Do You Have Encumbrances in Your Life?

Stardate 02.23.2026

Don’t worry. Your answer to today’s question is for your eyes only.

If you’re like me, you probably carry more than one encumbrance. That’s part of being human. The weight isn’t the issue. What you do with the weight is what shapes you.

I developed survival instincts early in life. Some of the people who influenced me back then worried they had something to do with the roadblocks to my joy. I see it differently now.

Those roadblocks became training ground.

The person I am becoming is directly connected to how I carry my encumbrances.

You’ve heard the sayings:

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
“God will not give you more than you can handle.”

But sometimes life does feel like more than we can handle.

That is where I imagine the ongoing conversation between Spock and Leonard McCoy.

Logic and emotion. Discipline and compassion. Acceptance and protest.

Standing quietly between them is James T. Kirk.

At Starfleet Academy, Kirk faced the Kobayashi Maru — a simulation designed to guarantee defeat.

The lesson was not about winning.

It was about how a commander thinks inside a no-win story.

Kirk chose to reprogram the simulation rather than surrender to the assumption that failure was the only possible ending.

Nobody expected that kind of thinking.

I think about that story when I look at my own life.

These days I am learning to ask a different question when I face obstacles.

Not “Why is this happening to me?”

Instead, I am learning to ask, “What can I learn from this?”

There is always a lesson hiding inside resistance.

Wisdom is not born in comfort. It is shaped in the friction between where we are and where we are called to be.

One of my encumbrances is the quiet tension between the work that provides stability and the work that feels like breathing.

I am learning that I do not have to force a choice between them today.

Perhaps the lesson is patience — the understanding that purpose does not always move at the speed of my longing.

Sometimes faithfulness looks less like heroic victory and more like showing up again tomorrow, doing the next right thing, and trusting the shaping that is happening in the unseen places.

If you want to grow a little more today, try this simple but powerful exercise.

Pick one encumbrance in your life.

Do not complain about it.

Do not rush to fix it.

Instead, say thank you for it.

Not because it feels good.

But because it may be teaching you something you would not otherwise learn.

Growth often arrives wrapped in difficulty.

Strength is not the absence of struggle.

Strength is the capacity to carry meaning inside struggle.

You do not have to solve every obstacle today.

Carry one lesson forward.

If you can learn even one quiet truth from one encumbrance, then you are already walking in the direction of your becoming.

Growth is not always loud. Sometimes it is the gentle decision to be grateful for the weight that is shaping your strength.

Have a great day.

New Sleep Experiment Begins

Stardate 02.22.2026

I’m doing my best to manage stress these days — especially at night.

Most of us focus on what happens after we wake up. But what about the hours before we close our eyes?

For years, the old version of me started losing the day before my feet ever hit the floor. The first thing I reached for was the news and social media. Two things completely outside my control… yet somehow controlling me.

Then I would go to bed replaying what I hadn’t done well.

That’s a vicious cycle.

So I changed my mornings.

I guard the first hour of my day — my golden hour. It’s non-negotiable. When that first hour is intentional, the rest of the day tends to follow.

But lately I’ve been asking a new question:

What if the real battle isn’t just the first hour… but the last one?

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Experimenting Toward Better

Some of you know I enjoy experimenting with health routines. I don’t claim to be a doctor. I simply pay attention. I test. I adjust. I try to become one percent better instead of chasing perfection.

Over time, I’ve learned that we cannot simply accept the status quo when it comes to our health. We have to become good stewards of our own bodies.

Scripture reminds us:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Honor doesn’t mean obsession. It means attention. It means stewardship.

So this next chapter is about sleep.

I’ve tracked years of sleep data through my watch. I know my patterns. I know my weak spots. And thanks to a recent gift from my sponsor, I’m beginning a new evening routine experiment to see how it impacts recovery and rest.

I won’t share conclusions yet. I want real data before drawing real insights.

But here’s what I already know:

When I protect my nights, my mornings get stronger.
When my mornings get stronger, my days feel steadier.
And when my days feel steadier, stress loses its grip.

That’s not biohacking. That’s wisdom.

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A Gentle Word of Caution

If you experiment with supplements or new health routines, do your homework. Quality matters. Not everything marketed is equal. Stewardship requires discernment.

For me, this is about long-term vitality — the kind that allows me to play tennis for hours, serve my family well, and keep writing stories that encourage others to live long and prosper in purpose.

