherish the memory of that moment.

I do have another picture of Nile. It was taken while he was volunteering at our table during one of our Children's Miracle Network fundraisers. That picture captures something I remember about Nile. He loved being involved. He loved helping. He loved being around his friends at the children's hospital.

For those who don't know Nile, this story is dedicated to him.

I wrote about him before because he was one of my greatest heroes. Nile was a kid captain for our local children's hospital. He often visited our store during Children's Miracle Network fundraising campaigns. I loved his energy and his enthusiasm.

Life threw curveballs at Nile. He never flinched.

Nile flashed a permanent smile to everyone he encountered. He looked forward to seeing all of his friends whenever he had an appointment scheduled for treatment.

There is a void in the universe.

My heart goes out to Nile's family. Thank you, Nile, for inspiring me.

You will be missed.

May your soul rest in peace.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39

Join me here:

Substack

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Michael, the Captain has encountered another hero who left an enduring mark."

Bones: "Yeah, Spock. Some people manage to make a difference in a very short time."

Spock: "Nile's mission continues through the people he inspired."

Nile reminded me that a person's impact can be found in the simple things they do for others. He showed up. He helped. He brought his energy into the room. He cared about his friends.

I am grateful that our paths crossed.

Captain's Note:
"Our calling is not to write perfect words, but to reveal perfect grace through imperfect moments—one percent better, one day at a time."

Launch Sequence Engaged

Stardate 09.16.2026

My final morning on assignment has arrived.

Prayers and meditation are complete. I slept well last night, and that feels like a good way to begin my final day here.

Once Golden Hour is complete, I will pack up and get ready to head home.

Yesterday turned into an unexpected deployment.

An emergency request came in from the next opening, and I was sent to their temporary office for the day to help. I reunited with colleagues and friends I have worked with on opening teams in several states.

We were swamped.

It was one of those days when there was always another person to help, another question to answer, or another task waiting. I enjoyed being able to jump in and help a team that needed extra hands.

By the end of the day, I was back where I started, preparing for my final morning here.

The opening team is getting ready for its launch. I won't be here when the doors open because I will be traveling on a personal mission. I will miss being part of opening day, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to help prepare the team.

Launch sequence engaged.

Those words seem appropriate for my own journey right now, too.

Next week I will be heading to Europe to join my DoNotAge partners. Longevity has become a passion of mine, and I want to keep learning.

I want to be 1% better with longevity.

That means learning from people who are further along in the field. Asking questions. Listening to conversations. Paying attention to the lessons that might help me live a longer, healthier life.

I will also be sharing some of what I learn with my followers and conducting interviews along the way.

I don't know yet what every conversation will teach me.

That's part of why I'm going.

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”
— Psalm 90:17

There is still work to do this morning.

Then I get to pack up and point myself toward home.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: “Michael, the next mission appears to involve considerable travel and additional learning.”

Bones: “He's going to Europe, Spock. Let the man enjoy the adventure.”

Spock: “I believe that is precisely what I am suggesting, Doctor.”

I have learned that some missions reveal themselves one step at a time.

Today, I finish this one.

Next week, another launch sequence begins.

The Man I Met in the Hot Tent

Stardate 09.15.2026

Yesterday, Mat and I were working together in an outside tent. It was uncomfortably hot.

I told him this is how I like to operate. I like being in a position where I'm uncomfortable because that's where I learn and grow.

Mat agreed.

He told me that's where he learns his best lessons, too.

That opened the door to a conversation I didn't expect.

Mat and I are both support staff on this assignment. We're helping build a new team. As we talked, I began learning about the journey that brought him here.

Earlier in his career, Mat received intense training involving high-end products in the $30,000 range. The training was brutal. Scripts had to be memorized word for word. Firings were common. Turnover was normal.

Mat rose to the top.

That experience gave him a foundation to build upon.

Then he discovered his passion.

Health and wellness.

Mat told me his own health had been poor. He was overweight. His journey began by getting off the couch.

Those first steps were the hardest.

He stayed with it.

He joined a gym. He learned discipline. He learned how to create patterns around his workouts. Those patterns became part of his life.

He also learned something I understand well.

The comfort zone can become a difficult place to grow from.

Eventually, Mat found a way to share what he had learned with other people. He built a tribe.

People pay a monthly fee to access his programs, and Mat provides personal coaching. He works his coaching hours around his day job so there is no interference.

He is building something because he found his passion.

Family became an important part of that journey, too.

Mat's family homeschools, which gives them the ability to travel together when his work takes him on the road. I admire the creativity he has found in turning those opportunities into family adventures.

Then came a decision that told me a lot about Mat.

His boss told him there would be a forced relocation to the home office in another state.

The job was lucrative.

Mat walked away.

His boss was shocked that he would leave such a good opportunity.

Mat had discovered something more important.

His family mattered more than a job.

I really liked that about him.

My family and I are also finding ways to travel together when my work assignments take me away from home. Hearing how Mat has built that into his life gave us another point of connection.

We also talked about health and wellness. Mat is interested in what I'm doing with DoNotAge, and I shared some of my own journey with him.

We approach healthy living in very similar ways.

We are both willing to experiment. We are both willing to learn. We are both willing to get uncomfortable and see what we can discover on the other side.

Mat is now helping people get fit by sharing what he has learned from his own journey. He has created a community around that passion while continuing to work his day job.

I admire that.

I also admire his willingness to pursue excellence.

I like surrounding myself with talented people. I believe strong teams become stronger when people bring their individual strengths to the mission.

Mat feels like an ideal teammate.

We are both support people on this assignment. We are helping build the new team together.

He mentioned that he would like to be involved in future training missions. I believe we will work together again.

I gave Mat access to my blog so we can stay connected. He gave me permission to share his journey here, and I have a picture of him to go with the story.

I like the way some connections happen.

We were standing in a hot tent doing our jobs. A conversation about discomfort turned into a conversation about growth. Growth led to health. Health led to family. Family led to passion. Passion led to helping other people.

And somewhere in that conversation, two support people discovered they have a lot to learn from each other.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." — Ecclesiastes 4:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: Michael, your decision to have a meaningful conversation in extreme heat appears to have produced useful intelligence.

Bones: Useful intelligence? You found yourself another guy who enjoys making life uncomfortable.

Spock: An observation with considerable merit, Doctor.

I suppose there is something to that.

I keep learning that the people who cross my path during these assignments can teach me something if I take the time to listen.

Mat reminded me that growth often begins with a difficult first step.

He got off the couch.

I keep taking my own steps.

Today, I'm grateful our paths crossed in that hot tent.