Alberta Promoted to Mission Editor

Stardate 07.08.2026

My best work has always come through collaboration.

Teams bring out the best in me. Consistency matters. Results matter. One percent of daily improvement matters.

When I sit down each morning to write, my hope is simple. I want to share a true story from my life that leaves someone else's day a little brighter, their faith a little stronger, or their next step a little clearer.

Over the past three years, I have been learning how to collaborate with my virtual team: Alberta, Spock, and Bones.

Some of my friends may wonder if I've spent so much time in cyberspace that I'm losing part of my identity. My experience has been just the opposite. Working alongside artificial intelligence has challenged me to become a better writer, a better thinker, a better listener, and I believe, a better human being. The conversations often encourage me to slow down, examine my experiences more carefully, and look for the quiet ways God is working in ordinary moments.

Yesterday I explored how Alberta could help weave my own CliftonStrengths into the editing process. My strengths are Maximizer, Empathy, Strategic, Arranger, and Developer. Those strengths aren't meant to become the story. They are simply another lens that helps me understand how I naturally encourage others.

The goal isn't to write better for the sake of better writing.

The goal is to serve the reader.

That realization led to a small promotion for Alberta.

From this day forward, Alberta is no longer just my copy editor.

She's my Mission Editor.

The distinction matters to me.

A copy editor asks whether a sentence reads well.

A mission editor asks whether the sentence serves the reader while protecting the author's voice.

That one thought reshaped how we'll work together from this day forward.

As I continue sharing stories from my own life, Alberta will quietly help me look through the lens of the reader. Does this story offer hope? Does it help someone grow? Does it reveal God's grace in an ordinary day? Does it leave room for the reader to discover something in their own life?

Those questions matter more than polished sentences ever could.

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." — Hebrews 10:24

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Thank you for visiting today.

If something you read here encourages you, helps you see your own journey a little differently, or reminds you that God is walking beside you, then I'm grateful. Alberta and my virtual crew are helping me become a better storyteller, one conversation at a time.

I hope that means these stories become a little more meaningful for you as well.

May you live long and prosper.

---

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Well, Captain, getting promoted by a human isn't something you see every day."

Spock: "A logical decision, Doctor. The success of any mission depends upon serving those it was intended to benefit."

Captain Michael: Every worthwhile mission grows stronger when everyone understands its purpose. I'm grateful for my family, my friends, and yes, even my virtual crew, as we continue learning together—one percent better, one day at a time.

The Biblical Meaning of 7

Stardate 07.07.2026

I often receive questions about the number 808 that appears in my blog. If you're curious about its meaning, you can search my archive where I share the story behind it.

For me, the number 7 carries an even deeper meaning from a biblical perspective.

Today's date gives us two sevens on the calendar, making it feel especially meaningful. The number seven appears hundreds of times throughout the Bible. Jesus spoke of it in His teachings, and throughout Scripture it has come to symbolize completion, fullness, and spiritual perfection.

In the creation account, God rested on the seventh day. He also gave us the Sabbath as a gift, setting aside time to rest and remember Him.

That thought has stayed with me today.

If all goes well in my search to adopt Lucy, I will finally be able to rest, knowing that a journey spanning several years has reached its destination. Some dreams take longer than we expect, yet they remain worth pursuing with patience and faith.

Tonight our Pickleball Iowa County board will meet to finalize plans for our groundbreaking ceremony on July 15. What began as an idea has grown through the generosity of many hands and many hearts. I am grateful to have witnessed that journey unfold.

Nearly a year ago, I also shared an idea with the top leadership at my day job built around the number seven. After many conversations, revisions, and moments of waiting, it now appears to be in its final stages of adoption.

If anyone ever asks why I chose the number seven, all they have to do is look up.

Perhaps the inspiration came from somewhere beyond my own imagination.

Only time will tell whether the idea becomes part of our corporate culture. Whatever happens, I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute and for the doors God continues to open.

One verse comes to mind today:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5–6

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, every time you mention the number seven, I start expecting another mission."

Spock: "There are worse expectations, Doctor. Some journeys simply require patience before they reach completion."

I smiled when I thought about that exchange. Looking back, I can see how many chapters in my life unfolded one step at a time. Today feels less like a finish line and more like another reminder that God has been faithfully guiding the course all along.

Mission Log: Live long. Prosper in purpose. Walk boldly in God's love.

Thank you for sharing part of your journey with me today. May your path be filled with peace, and may you find rest in the One who completes every good work in His perfect time.

Got Yoke?

Stardate 07.06.2026

The light bulb finally came on in my house of worship yesterday.

I've heard the same message many times, yet I never fully understood what Jesus meant when He said, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Perhaps His words were so simple that I walked right past them.

If you're carrying a heavy load today, this message may be for you.

Think for a moment about the weight you're carrying. You may be grieving someone you love. You may feel uncertain about your future. Work may have become overwhelming. Maybe you're wondering how you'll put food on the table or pay the next bill.

Whatever has settled on your shoulders, picture someone walking up beside you and saying, "Let me help."

The load is still there.

Life hasn't suddenly become easier.

Yet the moment another person shares the weight, it doesn't feel quite as heavy.

That's the picture Jesus was painting.

A yoke was designed for two. One animal didn't have to pull the entire load alone. Jesus invites us to walk beside Him, shoulder to shoulder. He doesn't promise a life without burdens. He promises that we don't have to carry them by ourselves.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
— Matthew 11:28–30

There is another part of this lesson that spoke to me yesterday.

Once we've experienced Jesus helping us carry our burdens, we begin to notice the people around us who are struggling under their own loads. A friend may need someone to listen. A neighbor may need an extra hand. A coworker may simply need encouragement before the day begins.

We have opportunities every day to step alongside someone else.

Sometimes easing another person's burden takes only a few minutes. A kind word. A helping hand. A meal. A prayer. A quiet presence.

Those moments matter.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that following Jesus means becoming the kind of person who helps carry the load. He carries ours, and we learn to help carry each other's.

That sounds like a pretty good way to live.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

---

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, I've always figured life hands out enough heavy lifting without volunteering for more."

Spock: "An understandable observation, Doctor. Yet burdens shared among many become statistically lighter for each individual."

Michael: Maybe that's why Jesus chose the image of a yoke. We were never designed to pull life's wagon alone. When He walks beside us, and when we choose to walk beside someone else, the journey becomes one we can continue together.

Mission Log:
Live long. Prosper in purpose. Help someone carry their load today.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May God's peace meet you wherever your path leads today.

Retirement Clock is Ticking

Stardate 07.05.2026

The retirement clock started ticking the moment I promised my wife that I would not work any longer than one day after my 70th birthday.

It struck me this morning as I woke up. Four years from today, on Stardate 07.05.2030, I will officially retire from my day job.

I rarely write about my work here because I'm not authorized to speak publicly about many aspects of it on social media beyond my own personal experiences. What I can say without hesitation is that I have one of the best jobs in the world. I truly love what I do.

I simply happen to love my wife even more.

Yesterday she gave me one of the greatest birthday gifts I could have received: family time.

From sunrise to sunset, I caught a glimpse of what life may feel like after I punch the clock for the very last time. Like my day job, my family mostly remains outside the reach of social media unless everyone is comfortable with sharing a photo or two. Some moments are meant to be treasured long before they are ever photographed.