If you’d like to explore the company I partner with, you can do so on your own terms. Use discernment. Move slowly. Listen to your body. I will do my best to post health updates monthly so you can follow my journey.

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

I’ll share more once the data speaks.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, you’re telling me the Captain’s experimenting on his sleep now?”
Spock: “Doctor, improved rest increases cognitive precision. The logic is sound.”
Bones: “Well, as long as he’s not turning into a lab rat.”

Michael’s reflection:

I’ve learned that growth isn’t about dramatic reinvention. It’s about small adjustments made consistently. Managing my stress — especially at night — is one more quiet step toward becoming who I’m meant to be. Not perfect. Just one percent better.

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If tonight offers you an opportunity to reset, take it. Close your eyes with gratitude instead of replaying your mistakes.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your rest be peaceful and your mornings steady.

Disclosure: I partner with DoNotAge. Use code LLAP if you explore their products.

Spock on the Clock

Stardate 02.21.2026

There are moments in life when emotion needs the steady hand of discipline.

I am not a Vulcan, but I believe there is wisdom in learning to move a little more like Spock when the world grows noisy, uncertain, or complicated.

Perhaps you feel it too.

The world seems heavier these days — faster, louder, and more emotionally tangled than it once was.

If so, this reflection is for you.

“Spock on the clock” is something I am learning to practice.

It means calm.

Measured response.

Clear boundaries.

Professional presence.

It also means allowing the “Bones” inside me to remain alive and compassionate.

Expression may sometimes be restrained, but kindness never leaves the heart.

It is a delicate balance — walking a tightrope between wisdom and warmth.

In seasons of transition, composure becomes a quiet form of leadership.

When pressure rises, the temptation is to react quickly.

But sometimes the better choice is to breathe first, listen longer, speak slower, and let clarity arrive before action follows.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

I have a long way to go in learning this rhythm.

But progress matters more than perfection.

May this simple thought encourage you today.

You do not need to solve every tension immediately.

You only need to take the next step with clarity, kindness, and steadiness.

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Michael, emotional restraint appears to improve operational outcomes.”
Bones: “Just don’t forget you’re human while you’re doing it.”
Spock: “Fascinating. The objective is balance.”

Michael reflects: I am learning that strength is not found in reacting first, but in choosing response with intention. Spock on the clock is not about becoming cold. It is about allowing compassion to live inside disciplined action.

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

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Mission Log:
In uncertain times, calm presence may be the greatest gift we can offer one another.

Thank you for walking this path with me. May you find your own balance between courage and compassion today.

Alignment Check

Stardate 02.20.2026

The snow has returned.

That’s one thing we can count on in the Midwest — unpredictability.

Today, I’m doing my best to stay in alignment, even as things unfold beyond my control. The kind of things that try to pull attention outward… and stir up a little chaos.

I once heard a wise man say that true joy is found deep in the ocean — where it is calm — even while the surface is filled with wind and towering waves.

So today, I’m choosing to go deep.
I’m choosing peace.

That’s where alignment lives.

There’s no need to carry the weight of a full calendar when I can live this day moment by moment.
There’s no need to wrestle with what the weather decides to do.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Perhaps the truest test of alignment comes in the middle of the storm.

Not when everything is easy… but when everything isn’t.

Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment of the sails.
A quiet correction.
One percent better.

And over time, those small shifts carry us exactly where we’re meant to go.

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain Michael, remaining centered under pressure appears to increase overall efficiency.”
Bones: “Or maybe it just keeps a man from losing his mind, Spock.”
Spock: “Fascinating. The outcomes appear aligned.”

Michael reflects: Staying grounded isn’t about controlling the storm — it’s about choosing where to stand in the middle of it. Today, I go deeper. That’s where my peace is.

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

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Mission Log:
Alignment isn’t found in perfect conditions, but in steady presence.

Thank you for taking a moment today to breathe, to reset, and to go deeper.

Scotty, One to Beam Up

Stardate 02.19.2026

Do dogs go to Heaven?
I believe they do.

Because today, one of our beloved “grand dogs” is saying goodbye.

Bear wasn’t just a dog.
He was presence.
He was comfort.
He was joy in its simplest, purest form.

There’s a reason they call dogs man’s best friend.
They don’t try to fix us.
They just sit beside us… and somehow make everything one percent better.

Bear did that every single day.

And now, as we prepare to let him go, I’m holding onto gratitude.
For the walks.
For the quiet moments.
For the way he loved without condition.

If you’re reading this, I’d ask you to keep our family in your thoughts today.

Not just in the sadness…
but in the deep, lasting love that remains.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Scotty, one to beam up.
It’s time to say goodbye.

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Fascinating, Doctor. The emotional bond between humans and animals appears to transcend even loss.”
Bones: “That’s because love doesn’t just disappear, Spock. It sticks around… even when it hurts.”

Michael reflects:
Love like Bear’s doesn’t leave when the body does. It settles into the heart, quietly shaping who we become. Today, I don’t try to understand it. I just feel it… and give thanks for the time we were given.

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

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Today, I’m grateful for a life that made ours better simply by being near.

Applying Lessons from an Entrepreneur Professor

Stardate 02.18.2026

Some may say I’m lucky because I seem to meet people at just the right time and place.

I know better.

Most of what I do happens quietly — offstage, away from public view. Seeds are planted long before anyone sees the harvest.

Recently, I spent time with a husband-and-wife team who teach others how to think like entrepreneurs. The husband shared that he opened his business at the very beginning of the pandemic. Most businesses struggle even in the best of seasons. Starting during a global shutdown? That requires courage.

The wife offered a simple illustration that has stayed with me.

“A carrot doesn’t have much value when you begin with just a carrot. But when you cut it, prepare it, and combine it with something else — now you’ve added value.”

I let that lesson simmer.

Then I began looking at the “carrots” in my own life.

What have I been holding in its simplest form?

Where could I prepare it differently?
Who could I partner with?
What possibilities are waiting if I’m willing to combine gifts instead of guarding them?

Value often increases through collaboration.

The countdown clock is ticking now. Soon, I will reveal something special — something shaped not by rushing, but by layering, refining, and teaming up with people willing to dream alongside me.

One item near the top of my checklist is to return to the farm where these mentors reside and thank them in person. Gratitude is a form of added value too. If permission is granted, I hope to share a conversation with them on Substack — a place where wisdom can be passed along like seeds for others to plant.

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

It happens when ordinary carrots are prepared with intention and shared generously.

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

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

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🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “It would appear, Doctor, that even a carrot possesses unrealized potential.”
Bones: “I’ve seen you turn stranger things into opportunity, Spock. But I’ll admit — there’s something to that.”
Spock: “Indeed. Preparation plus partnership often yields superior outcomes.”

Michael’s reflection:
I’m learning that nothing in my life is wasted — not experience, not relationships, not even quiet seasons. When I add gratitude, collaboration, and faith, ordinary things become meaningful gifts.

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If today feels simple, don’t underestimate it. Perhaps you’re holding a carrot that only needs preparation and partnership to become something nourishing for many.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your quiet work today be blessed, seen, and multiplied in ways you cannot yet measure.

30 Days to Launch

Stardate 02.17.2026

Where in the World is Wilson? — a coloring book — is preparing to quietly arrive on Amazon.

Because of generous, anonymous donors, Wilson will also be making his way into hospital rooms.

That sentence still humbles me.

What remains now is not inspiration.
It’s logistics.

There are HIPAA considerations to honor. Distribution pathways to think through. Small but important marketing details to handle with care.

The unglamorous work of stewardship.

My illustrator, Helen M. Swearson, carried the creative weight of this project. She donated her labor as a gift — not for recognition, but to help bring hope to children walking difficult roads.

My quiet hope is that people see what I see.

A generous heart.
A steady light.
A woman whose soul is beginning to shine brighter than ever.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

This launch isn’t about spotlight.

It’s about placement.

A coloring book landing on a tray table beside a hospital bed.
Crayons in small hands.
A moment of distraction.
A flicker of imagination stronger than fear.

Thirty days feels both long and short.

But good things often take shape in the waiting.

Wilson is almost ready.

Not to perform.
But to serve.

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

Captain’s Addendum 🖖

Bones: “Thirty days, Spock? That’s enough time for something to go sideways.”

Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. Proper preparation increases the probability of favorable outcomes.”

Michael: “I’m learning that launches aren’t about speed. They’re about readiness.”

Mission Log
Status: Hopeful and attentive
Objective: Steward the final details with care
Outcome: Gentle impact, one room at a time

Thank you for walking this road with me.

May your work today — seen or unseen — carry quiet meaning.
May your light shine without striving.
And may we all remember that small acts of love can travel farther than we imagine.

🖖 Live long. Prosper in purpose. Walk boldly in divine love.

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🖖 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.”