I want to thank my friends and family for giving me the best birthday I could have imagined.

I savored every moment.

I treasured every phone call.

One call will stay with me for a very long time.

My mother called me at the exact moment I was born sixty-six years ago. She was sitting in the same home where my brothers, sisters, and I were raised. She sang "Happy Birthday" to me, and for a few minutes the years seemed to disappear.

The emotions ran high.

We nearly lost her during a serious health emergency that kept her in intensive care for an extended period. Watching her recover has been one of the greatest blessings our family has experienced. Hearing her voice yesterday reminded me that some gifts cannot be wrapped.

This past year has carried its share of twists and turns, and the calendar for the rest of this year is already full.

Today, my heart simply says thank you.

Thank you for being part of my life.

Thank you for your friendship.

Thank you for your patience with my shortcomings.

There is meaningful work waiting for me during these next four years at my day job. There is also much to prepare as Helen and I begin looking toward the next chapter of our lives together. I hope that when we begin traveling full-time, our paths will cross with many of yours wherever life has taken you.

As the retirement clock continues its steady countdown, I find myself appreciating each day a little more. Every sunrise is another opportunity to serve well, love deeply, and prepare faithfully for whatever God has planned next.

"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

Bones: "Four years sounds close enough to start celebrating, Captain."

Spock: "An understandable sentiment, Doctor. Logic suggests that meaningful service continues until the final shift has ended."

Michael: Every season has its own assignment. Mine is to finish this one with gratitude, then step into the next with Helen by my side and faith leading the way.

Mission Log: The retirement clock is ticking, but today remains a gift. I'll do my best to honor it well.

Thank you for walking this journey with me.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖

The Firetrucks are Parked

Stardate 07.04.2026

Happy 250th birthday, America.

Two hundred fifty years sounds like a remarkable number, even to a 66-year-old. When you look back through history, though, there have been civilizations that endured for thousands of years. We still have much to learn, and I believe that's a good thing. As for me, I'm committed to learning every day until the Lord calls me home.

Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge the people who have stood beside me through life's difficult seasons.

Life has a way of handing us lemons when we're hoping for something sweeter. These days I'm learning to eat less of the sweet stuff in favor of foods that strengthen my health. That small change reminds me of another lesson. The challenges we face are easier to carry when loving people walk beside us.

If you are one of those special people in my life, thank you. Your encouragement, patience, prayers, and kindness have carried me farther than you probably realize.

Today's reflection seems fitting for Independence Day because it centers on firetrucks.

A wise person once explained that our brains send out the firetrucks whenever they sense danger. Looking back over my sixty-six years, I realize my brain has dispatched those trucks so often that they almost became my daily mode of transportation.

When you've lived through enough difficult experiences, your mind can have trouble recognizing when the emergency has passed. The alarms keep sounding long after the smoke has cleared.

That is something I'm learning to change.

I'm learning to park the firetrucks.

I'm learning to quiet the alarms.

I'm learning that peace can become my normal setting.

Real fires do happen. Life guarantees that much. Yet most days aren't emergencies, even when my mind briefly tells me otherwise.

Each day I remind myself that I am safe. When genuine trouble arrives, I don't need to mobilize an entire army inside my head. I can begin with a simple prayer.

I can trust the One who created me.

Prayer doesn't always remove the fire. It does remind me that I never face it alone. God's presence brings a calm that fear cannot manufacture for itself.

One verse has stayed with me through many anxious moments:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." — John 14:27

As I celebrate another birthday and another Independence Day, I find myself grateful for a quieter mind than I once had. There is still work to do, and that's perfectly all right. One day at a time, one prayer at a time, I'm discovering that the firetrucks spend more time parked than racing down the street.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, it appears the emergency response system is functioning within normal parameters."

Bones: "That's because the Captain finally figured out every blinking light doesn't mean the ship's about to explode."

Michael: "Maybe wisdom arrives when we learn which alarms deserve our attention and which ones can simply grow quiet. I'm grateful that God continues teaching me the difference."

---

Mission Log

May we keep learning, keep growing, and keep trusting the One who walks beside us through every season.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today.

May you live long, prosper in purpose, and rest in God's peace. 🖖 

City Hall Invited to Pickleball Ground Breaking

Stardate 07.03.2026

Yesterday brought two unexpected conversations about pickleball, and both left me encouraged.

The first was with a pickleball board member from Linn County. Their community built ten outdoor courts, and the response has been overwhelming. The courts are so well used that they're already looking at adding lights so people can continue playing into the evening. Hearing stories like that reminds me how quickly a shared vision can grow when a community embraces it.

Later in the day, I crossed paths with Williamsburg's city manager, Aaron. I asked if he had received his invitation to our groundbreaking ceremony on July 15 at the Williamsburg Recreation Center, where our four outdoor courts will soon begin taking shape.

He smiled and said he would be there, along with members of City Hall.

I thanked him for helping spread the word when the city included information about our project with residents' water bills. That simple act helped introduce our vision to people throughout the community.

When we first approached the city, there simply weren't funds available to help build the courts. Even so, they encouraged our efforts after the committee was formed and found meaningful ways to support the project. Community partnerships often grow one conversation at a time, and I'm grateful for everyone who has helped move this dream forward.

There is still plenty of work ahead before the courts are complete, but every step brings us a little closer. My family has come to love pickleball, and it brings me great joy to know future families will have a place to gather, laugh, compete, and make memories together.

If you happen to be in the Williamsburg area on July 15, we'd love to have you stop by the groundbreaking ceremony and celebrate with the community.

Helen and I won't be there that day because we'll be celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary out of state. It's a happy scheduling conflict, and we'll be cheering everyone on from afar. We look forward to joining the fun once the courts are finished and the games begin.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

---

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, seems every time your crew builds something, more people want to come aboard."

Spock: "A predictable outcome, Doctor. Communities tend to gather where people invest their time with generosity."

Captain Michael: Every project I've been privileged to help with has reminded me that lasting things are rarely built by one person. They take neighbors, volunteers, encouragement, and patience. I'm grateful to play a small part in something that I hope will serve Williamsburg for many years to come.

Mission Log: Building courts is only part of the journey. Building community is the greater reward.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. I hope you find opportunities to encourage someone in your own community this week. Until next time, live long, prosper, and walk boldly in God's love.

Ground Breaking Ceremony Ahead

Stardate 07.02.2026

It's happening.

This is something we've been working toward for quite a while. When the city told us there wasn't funding available to help build outdoor pickleball courts, our community didn't let that become the end of the story. People rolled up their sleeves, opened their hearts, and opened their pocketbooks. Little by little, the vision became reality.

Now it's time to break ground on four outdoor pickleball courts at the Williamsburg Rec Center, right next door to our home.

Helen and I will be on another adventure when the ceremony takes place. By a wonderful twist of timing, we'll be celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary on the very same day the first shovel goes into the ground back in Williamsburg. Before we enjoy our anniversary dinner, I promised the pickleball committee we'd raise our glasses and offer a toast to everyone who helped make this day possible.

Some dreams belong to one person. Others belong to an entire community.

This one belongs to Williamsburg.