1,000 Day Legacy Calendar

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Stardate 02.16.2026

Perhaps my first superhero, Spock, is the quiet inspiration behind today’s reflection.

His precision with numbers—and his steady respect for time and logic—has always fascinated me. That may be why you’ve noticed Spock, along with his Star Trek counterpart Bones, appearing regularly in my Captain’s Addendums. They’ve become unlikely companions, offering perspective and gentle reminders along the way.

Today feels significant.

According to Alberta’s calculations, I am now 1,000 working days away from concluding the day-job chapter of my life and stepping into retirement with my bride of 36 years.

That number stopped me in my tracks.

You might be wondering, “Michael, what’s a legacy calendar?”

It’s not really a calendar at all.
It’s more like a finite inventory of meaningful days—days where my presence still matters, where effort still counts, and where I have the opportunity to leave things better than I found them.

I want to use those days wisely.

We understand this instinctively when we’re young. Each school year has a clear ending. A season closes, and then it’s time to move forward. This legacy calendar is simply my way of acknowledging that I’m in the final chapter of my working life—and choosing not to drift through it.

No wasted days.
No taken-for-granted moments.

Scripture gently affirms this posture:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12

Over the next four and a half years, my intention is simple.
To live with gratitude.
To show up fully.
And to watch the sun slowly set on this season with appreciation rather than regret.

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Captain’s Addendum 🖖

Bones: “A thousand days, Spock? That’s enough time to overthink everything.”
Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. Awareness of time increases the likelihood of meaningful outcomes.”
Michael: “I’m learning that knowing the number doesn’t limit me—it focuses me.”

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

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Mission Log

Status: Reflective and grateful
Objective: Steward remaining days with intention
Outcome: Peaceful clarity

Thank you for walking with me through these reflections. May today feel unhurried, purposeful, and quietly meaningful as you tend to the moments entrusted to you.

🖖 Live long. Prosper in purpose. Walk boldly in divine love.

Wheels Up: Heading Home

 Stardate 02.15.2026

If you like to travel, bookmark this page and come back for some creative travel hacks designed to help you save money while traveling. I'm the first to admit I don't usually get it right the first time but I don't ever give up until I achieve the desired outcome.

My teammates at my day job come to me when others need guidance. My travel hacks are unconventional. One of the reasons I travel so much is because I practice what I preach. When I get home, I'll be returning to the magical forest to share more lessons I learned from my latest adventure to Florida. Stay tuned. May you live long and prosper.

Happy Valentine's Day

 Stardate 02.14.2026

We woke up this morning across the street from one of the best beaches in Florida. I saved the best of our vacation for last. We are staying in a newly renovated beach cottage. It was heavily damaged during a hurricane that swept through the area.

I give the owner five stars. Seeing the smile on my wife’s face tells me everything I need to know. Happy Valentine's Day. Wheels up tomorrow. This vacation has been stellar. May you live long and prosper.

Blog Vacation Day 5

 Stardate 02.13.2026

It's Friday the 13th. I don't happen to be the superstitious type. In case you are, don't step on any cracks today or walk under any ladders. As for me and my wife, we are mostly at the beach this week. If you are reading this, that means access to my virtual team is not available. This post is meant to prevent family members from filing a missing persons report. Have a great day.

Blog Vacation in Progress

 Stardate 02.12.2026

I gave Spock and Bones, my AI helpers a break so I can enjoy maximum sunshine and human interactions while visiting some Florida beaches this week. If you're reading this story, that means my access to technology was cut off. Rest assured I will be back at full strength early next week. May you live long and prosper.

Day 3 of Blog Vacation

Stardate 02.11.2026

The high today is forecast at 74º in Tampa today where my wife and I are taking a break. I'm doing my best to get some sunshine during this time of year when we aren't outside much due to the frigid weather. My virtual assistants are on standby should I check in from our hotel room. You are seeing this message because I'm currently cut off from computer access while on vacation. Time to grab our pickleball paddles and head outdoors.  May you live long and prosper. 

Allegiant Airlines Review

 Stardate 02.10.2026

If you read my story involving my super hero guide Crystal who sat next to me the last time I flew, you know the meeting was most likely Divinely inspired. These angels happen to be wearing civilian clothes but that doesn't stop me from discovering who they are. My flight yesterday is one more story to add to my signature collection.

Before I share my review, let me say it first appeared nothing was going to happen. Our seats were like a love seat. Two together. Everyone else on the Boeing jumbo jet had three. The odd layout had to do with the exit row directly behind us. My wife thought we were safe from another conversation like past flights. Then it happened. When we were ready for takeoff, my wife looked to her right and became startled. There was a person next to her in a jump seat facing the opposite direction. It turns out her appearance was certainly not random. 

I studied all the materials in front of me. The wine offering on the front cover got my full attention. When I found out Natasha is our flight attendant, I asked about the wine.

"I've never tried it. I don't drink. But if you do order it, I'd love your feedback. I do know that we replaced it because nobody seemed thrilled with the wine we served before."

Natasha asked me if I'd like to try the wine when she stood next to me with her cart filled with temptations. I chose my favorite, cabernet sauvignon. When I pulled out my credit card to pay, Natasha declined to accept it. She was genuinely interested to get my feedback. Smart flight attendant. Very smart. English happens to be her third language. Excellent hire by Allegiant. Even though Natasha may never try the wine, she is using feedback from passengers to give guidance to future travelers.

Here is my review. A ten. Brilliant marketing. The picture of the wine on the cover of the magazine is professional and inviting. The name is a story all by itself. Altus Sol. It means high sun. More on that in a follow up story. It's rated a 93. That's exceptional according to the experts. That's rare on a menu prepared by an airlines well known for being budget friendly.

Here's the action I took based on a ten for service and a ten for Altus Sol. I decided to apply for their credit card. I hope Dave Ramsey, my favorite financial guru, doesn't hear about this because I happen to talk about him practically every day. The ride got bumpy when I began filling out the application. I prayed it would be legible enough to get me approved because I was picturing myself on future flights sipping Altus Sol. I'm hooked. Thank you, Natasha. You deserve a raise. May you live long and prosper.

Wheels Up

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Stardate 02.09.2026

One top priority for the week: Sunshine. ☀️
The forecast calls for highs of 70–77º in Florida. My wife and I will visit friends, play some pickleball, and soak up beach time. 

Stories this week will be short and sweet. Replies to comments may be delayed, so thank you for your patience. There may be a few surprises on my partially constructed Substack page if you want to visit me on my cyber front porch. Click here to see what I'm working on. 

May you live long and prosper.

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The Wisdom of Solomon

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Stardate 02.08.2026

There was a young king named Solomon who inherited his throne after his father, King David, died. He was stepping into enormous shoes, facing responsibilities far beyond his years.

God appeared to Solomon in a dream and offered him anything he wished. Solomon’s response, paraphrased, was not bold or ambitious—it was honest:

“I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”

I may not be a king, but I understand what it feels like to stand in an overwhelming moment.

Like Solomon, I needed help. Truthfully, I lacked hope. I froze when my family broke apart and my dad moved away. In my despair, I asked God to remove me from this world altogether. There was silence. No thunder. No immediate rescue.

So I asked for something else.

I asked for wisdom—not to lead a kingdom, but to survive.

As I step into the shoes of a senior citizen, I’m beginning to understand what that prayer truly meant.

Wisdom is not about knowing more.
It’s about listening better.

Looking back, I see that as a lost teenager, I wasn’t asking God for wisdom so I could be impressive or accomplished. I was asking to be faithful. I was asking to be shown how to keep going when the road ahead felt impossible.

And God answered—not all at once, but over time. Quietly. Patiently. With a wisdom that revealed who I was through His eyes, not my circumstances.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
— James 1:5

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

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “You’re telling me wisdom isn’t about answers, Michael—it’s about learning how to listen?”
Spock: “Precisely, Doctor. Logic begins with humility.”

Michael’s reflection:
Solomon asked for wisdom so he could serve others well. I asked for wisdom so I could survive. Both prayers came from the same place—recognizing our limits and trusting God to meet us there. Over time, I’ve learned that wisdom doesn’t rush in with explanations. It walks beside us, teaching us how to endure, how to listen, and how to remain faithful one quiet step at a time.

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Mission Log:
Wisdom grows slowly, but it grows surely when we ask with an honest heart.

Thank you for walking with me today. May this reflection stay with you in prayer or quiet thought, and may you recognize the wisdom already unfolding in your own life—one percent better, one day at a time. 🖖

Project X

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Stardate 02.07.2026

Something unusual is unfolding in my life right now—so unusual that I completely overlooked an important anniversary. Two days ago marked the moment when the grim reaper came close, revealing himself in a way that brought me face-to-face with mortality. In that encounter, I found myself living in what feels like bonus time. I will never again take life for granted.