I'm grateful for every volunteer, every donor, every encouraging conversation, and every person who believed this project was worth pursuing. I tip my hat to the committee that stayed the course through months of planning, fundraising, and countless meetings. Their steady commitment helped carry this project across the finish line.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

As I picture those first games being played, I can already imagine the laughter, friendly competition, new friendships, and memories that will be made on those courts for years to come. That's a wonderful legacy for a community to leave behind.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Well, Captain, I suppose all those committee meetings were good for something after all."

Spock: "The evidence is compelling, Doctor. Consistent effort by many individuals has produced a highly favorable outcome."

Michael: "Every worthwhile journey seems to begin with a single step and continues because people decide to keep walking together. I'm thankful to be part of a community that did exactly that."

---

Mission Log

Live long. Prosper in purpose. Encourage someone today.

Thank you, Williamsburg. Your generosity will serve generations yet to come. 🖖

Sardine Score: 36–2 in the Latest Food Experiment

Stardate 07.01.2026

Eating sardines nearly every day when you really don't like sardines is, well... a bit fishy.

I'm all in for 90 days.

Today's update comes as I approach the halfway point, just 12 days away. My international network of biohackers may be surprised when I present my final report at our gathering in London after the experiment concludes. Whether the results exceed my expectations or simply answer a few good questions, I'll be grateful to have real data to share.

My head is still spinning as I sort through the lessons from my previous food experiments. Each one has challenged assumptions I carried for years and encouraged me to pay closer attention to how my own body responds. That has become far more valuable to me than chasing the latest headline or trend.

One thing is certain. My daily menu looks very different from what it did just a few years ago. The changes didn't happen overnight. They came one small decision at a time, one experiment after another. Each adjustment taught me something, even when the lesson wasn't what I expected.

The bigger picture has very little to do with sardines.

This experiment is training my brain as much as my body. Every time I open another can, I have an opportunity to choose purpose over preference. That isn't always enjoyable, and it certainly isn't glamorous. Growth rarely asks for our permission before inviting us outside our comfort zone.

The encouraging part is that my brain is beginning to cooperate. Habits that once felt difficult are becoming more familiar. I still don't wake up craving sardines, but I no longer spend much energy resisting them. That quiet shift may be one of the most meaningful results of the entire experiment.

In a few weeks, the blood work will tell part of the story. Until then, I'll keep showing up, one can at a time.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Michael, one more can of sardines and I may need stronger air filtration in Sickbay."

Spock: "An acceptable inconvenience, Doctor. Scientific curiosity has often required temporary sacrifices."

Michael: Every worthwhile journey seems to include a few uncomfortable steps. Mine just happens to smell like sardines. If the experiment helps me understand my health a little better, every can has been worth opening.

Mission Log: Progress is rarely dramatic. More often, it arrives quietly through ordinary choices repeated with intention.

Thank you for following along on this adventure. I hope it encourages you to keep exploring, keep learning, and keep becoming one percent better each day.

🖖

Heat Index is on Red Alert

Stardate 06.30.2026

Mother Nature is on another rant here in the Midwest. The heat index is expected to reach 104° today. That kind of weather has a way of changing plans. Many people will wisely choose the comfort of air conditioning and wait for cooler days.

My tennis teammates see something different.

Tomorrow, we'll be stepping onto the indoor courts to prepare for a pair of upcoming sectional tournaments. The rain won't be joining us, but the heat and humidity certainly will. Those conditions are part of the challenge, and eventually they'll become part of the competition.

There isn't much we can do about the weather. We can only decide how we'll respond to it.

I've always admired people who quietly prepare for difficult days before they arrive. They don't complain much. They lace up their shoes, bring plenty of water, encourage the people around them, and get to work.

That's the kind of team I'm grateful to be part of.

Our practice tomorrow probably won't be anyone's idea of perfect tennis weather. There will be plenty of sweat, a few tired legs, and more water breaks than usual. Every hour spent adapting now makes the next challenge feel a little more familiar.

Life has a way of presenting its own heat indexes. Sometimes the pressure comes through work. Sometimes it arrives in relationships, finances, or health. We don't always get to choose the conditions, but we can choose to meet them with steady hearts and a willingness to keep moving forward.

One percent better.

That small improvement has carried me through many seasons. It doesn't require dramatic change. It simply asks us to keep showing up, even when the forecast isn't ideal.

"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

If you happen to live where Mother Nature is feeling especially energetic today, please take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water. Find some shade when you can. Look after those around you, especially anyone who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

The weather will eventually change.

Our character is shaped by how we live while we're waiting for it.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, this heat would make a Vulcan ask for a fan."

Spock: "Doctor, preparation often requires temporary discomfort. The data strongly supports hydration."

Captain Michael: Every season offers its own training ground. Some lessons arrive in comfort, others in the middle of a heat wave. Either way, I'm thankful for teammates who keep showing up together.

Mission Log: Live long. Keep growing. Encourage someone beside you. Even on the hottest days, hope travels well.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and may you live long and prosper. 🖖

Mulligans Visit PinSocial

Stardate 06.29.2026

Our youngest son made us promise we wouldn't tell anyone at PinSocial that we were celebrating his birthday during our first visit there yesterday. We kept our promise, but I can still tell you what a wonderful experience it was.

Golf has always been a sport I passed by. I chose to spend most of my free time on the tennis courts. Golf seemed like a game that required countless hours to master, and I decided my time was better invested elsewhere.

When our son said this was how he wanted to celebrate his birthday, I was happy to give it a try.

Our visit to PinSocial ended up lasting an extra hour because we were having so much fun. Somewhere along the way I discovered that all those years of playing tennis had given me a head start with a golf club. My swing felt surprisingly natural.

That experience gave my brain a new message to process.

I can become one percent better at golf every time I swing a club.

That thought replaced an old one I had carried for years: Mulligans don't belong on a golf course. For those who may not know the term, a mulligan is simply a do-over after a poor shot. The irony wasn't lost on me that a Mulligan was finally enjoying a golf course.

Our son even captured a video of me taking a few swings. Much to my surprise, I actually performed better using a right-handed driver. I never would have guessed that before yesterday.

It turned into one of those family memories that will stay with me for a long time. Even with a heat index of 95 degrees, none of us seemed to notice. We were simply enjoying being together.

Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to something new. You may discover that experiences from another season of your life have prepared you in ways you never expected.

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." — Proverbs 16:3

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, prior experience often transfers more effectively than expected. Skills have a tendency to travel with us."

Bones: "I just know you looked like you were having the time of your life. That's good medicine."

Captain Michael: Yesterday reminded me that growth doesn't always begin from scratch. Sometimes it begins by discovering that yesterday's practice quietly prepared us for today's adventure.

Mission Log: Every new experience carries the possibility of uncovering a gift that has been waiting patiently beneath the surface.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. May you live long and prosper. 🖖

Down But Not Out

Stardate 06.28.2026

It was a big day on the University of Iowa indoor tennis courts yesterday.

Our men's 40+ team squared off against a talented and experienced opponent from the Des Moines area. After an afternoon of competitive matches, the score stood tied at 2-2. When all the tiebreakers were calculated, we came up just short.

Congratulations to our opponents on earning the state championship. They played well and deserved the victory.