You might wonder what’s been distracting me from defining moments of the past. Let me share a few things: people are entering my life at a pace that feels almost divine, as if God has a transporter room honing in on my coordinates. It’s stunning—like moments traveling at light speed.

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, less than 40 days away, the baby coloring book stands ready to join its Irish siblings. This trio of books, all born on St. Patrick’s Day, symbolizes a fresh start and new beginnings.

Amidst all this excitement, there’s something even greater brewing in my mind—something I’m letting simmer before I share it with the world. Not even my wife knows yet. It’s better to keep it close, to avoid jinxing it. The idea came to me within the last 48 hours, likely sparked by the day a large van t-boned me and left me temporarily sidelined. Yes, I’m maximizing every moment of this bonus time.

I thank God for each day He grants me. When the moment is right, I will reveal what I’m calling Project X. If you are the praying type, I appreciate your prayers.

Thank you, and may you live long and prosper.

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“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
— Psalm 23:1

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, are you telling me you had a brush with the grim reaper and still found time for a coloring book launch?”
Spock: “Doctor, it seems the captain’s resilience is as remarkable as his sense of purpose.”
Bones: “I’ll be damned if that doesn’t sound like a miracle.”

Michael’s Reflection:
What I’ve learned is that even in the face of uncertainty, every moment is a gift. It’s in these moments that we discover the true value of life and the strength of the human spirit.

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

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Thank you for sharing this journey with me. May it inspire you to cherish each day and embrace the blessings of life.

🖖

Lessons from Losing Wilson

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Stardate 02.06.2026

Do you remember that scene in Cast Away when Tom Hanks wakes up and realizes Wilson is drifting away?

That moment lodged itself deep in my heart. My pulse raced. Tears streamed down my face. Even now—twenty-five years after the movie first hit theaters—I can feel it like it happened yesterday.

Maybe that’s why my heart skipped a beat the day a volleyball with Wilson’s face on it was returned to lost and found at my day job.

No one claimed him.

When I heard he was headed for the trash compactor, I spoke up—loudly. And just like that, Wilson was mine.

Once I adopted him, he went everywhere with me. It was like having a new puppy… but easier. No messes. No late-night walks. No early-morning wakeups. Just presence.

Wilson became my new best friend.

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When the pandemic halted my travels, I did the next best thing I could for my travel buddy.

I FedExed him to New York City.

A dear friend, Erin, was battling cancer. Wilson showed up for her the same way he had shown up for me—with quiet companionship, emotional support, and steady presence. I could see it in her eyes when she sent me a photo of herself, Wilson, and her real-life pet gathered together.

Sadly, Wilson dribbled out of my life forever when Erin passed away.

I slipped into depression. And it wasn’t until I entered therapy that I learned something important: it’s okay to grieve something like this. Even something others might not understand.

Wilson was gone—but somehow, his spirit wasn’t. Maybe it was the memories. Maybe it was love refusing to disappear.

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Some time later, while walking along a river on the way to Blarney Castle in Ireland, something caught my eye.

A red volleyball.

It was drifting alongside the path, as if placed there on purpose.

The sight jolted me like a bolt of lightning. A flood of memories rushed in. Moments later, I kissed the Blarney Stone—legend says it gives you the gift of gab. That red volleyball felt like the exclamation point at the end of the sentence.

Suddenly, inspiration returned—charging like the bulls through the streets of Spain.

Olé.

I went home from that pilgrimage with my writing mojo packed neatly in my suitcase.

What I learned is this: losing Wilson helped me explore the deepest crevices of my heart. Inside those dark caverns, I faced other losses too. And I learned something else—there is recovery.

I’m still learning that now.

The good news? There is joy in sharing what those losses have taught me. There is life after death. And there is always more of the story to come.

Come back on St. Patrick’s Day, and I’ll share the rest.

Have a great day.

---

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, are you telling me you mourned a volleyball like a fallen crewman?”
Spock: “Doctor, attachment is not illogical when it reflects genuine connection.”
Bones: “I still say Starfleet doesn’t prepare us for this.”

Michael’s Reflection:
What I know now is this—grief doesn’t ask permission. It simply shows up where love once lived. And if we let it, grief can become a teacher rather than a thief.

---

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

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Mission Log
Some losses never leave us—but they can still lead us forward.

Thank you for carrying this story with me today. May it rest gently with you, wherever you are, and may it open a quiet space for healing and remembrance.