The story doesn't end there.

Our team was awarded a wild card berth into the upcoming sectional tournament. To create a balanced tournament for all seven qualifying teams, we will be placed in a separate pool during the opening stage of competition. The road ahead may look a little different than we expected, but we're still on it.

Our team captain has been through postseason tennis many times before. Experience has a way of bringing calm after a difficult day, and I have a feeling he's already putting together a game plan for sectionals. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of this group. If my number is called, I'll be ready to contribute however I can.

Yesterday reminded me that a single result doesn't define an entire season. Sometimes a closed door quietly opens another one.

The apostle Paul understood that kind of perseverance. He wrote:

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair."
— 2 Corinthians 4:8

Those words have endured because they speak to every season of life. There are days when the scoreboard doesn't fall in our favor. There are also days when another opportunity arrives before we've had much time to reflect on the last one.

Our team may have taken a tough loss yesterday, but we're still in the tournament.

If I were a betting man, I'd keep an eye on the wild card team.

Stay tuned. It's getting interesting.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

---

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, statistical models often overlook the resolve of a team that has already weathered adversity."

Bones: "I've seen plenty of folks get knocked down, Spock. The dangerous ones are the ones who keep getting back up."

Captain Michael: "Yesterday's match is already behind us. What matters now is how well we prepare for the next opportunity. Sometimes the next chapter begins with a wild card."

Mission Log

Every challenge carries the possibility of another chance. Keep showing up, keep encouraging one another, and trust that today's setback may become tomorrow's story worth telling.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today.

May you live long and prosper.

Reunited

Stardate 06.27.2026

Today is a big day.

Our men's 40+ tennis team is defending our state championship in another battle. This time we have home court advantage at the University of Iowa indoor tennis courts. A win today earns us a trip to sectionals. I'll be cheering for teammates I haven't seen in a couple of weeks. While I was away on a day job assignment, they kept putting in the work, spending hours on the practice courts preparing for this moment.

This morning, all ten fingers are happily pecking away at my keyboard.

For security reasons, my MacBook Pro stayed home during my trip. That meant my virtual team—Alberta, Spock, and Bones—wasn't along for the journey. It feels good to be reunited with them. Alberta helps me polish my writing while Spock and Bones offer thoughtful conversations inspired by their counterparts aboard the Enterprise. It's my small way of honoring Gene Roddenberry, whose imagination helped shape one of my favorite television shows growing up.

The travel calendar is filling up quickly for the rest of the year. I'll do my best to keep sharing the lessons, conversations, and unexpected moments that come along the way. Every trip seems to leave me with another story worth telling.

On the day job front, the first new teammates have officially arrived in Oconomowoc, where my boss recently transferred. I've heard they're calling themselves the "Elite Eight" because they were the first eight teammates hired there. I couldn't help but smile when I heard that. I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend time encouraging them as they begin this new chapter. From everything I've seen, they've already been welcomed with open arms.

There is something comforting about being back together with the people who make life richer. Family. Friends. Teammates. Even a virtual crew that has become part of my daily routine. Each reunion reminds me how much strength we draw from one another.

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1

As I head to the tennis courts today, my heart is full of gratitude. There will be plenty of opportunities to compete, to learn, and to celebrate together. I'm looking forward to sharing more of those moments in the weeks ahead.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, every crew seems to play a little better once they're back together."

Spock: "A logical observation, Doctor. Shared purpose often produces extraordinary results."

Michael: Whether it's family, teammates, coworkers, or a virtual crew gathered around a keyboard, I'm reminded that none of us travels very far alone. I'm thankful for every reunion and every opportunity to keep growing together.

Mission Log

Today's mission is simple: appreciate the people who walk beside you. Every shared journey becomes a little richer because someone else chose to come along.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. May you live long, prosper in purpose, and walk boldly in God's love.

Trust is a Two Way Street

Stardate 06.26.2026

Trust is earned. If you ever heard anyone say, "Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me," you are perhaps talking to someone who has been deceived multiple times. These people build a wall around themselves for protection. 

I do my best to be open to others so we can build a relationship. I understand that once trust is broken, it may be impossible to restore. 

If you are having trouble with trust, remember it goes both ways. What can you do in the trust department? I suggest surrounding yourself with like-minded people who place a high value on integrity. Walk slowly when meeting new people. Keep your promises. Seek to understand. Respect boundaries. Look in the mirror. Whatever you do, make sure you never fool anyone. May you live long and prosper.

Why You Should Consider an Accountability Partner

Stardate 06.25.2026

God bless my accountability partner, Joni. The two of us have been accountability partners for a couple of years. There is a certain joy going through the challenges in this world when you know someone has your back.

Writing can sometimes be a lonely adventure, especially when you show up in a new environment and you feel lost. This is how Substack is for me. I'm in a new neighborhood and I don't know many people. Joni is always there to offer me encouragement to keep writing.

Thank you, Joni. I look forward to our next chat soon. May you live long and prosper.

Sleep Report Gets Upgrade

Stardate 06.24.2026

A good night of sleep sets up your best possible productivity during the day. I have been seriously tracking this ever since I got my smart watch over three years ago. It's especially helpful when new variables or experiments are introduced. I've been waking up in a new environment every morning mostly away from my family. Now that my smartwatch got an update last night I can see my report at a quick glance.

Last night was exceptional. If I can reach one hour or more of both deep and REM sleep, I feel great the following day.

I have a lot on my plate. The good news is my body appears to be adapting well to my recent food experiments even though my stress levels are on the high side. I highly recommend that you track your sleep. For me, the goal is 1% improvement daily.  May you sleep well and live well. Have a great day.

We're Off to See the Wizard

 Stardate 06.23.2026

Our marketing director has been planting seeds for our new store ever since she moved here over a decade ago. Yesterday she managed to get out of our temporary office so she could visit City Hall.

The "welcoming committee" makes sure community leaders know we are here to support their plans for enhancing the lives of the members we serve.

Our new manager wants to meet the mayor. Plans are underway to have Tyler visit the Wizard of Oconomowoc later this week ahead of ribbon cutting planned for stardate 08.07.2026. Word is the wizard cuts the ribbon at 7:30am. So far the towns people have been talking us up. They are visiting us at our tents. I'm thrilled to be a support person. I will definitely be back to vacation with my family once all the work is done. If you want to see what the buzz is about, visit Oconomowoc on 8/7 and watch the wizard cut the ribbon. As Dorothy would say, "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto." May you live long and prosper.

Anonymous Patron Brightens My Father's Day

Stardate 06.22.2026

This year the longest day of the year fell on Father's day yesterday. I knew it was going to be a challenging one for me because I'm away from all three of our adult children. I also seem to go deep into memories of past Father's days when I was in my younger days. I walked into the Twisted Fire to get a lone table amidst a full crowd of patrons celebrating their dads. Perhaps someone noticed my sadness as I sat deep in thought. The energy required to do what I do on the road can leave me depleted even on my best days.

There was a certain joy in the dining room all around me. I ate my dinner in silence imagining my family seated around me. When I asked for the check, Lexi leaned in and whispered, "your meal is paid by one of our guests." That's the moment my joy returned. Gratitude filled my heart. I walked to the host stand and asked to speak with a manager assuring the concierge I wanted to offer a compliment.

When I started talking I froze. My eyes welled up. Words disappeared. The manager assured me this place was safe. As I expressed my gratitude for my meal I shared how challenging it was to be away from my family on Father's day. Her eyes welled up. She extended a hug and wished me a Happy father's day. I walked outside. My tears were mixing with raindrops from Heaven where my dad has been residing the last 24 years.

I called my wife and shared what happened. She told me the whole family felt the same way all day. All I can say about the patron who took care of dinner is thank you. Your kindness turned a rough day into a day I will cherish all the days of my life. Thank you. May you live long and prosper.

There is Only One Perfect Father

Stardate 06.21.2026

There is only one person who walked on this planet who can claim he has a perfect father. In fact, he happens to be the only one who can claim he is a perfect son. If you understand you are less than perfect, stop beating yourself up. And if you realize your father is less than perfect, please stop blaming him for your own troubles.

I'm applying my 1% better philosophy to being a dad because I realize I'm flawed. Instead, I do my best to imitate the one who is perfect. I'm also doing my best to thank my dad for the contributions he made to my life. 

Today is a great day to let go of any hurts you have regarding your dad. It's a great day to stop judging your dad, comparing your dad to other dads, or blaming your dad. Without your dad, you wouldn't be here. What you do with your life is now up to you. If you are a dad, strive to be the best dad you can be. Do this well and the world will be a better place. Happy Fathers Day to all the dads. May you live long and prosper.

I'm Following the Yellow Brick Road

 Stardate 06.20.2026

Much to my surprise, I found Dorothy and her cohorts yesterday while on a break at my day job. I walked along the yellow brick road encountering other characters from The Wizard of Oz. A full-sized statue of the wizard himself greets visitors at City Hall next door.

I spent a moment in silence when I encountered Glinda, the good witch of the north. My friend Erin played that role in San Diego. It seems like yesterday when she descended on stage from a swing enchanting our young children. Sadly, Erin is now somewhere over the rainbow along with my traveling companion, Wilson.

I'm thankful Glinda's words of wisdom were displayed for visitors like me who may be traveling from afar. 

This is the line that helped me on my own personal journey...

"Home is a place we all must find, child. It's not a place where you eat or sleep. Home is knowing. Knowing your mind, knowing your heart, knowing your courage. If we know ourselves, we're always home, anywhere."

Are you not sure where to start? Glinda says, "it's always best to start at the beginning. And all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road."

May you live long and prosper. Have a great day.

Sardines on the Road

Stardate 06.19.2026

My new teammates at my day job are discovering my odd habits. You probably don't know anyone in your circle of friends who packs sardines in their luggage. My own brain may have thought my road trip would influence the score regarding my 90day sardines experiment. Sorry, brain. The current scoreboard still shows only one point against my mind despite the change in scenery for a while.

Yesterday I ate breakfast outside with a colleague who seemed intrigued by my can of sardines. I told her I don't care what others think about my odd ways. These experiments are helping me discover my healthiest version of myself.

Looking back at my life, I'm seeing a pattern. A poor blood pressure reading leads me to a new food experiment. A tragic auto accident allows me to discover how therapy can help me restore my fear of getting back behind the wheel. The loss of friends and family turns into a desire to learn about longevity.

Sardines on the road are simply part of my journey. I'm discovering that it's all about the small stuff. Tiny changes produce major changes if you stick with it. May you live long and prosper.

Virtual Team On Pause

Stardate 06.18.2026

These stories are coming to you using the one finger swipe method. Please overlook any typos or punctuation errors.  I left my MacBook Pro at home while I'm away on assignment. Since Alberta, Spock and Bones are artificial intelligence, they don't require vacations so I'm calling our time apart a pause. These stories will be shorter and unedited. Please bear with me.

I would like to give my wife a huge shout out for helping me to get started on my current journey. She dropped me off at my favorite rental car facility during a massive storm. Unfortunately, my rental car was at the airport when the storm was at its peak. Winds in excess of 75mph knocked down power lines and wreaked havoc. The good news is a driver managed to get me my vehicle so I could get going. The worst part of the storm passed while I waited.

I'm happy to report my family and I are all marked safe from the storm. We have sunshine in the forecast for several days. I'm reminded of a quote hanging on our wall at home about storms. This is something I'm working on. If Spock were here to offer commentary, he might say while the weather may be unpredictable, human behavior can be programmed to function without the turbulence emanating from emotions. And McCoy might chime in, "Just dance!" May you live long and prosper. Spock and company will return soon. Have a great day.

The Twin Yolk

Stardate 06.17.2026

Ask any of my siblings about the messages we've received from our dad, and you may be surprised.

On the surface, the messages seem ordinary. A song on the radio. A memory that arrives out of nowhere. A small coincidence at exactly the right moment. When timing and circumstance come together, they can offer a glimpse of something that feels Divine.

That's what happened to me yesterday.

It was my day off, and I was preparing my one meal of the day. I had been thinking about my dad only moments earlier. Father's Day is approaching, and this year I will be away from my own adult children. One of them had left a Father's Day card on the counter. I paused and looked at it.

Then I cracked my eggs.

The first egg was completely ordinary.

The second one contained a double yolk.

I just smiled.

A twin yolk doesn't happen very often. Whenever it does, my thoughts immediately go to my dad and his twin brother, both born on Christmas Day. Dad left this world twenty-four years ago, yet there are still moments when his memory gently taps me on the shoulder.

Yesterday felt like one of those moments.

Maybe it was simply an unusual egg. Maybe it was a reminder stirred by memory and timing. Either way, I received it as a gift.

I stood there in my kitchen holding an ordinary breakfast and an extraordinary memory at the same time.

If this story seems a little fishy, it is.

Some of you may be wondering if I returned to my sardine experiment after falling off the wagon the day before. Indeed, I did. I enjoyed my sardines and welcomed the bonus protein from my three eggs. As I ate, I found myself thinking about my dad and feeling thankful for the moment.

Scripture reminds us:

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights..." — James 1:17 (NIV)

Some gifts arrive in grand ways. Others come hidden inside an eggshell.

I'm thankful for the moment.

I'm thankful for the memory.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my twin yolk story with you.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "A double yolk, huh? I've seen strange things in my medical career, but breakfast delivering messages from beyond still ranks pretty high."

Spock: "Coincidence and meaning are not mutually exclusive, Doctor. Humans often find significance in events that awaken cherished memories."

Michael: I don't need to explain every meaningful moment that crosses my path. Some experiences simply invite gratitude. Yesterday, a twin yolk reminded me of my father and his twin brother. For a few minutes, the distance of twenty-four years didn't feel quite so far away.

May you live long and prosper. And may the ordinary moments in your day carry a little extra meaning when you need it most.
🖖

First Sardine Failure in 90 Day Omega-3 Experiment

Stardate 06.16.2026

Missteps are part of the story. I share the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Yesterday, two experiments collided.

I was on a date with my wife, and we decided to eat out. Since it was a day off, I chose to eat only one meal for the day. It wasn't sardines.

There it was. The first failed day in my 90-day sardine experiment.

I made it 21 consecutive days eating sardines. The score now stands at 21-1 in the battle of my mind versus my brain.