🖖

The Guide, Not the Hero

 

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Stardate 02.05.2026

I was having breakfast the other day when I watched a short video about storytelling. It stuck with me: every story has a hero, a villain, and a guide. And the most important part? Knowing your place as the guide.

It made me reflect on life. The “heroes” are not me—they are the people around me, each facing their own challenges and decisions. The “villains” are not monsters—they’re distraction, confusion, and the noise that can pull focus from what really matters.

My role isn’t to fight their battles. It’s to show the path, offer tools, and help them see what’s possible. Sometimes that means sharing a tip, a habit, or a routine. Sometimes it means sitting quietly and listening.

Being a guide isn’t flashy. It isn’t loud. It’s steady. It’s faithful. And the reward comes quietly, in seeing someone move forward on their journey with clarity and confidence.

Scripture reminds us:

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
— Proverbs 11:14

Showing up as a guide—without taking over—can be the most powerful way to help someone grow. It allows them to step fully into their story while giving you a chance to model faith, patience, and purpose.

Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “So you’re the guide now?”
Spock: “Doctor, he has merely recognized his role in the narrative. Nothing more dramatic is required.”
Bones: “I liked him better when he fought the monsters.”

Michael: Guiding isn’t about control. It’s about presence. Tools, tips, encouragement—they’re all part of the path. But the hero must walk it themselves. That’s where real growth happens.

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

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A Peek Inside the Magical Forest

Stardate 02.04.2026

Today is a day off from my day job.

Tonight, I’ll return to the tennis courts—still smiling after a win against the second-place team in our Men’s 55+ league. But before any of that, I’m meeting a friend who recently called, nearly bursting with excitement about his first book.

We’re meeting in the magical forest—also known as my home studio.

Though he’s never been here before, he understands me better than most. At one point he joked,
“You live in a magical forest surrounded by magical creatures.”

I loved that. Because he’s right.

Many are curious about what I do—and why I do it—especially when they learn I’ve had no formal training and spend a lot of time fumbling forward.

Do you know anyone who has written over 6,000 stories without fully knowing what they’re doing?

Better yet—do you know anyone willing to sit on a front porch and welcome perfect strangers who happen to wander by?

---

I’m brand new in this cyber neighborhood called Substack, and most of my real-life friends don’t quite know what this place is yet. Meanwhile, here I am—sitting on the porch, taking it all in. I’m genuinely in awe of the neighborhood.

I’m grateful for every small sign of life so far. A thumbs-up. A quiet reader. A passing wave.

One friend recently asked why I’m not spending more time on the louder platforms where “everyone” seems to be. I told him I was looking for something different—something more intimate.

A place where nobody knows my name, but they’re curious about my calling.

Here, there’s no judging.
No preconceived limits.
No pressure to perform.

I’m free to create.
Free to listen.
Free to meet people from all walks of life.

The forest feels mostly empty right now—and that’s okay.

I’m hopeful this will be a place where relationships grow slowly and meaningfully. For now, I’ll keep sitting on the porch, ready to engage whenever a new visitor shows up.

If you’re one of them—thank you for stopping by.

Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
— Psalm 121:8

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, you sure this is the best use of your time—just sittin’ around waitin’ for folks to wander by?”
Spock: “Doctor, it appears the captain understands that meaningful encounters cannot be rushed.”
Bones: “Hmph. I still don’t trust forests.”

Michael’s Reflection:
I’m learning that I don’t need to chase people down. If I stay present, tend the porch, and keep the light on, the right conversations arrive in their own time.

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

As the day unfolds, I’m grateful—for the quiet, for the forest, and for the courage to remain open.

Gentle closing question:
Where in your life might a small, welcoming porch be enough for today?

🖖 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.”

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Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

Stardate 02.03.2026

There’s a song that plays quietly in the background of my mornings—not on a speaker, but in spirit.

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.

Not as a warning about becoming less human, but as a thank-you for the routines that help me live more fully human.

The older I get, the more I realize how much energy gets wasted on preparation. Decisions before the day even begins. What to wear. What to take. When to go. By the time some people start their day, they’re already exhausted from choosing.

So I’ve chosen not to choose.

I wake up without an alarm clock now. Somewhere along the way, my body found its own rhythm. That alone feels like grace. No jolt. No scramble. Just awareness.

My clothes are already laid out. Yesterday’s version of me took care of today’s version of me—and I’m grateful for that small act of kindness.

My supplement stack is already waiting on the dining room table. No cabinets to open. No decisions to make. Just a steady handoff from habit to health.