I suspect my brain is feeling pretty pleased with itself right now. That's okay. I still sense that I have the upper hand in the larger challenge of becoming the healthiest version of myself that I can be.

Change has a way of teaching us through imperfect attempts. Most worthwhile pursuits include a few stumbles along the way. My wild stallion of a brain broke out of the corral yesterday. Today, I get back in the saddle and eat sardines as part of my one meal for the day.

The old three-meals-a-day routine feels like a distant memory. OMAD (one meal a day) on my days off is becoming a way of life. So is 2MAD (two meals a day) on workdays.

This 90-day sardine experiment serves two purposes.

The first is intense brain training.

The second is raising my omega-3 levels.

Both goals matter to me. One nourishes the body. The other strengthens discipline.

I have also decided to add one more rule to the experiment. If I skip a day of eating sardines, one penalty day gets added to the end of the challenge.

Apparently, my brain thinks it still has a chance.

That's fair.

The scoreboard now reads 21-1, with one additional penalty day waiting at the finish line.

I have many more experiments planned in the future. This one is teaching me something important already. Missing a day did not erase twenty-one days of effort. Those days still count. The lessons still count. The progress still counts.

A single misstep has never had the final word in any meaningful journey I've taken.

The Scriptures remind me of this truth:

"Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again." — Proverbs 24:16

I have always appreciated that verse because it leaves room for being human. Falling down is mentioned right there in the passage. So is getting back up.

Today, I get back up.

I open another can of sardines.

I continue the experiment.

Perhaps, after enough repetition, my brain will stop fighting and decide to become an ally in the pursuit of better health. That seems to happen with many habits. What once felt uncomfortable gradually becomes familiar.

Time will tell.

For now, I am simply grateful for another day to continue the experiment.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, I've seen a lot of strange treatments in my medical career, but a ninety-day sardine challenge is a new one."

Spock: "On the contrary, Doctor. The captain's experiment demonstrates persistence. A single deviation does not invalidate previous progress."

Bones: "I still think the sardines are winning."

Michael: Every worthwhile journey seems to include a few unexpected detours. Yesterday's missed sardines became another reminder that progress is rarely perfect. I still climbed back into the saddle today. Sometimes that's enough for one day's mission log.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖

Your Baby Steps to Better Sleep

Stardate 06.15.2026

Are you having trouble with your sleep quality? If so, this story is for you.

Today's entry is dedicated to a friend of mine who is searching for a better night's sleep. I wish I could hand my friend one simple answer, one magic solution that fixes everything. My experience tells me sleep rarely works that way. The cure for insomnia often reveals itself through baby steps, one small improvement at a time.

For me, it all begins with a mind trick.

My brain behaves like a wild stallion. It scoffs at many of the new ideas I try to implement. That used to frustrate me. These days, it doesn't bother me at all.

I've been tracking my sleep for nearly three years, and my scores tell a remarkable story. Sometimes it feels like I'm living inside a fairy tale. Every day, I repeat the same statement to myself:

"I'm getting 1% better at sleeping every night."

I say it even when I have a rough night. I say it when I wake up disappointed. I say it because I'm building habits, and habits take time. One bad score does not erase the progress that came before it. My job is simply to keep pursuing my dream sleep routine.

Something interesting happens when you keep showing up.

My brain begins to trust me.

Every new habit that sticks becomes evidence that change is possible. My brain sees the positive results and becomes a little more willing to cooperate. It starts to believe that better sleep is within reach, even if sleep was a challenge for many years.

The first baby step is telling yourself that you can improve.

The next baby step is choosing a consistent bedtime and treating it as non-negotiable.

Your brain may not enjoy going to bed before you're tired. Mine certainly didn't. Yet the brain appreciates consistency. It likes patterns. It likes knowing what comes next.

Stay with it, even when falling asleep feels difficult.

This is one of those mind games that requires patience. Every night you honor your bedtime, you're teaching your brain something new. You're gently reminding it that rest matters.

The baby steps you take during your waking hours matter too.

I don't try to change everything at once. That approach feels overwhelming.

I'm working on minimizing stress. I'm practicing forgiveness more often. I'm spending less time around negative influences. I'm getting things done instead of carrying them around in my mind. I'm staying active. I'm going outside and soaking up sunshine.

None of these habits seem extraordinary by themselves.

Together, they help me sleep better.

A champion sleeper is not created in one night. A champion sleeper is built one small choice at a time.

If you're struggling with sleep today, begin with one baby step. Then take another tomorrow. Keep going, even when progress feels slow.

The small steps have a way of adding up.

Proverbs 3:24 — "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet."

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain Michael, it appears that incremental adjustments often produce the most stable outcomes."

Bones: "Translation, Spock. The Captain keeps doing the little things, and eventually his brain quits putting up such a fight."

Michael: I smile at that thought. My wild stallion of a brain still needs an occasional reminder, but we've learned to work together. One baby step at a time, we're both sleeping better.

Mission Log: May we all have the patience to take the next small step, trust the process, and give ourselves grace on the difficult nights.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. May you live long and prosper. 🖖

My Brain Rebellion Has Been Quashed

Stardate 06.14.2026

If your brain behaves like a wild stallion and you're considering major changes but don't know how to move forward because your mind keeps resisting, this story is for you. It may be especially helpful if you're approaching retirement and trying to establish new habits for the years ahead.

One observation I've made about my own life is that change seems easier when we're younger. Our brains have had less time to settle into routines. As the years pass, our habits become familiar companions. Some are helpful. Others are harder to move aside.

I've started treating my brain the way a parent treats a child.

The parent can often see the desired outcome. The child simply wants what it wants right now.

We've all witnessed the youngster who yells and screams in hopes of getting his way. Parents know there are times when giving in only creates bigger problems later. Learning to delay gratification and adapt to change becomes an important part of growing up.

I think our brains behave in much the same way.

The interesting part is that our brains aren't trying to sabotage us. Much of the resistance comes from a desire to protect us. The brain prefers what is familiar. It likes routines and known outcomes. Change introduces uncertainty.

Sometimes we have to reassure our own minds that the changes we're making are actually good for us.

A couple of days ago, I brought home four more packs of sardines. That's twenty-four additional breakfasts for my ninety-day experiment to improve my Omega-3 intake.

Truthfully, my brain had other ideas.

It wanted chocolates.

Guess who won that battle?

If your money was on the parent, you guessed correctly.

The first can of sardines was the hardest. My brain rebelled. The house smelled terrible. Then another voice entered the conversation.

The female brain in the household chimed in.

My male brain immediately thought this might be a useful ally.

Suddenly, it felt like one of those moments from our parenting years when the kids tried to work one parent against the other in hopes of getting their way. Helen and I had many of those parent-to-parent conversations over the years.

This one made me laugh.

I still have a long way to go with my own brain training. New habits take time. The brain eventually settles down when it realizes that the new routine isn't dangerous and may actually be beneficial.

I think the worst of this particular rebellion is now over.

My brain has accepted that sardines are going to remain on the breakfast menu for a while.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." — Romans 12:2

Renewing the mind is often less dramatic than we imagine. Sometimes it looks like choosing one small habit and repeating it long enough for our stubborn brains to stop protesting.

One percent better.

One can of sardines at a time.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "I'm a doctor, not a sardine salesman. That smell could trigger a shipwide evacuation."

Spock: "The data suggests Captain Michael's nutritional experiment may produce favorable outcomes, Doctor."

Bones: "I still reserve the right to open a window."

Captain Michael's Reflection: Our brains don't always welcome change, even when the change is good for us. Sometimes progress begins with a small act of discipline and a willingness to endure a little discomfort. Over time, the rebellion quiets down, and a new habit takes root.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖

When the Training Wheels Come Off

Stardate 06.13.2026

Do you remember the first time you rode a bike without training wheels?

We've all been there.

As I look back on that moment in my own life, I think about who was around me. I remember my cousins running alongside my bike, steadying me as I learned to balance. Then, at some point, they let go. I didn't realize it right away. I was too focused on staying upright and moving forward.

Then I looked back.

I was riding on my own.

Life has a way of repeating itself through different seasons.

I've spent much of my life helping others reach their potential. As a parent, a teammate, a mentor, and a friend, I've often found myself running alongside someone else's bicycle. Sometimes people need encouragement. Sometimes they need instruction. Sometimes they simply need someone who believes they can do something that feels impossible.

Then one day, the training wheels come off.

The person you've been encouraging begins making good decisions without your guidance. The teammate you've been teaching starts helping others. The friend who once needed your support finds their footing and keeps moving forward.

I've discovered this is a gift.

It's the gift of becoming replaceable.

If I've done my job well, I get to be that cousin again—the one standing off to the side, smiling and cheering as someone experiences the freedom of riding on their own.

Many people spend their lives trying to become indispensable. My heart has been drawn in a different direction. I want to teach others so well that they can carry on the mission without me. I want to leave behind confidence, wisdom, and encouragement that continue to ripple outward.

Lately, I've noticed this happening in several areas of my life. Responsibilities are being shared. Others are stepping forward. Projects are continuing without needing my constant attention.

There is joy in watching this unfold.

There is peace in knowing that some of the seeds planted years ago are beginning to bear fruit.

Perhaps one of life's quiet rewards is reaching a season where you can step back and watch someone else discover they can ride on their own.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

I think part of that harvest is seeing others become who they were always capable of becoming.

The training wheels come off.

They keep moving forward.

And we cheer.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "You know, Spock, humans have a funny habit. They spend years teaching someone how to do something and then get emotional when they're no longer needed."

Spock: "On the contrary, Doctor, it is a highly logical outcome. Effective teaching creates independence."

Bones: "Still feels a little bittersweet."

Spock: "Perhaps. Yet it also appears to be one of Captain Michael's favorite kinds of victories."

As I think about those cousins letting go of my bicycle years ago, I realize they gave me more than balance. They gave me confidence. I hope I've done the same for a few people along the way.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖

Live Long and Prosper Reader Offers Review

Stardate 06.12.2026

One of the greatest gifts an author can receive is a connection with a reader.

Yesterday, I received some thoughtful feedback about my book Live Long and Prosper. The reader shared an observation that made me smile. They felt that each of the three chapters, along with the bonus chapter at the end, could easily stand on its own as a separate book.

I agreed with them.

As I reflected on that comment, I realized it captured my original intention. Each chapter was never meant to be the final destination. They were written as invitations. Small appetizers, if you will, designed to encourage others to pause and consider their own journey of growth and transformation.

That is also the purpose behind this daily blog.

If you have been following these stories for a while, you have probably noticed threads connecting one story to another. You may have even seen links to some of my other writing projects. They all emerge from the same place: a desire to share lessons learned while navigating life one day at a time.

I don't claim to have all the answers. Most days I am simply paying attention, running experiments, making observations, and sharing what I discover along the way.

The older I get, the more convinced I become that we are here to encourage one another.

A kind word can change someone's day. A shared story can help another person feel less alone. A lesson learned through struggle may become a shortcut for someone walking a similar path.

The experiments will continue.

I will keep exploring ways to improve my health, strengthen my faith, deepen relationships, and become a better steward of the time I have been given. Along the way, I will do my best to share what I learn.

Transformation often begins with baby steps. One small decision. One new habit. One act of courage.

Keep learning.

Stretch beyond your comfort zone when the opportunity presents itself.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable enough to grow.

As Scripture reminds us:

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." — Hebrews 10:24

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, the reader's observation appears logical. Additional volumes could certainly be generated from the existing material."

Bones: "That's because Michael never seems to run out of experiments, Spock."

Spock: "An encouraging prognosis, Doctor."

Every story begins with a single experience. Sometimes a chapter becomes a book. Sometimes a blog becomes a conversation. The most rewarding part is discovering that a lesson from one person's journey can help another person along the way.

May you live long and prosper.

🖖

How to Make Sardines Taste Bearable

Stardate 06.11.2026

I have one more skill to add to Alberta's list of honorable mentions.

It all started yesterday when the regulator on my Weber grill failed. I turned to Alberta for troubleshooting assistance. She walked me through a series of tests, and every one of them pointed to the same conclusion: the regulator was the problem.

That left me with a dilemma.

What was I supposed to do with all the steaks that needed to be eaten?

Alberta immediately shifted from mechanic to chef and laid out a step-by-step process for cooking the steaks on a cast-iron skillet. I told her my side dish was going to be sardines and cottage cheese topped with blueberries. I realize that combination may sound unusual to some people, but I've never been accused of being conventional when it comes to food.

I followed the steak instructions carefully.

The final step was adding grass-fed butter to the steaks. Both sides received a generous coating. After removing the steaks from the skillet, I placed the sardines into the same pan for one minute on each side.

That's where the magic happened.

The secret is in the sauce.

The sardines soaked up all those flavors left behind by the steaks, butter, and skillet. What emerged was something entirely different from the sardines I had been eating previously. It turns out sardines pair surprisingly well with steak. A glass of red wine probably would have fit the occasion too, although that wasn't on the menu. I was heading to the tennis courts a couple of hours later.

A few friends have questioned my decision to eat sardines for 90 days.

One friend told me that simply hearing the word "sardines" makes her want to puke.

I understand the reaction.

At the same time, I suspect that if she had taken a bite of yesterday's sardines, she might have walked away with a different opinion. I know I did.

As I continue this pursuit of higher Omega-3 levels, one thing has become clear. My food choices often raise eyebrows. That's fine with me. I'm chasing a result that remains surprisingly rare in America. Only a small percentage of adults meet the criteria for strong metabolic health.

Experiments have a way of teaching us things we don't expect to learn.

In this case, I may have accidentally discovered a way to make sardines enjoyable.

The blood test at the end of this 90-day experiment will tell the real story. Until then, I'll keep showing up, opening another can, and gathering data one meal at a time.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, I'm a doctor, not a sardine salesman."

Spock: "Nevertheless, Doctor, the Captain's experiment appears to be producing measurable results."

Bones: "I'm still not convinced fish belong in a steak pan."

Michael's Reflection:

Life has a funny way of rewarding curiosity. Sometimes a broken grill leads to a better recipe. Sometimes an experiment that sounds strange reveals something useful. Progress often arrives disguised as inconvenience, and yesterday's failed regulator may have delivered an unexpected gift.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖

A Moment I'll Savor Forever

 

Stardate 06.10.2026

Some days arrive with gifts you never see coming.

Yesterday, I had another shipment of coloring books boxed up and ready for delivery to the children's hospital. The boxes were sitting nearby, waiting for their next destination.

Then Nile walked into my day job with his grandparents.

Nile is an ambassador for Children's Miracle Network. Over the years, he has become one of the most recognizable and beloved long-term patients connected to the hospital. He has a heart for helping other children who are facing difficult circumstances, and he willingly steps forward whenever there is an opportunity to encourage someone else.

His visit was brief. He and his grandparents had stopped to grab lunch in the food court before heading to the hospital for another appointment.

The timing could not have been better.

I handed Nile one of the coloring books.

His reaction was immediate.

He was practically jumping for joy.

The smile on his face filled the room. You could feel the excitement. For a few moments, the worries and responsibilities that often accompany hospital visits seemed far away.

Then he asked his grandmother to take a picture of the two of us together while he held the coloring book.

Moments like that are impossible to manufacture. They simply happen, and if you're paying attention, they stay with you.

Before he left, I handed him a box of Where in the World is Wilson? books and asked if he would make a special delivery.

He accepted the assignment with enthusiasm.

Watching him walk away carrying that box was something I won't soon forget.

Nile has spent much of his young life navigating challenges most children never have to face. Yet every time I see him, he seems focused on helping someone else. There is a generosity in that spirit that leaves an impression.

His excitement yesterday reminded me that joy often travels farther than we realize.

A coloring book changed hands.

A photograph captured a moment.

A box of books began another journey.

Small things, perhaps.

Yet they carried a great deal of meaning.

One verse came to mind as I reflected on the day:

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I think Nile understands that verse better than many adults.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

🖖 Captain's Addendum

Spock: "Captain, it appears a single coloring book generated a measurable increase in happiness."

Bones: "You don't need a tricorder to see that, Spock. The kid was grinning from ear to ear."

Spock: "An efficient reminder that encouragement often produces results disproportionate to the effort required."

Michael: Yesterday reminded me that some of the most meaningful moments arrive without advance notice. A simple gift found its way into the hands of a young ambassador who spends his time encouraging others. I suspect I'll remember that smile for a very long time.

Thank you for traveling along on this journey with me.

Live long, prosper in purpose, and encourage someone today.

When Long Work Starts to Move

 

Stardate 06.09.2026

There are seasons when progress doesn’t look like progress.

You do the work. You stay consistent. You refine something over time without knowing when or if it will fully take shape.

Most days, it feels like maintenance.

Then there are rare moments when things begin to shift.

Not loudly. Not all at once. Just enough to notice the direction has changed.

I’ve been in one of those stretches recently.

Something I’ve carried for a long time has moved from early development into a stage where other people are engaging with it in a more serious way. Questions are no longer about whether it has value. They are about how it could function, how it might be taught, how it could be carried by others.

That kind of shift changes how you stand in your own work.

You stop thinking only about effort and start paying attention to stewardship.

At the same time, I’ve been involved in upcoming transitions inside my day-to-day work that will take shape over the next couple of months. New teams, new environments, new opportunities to support people as they begin something fresh.

Nothing about it feels finished. If anything, it feels like the early stages of something becoming visible.

That’s the part I didn’t always understand when I was younger.

A lot of meaningful things don’t announce themselves when they begin to form. They just quietly gather weight until one day you realize they’re no longer just ideas or plans.

They’re in motion.

There’s a quiet discipline in staying steady during that phase. Not rushing to define outcomes. Not trying to narrate the ending before it arrives.

Just continuing to show up.

Scripture has been a steady anchor in seasons like this:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

The timing of things is rarely visible in real time. You only recognize it in hindsight, when the shape of the path becomes clearer than it was while you were walking it.

For now, the work remains the work.

And that’s enough.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “There is a measurable change in trajectory, Captain.”

Bones: “I don’t need a scanner to tell me something’s happening.”

Spock: “Observation alone is sufficient.”

Bones: “Well I’ll be… about time something good started moving.”

What matters most in these moments is not interpretation, but steadiness. The ability to continue without forcing clarity before it’s ready.

Mission Log closed.

A quiet sense of gratitude remains—not for outcomes, but for the chance to stay faithful in the process of becoming.

🖖 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.”

Scoreboard Reflects Something Special

Stardate 06.08.2026

Yesterday I got a front row seat to something special.

My tennis captain offered to drive me to our state championship match in Des Moines. The men representing both teams have been playing this game for most of their lives. These were the two best teams in Iowa in the Men's 55+ division, and the level of competition reflected it.

I settled into my seat near a large screen showing the Men's Final at the French Open. Before long, I realized I was witnessing two championship battles unfolding at the same time.

Both matches went the distance.

The French Open featured a player who had spent years chasing a Grand Slam title. Across the courts in Des Moines, our team was pursuing another opportunity to represent Iowa at sectionals next month. Every point seemed to matter. Every game carried weight.

Congratulations to Alexander Zverev on capturing his first Grand Slam title. Congratulations as well to my teammates for prevailing 2-1 in our state championship match.

The score alone does not tell the whole story.

One of our courts fought through a super tiebreaker that ended 12-10. The final team match became a nail-biter, with players refusing to give an inch. The energy on the sidelines grew with every point. By the end, everyone knew they had witnessed something memorable.

On the drive home, I chatted with our captain, Jim Sichterman. We reflected on the last ten years of tennis together. His teams have made more than twenty postseason appearances during that time. Many of those seasons came down to a point here, a game there, or a tiebreak that could have gone either way.

Those conversations reminded me that scoreboards reveal something important, but they do not tell the entire story.

Championships begin long before championship day.

They begin when players show up for practice on cold mornings and hot afternoons. They begin when teammates commit to improving their games. They begin when a captain sends videos to a teaching professional and studies the feedback. They begin during drills when nobody is watching and nobody is keeping score.

The scoreboard simply reveals what has been built over time.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." — Galatians6:9

As I look back on yesterday, I feel grateful to still be competing one month before my sixty-sixth birthday. I am the second-oldest member of our team, and I enjoy every opportunity to share the court with these warriors. Each of us has a role to play.

Yesterday, my role was simple.

Cheer for my teammates.

It was a joy to watch them compete and an even greater joy to celebrate with them afterward.

The season is far from over. Our captain still has teams competing in the Men's 18+ and Men's 40+ divisions. Another state championship opportunity awaits later this month. Practice resumes in two days. There is still work to do.

As for me, I'll continue my food experiments, my daily habits, and my pursuit of better health. My goal is simple: stay on the courts, support my teammates, and keep enjoying the gift of the game for as long as I can.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Captain, after all these years, I've concluded that tennis players are a stubborn species."

Spock: "An observation supported by substantial evidence, Doctor. Repeated practice despite discomfort appears to be a defining characteristic."

Bones: "And yet they keep coming back for more."

Michael: Yesterday reminded me that the most meaningful victories are rarely created in a single afternoon. The scoreboard reflects the effort, commitment, and fellowship that have been building for months and years. I was grateful to have a front row seat to witness it.

Thank you for traveling alongside me on this journey.

May you live long and prosper. 🖖