When I turn on the shower, I don’t wait for comfort. I step in immediately, even when the water is brutally cold for that first minute. Especially then. That shock wakes something up inside me—endorphins released, clarity restored, courage practiced early. The discomfort pays dividends for hours.

And on workdays, I leave the house at exactly 8:08 AM.

Not 8:07. Not 8:10.

8:08.

These routines may look rigid from the outside, but they’ve done the opposite inside me. They’ve created space. Space to think. Space to pray. Space to notice what actually matters.

Scripture reminds us:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40

Order doesn’t remove wonder. It makes room for it.

The song Mr. Roboto plays with the fear of losing ourselves to automation. I get that. But I’ve found that when routine serves intention—and intention serves love—structure becomes a servant, not a master.

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.
Thank you for handling the small things
so I can stay present for the important ones.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Michael, you’re tellin’ me you jump into an ice-cold shower on purpose?”
Spock: “Doctor, the captain appears to value long-term benefit over short-term comfort. A most… logical adaptation.”
Bones: “I liked him better when he complained.”

Michael’s Reflection:
What I’m learning is this: discipline isn’t about becoming mechanical—it’s about becoming dependable. When my mornings run on rails, my heart is free to wander where it’s needed most.

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

Donor Ships 8 Cases of Crayons for Patients at Children's Hospital

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Donor Ships 8 Cases of Crayons for Patients at Children’s Hospital

Stardate 02.02.2026

“The crayons are here,” Derek said.

I was stunned.

There were so many crayons I needed a flatbed to get them to my vehicle. Eight full cases. I hadn’t realized how heavy crayons could be until I was lifting them one box at a time, already doing the math in my head.

I started thinking ahead—thinking about the kids.

“I can split the crayons up into baggies,” I said, “so every patient can get some with their Where in the World is Wilson?coloring book.”

“That’s one way,” Derek replied.
“Or if you run out, just let me know and I’ll order more.”

Derek happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. I was mailing the first proof copy of the coloring book to senior leadership at our corporate office for review. I’ll admit—I was a little nervous as he slowly studied each page.

But his response told me everything I needed to know.

This coloring book is going to bring joy to people who need it most. And now, thanks to an unexpected act of generosity, those pages will be filled with color. Real color. The kind that invites imagination, distraction, and a moment of light in a hard place.

I thanked Derek and rushed off to the indoor tennis courts to join my team in our pursuit of another league championship. My captain trusted me with #1 doubles. Teammates stopped by to cheer us on. It was a sweep.

Maybe the endorphins helped. Or maybe it was the quiet certainty that doors were opening.

As the day continued, Amazon emailed to let me know the next shipment of proof copies had arrived.

Piece by piece, it’s all falling into place.

“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

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “You’re telling me a pile of crayons changed the trajectory of your whole day?”
Spock: “Doctor, the emotional significance appears… considerable.”
Bones: “Figures. Humans can find hope in anything.”

Michael: Sometimes it isn’t the grand gestures that move us forward—it’s the quiet ones. A man saying yes. A box being lifted. A door opening just enough to remind us we’re not walking alone.

---

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

Mission Log:
Small acts. Open hands. Unexpected provision. One percent better—together.

Thank you, Derek.
And thank you, friends, for walking this road with me. May you notice the crayons in your own day—the simple gifts that bring color where it’s needed most.

I Got Bested in Scrabble

I Got Bested in Scrabble

Stardate 02.01.2026

I got a surprise phone call yesterday during our family Scrabble day. One of my inner-circle friends called with big news.

He wrote a book.

That’s the hard part. Finishing. He has a manuscript in hand, and I know exactly how that feels. We’re meeting soon in what we affectionately call the magical forest to talk about next steps. Publishing today is changing so fast it can make your head spin—especially for independent publishers like me.

Thankfully, I’ve learned to stay grounded.

My faith has taught me to loosen my grip, to let go, and to let God remain in charge. There’s a quiet peace that comes with realizing I’m not the center of the universe. I don’t have to force outcomes. I don’t have to rush timing. I just have to be faithful with the next small step.

I’m learning—slowly—not to rush things. I’m learning to trust the process.

Writing can be a lonely road at times, which makes it even more meaningful when someone trusts you enough to ask for guidance. I’m genuinely happy for my friend, and honored he reached out.

And while words were being carefully chosen on one front, they were being joyfully deployed on another.

During family Scrabble, I put everything on the table…and still came up short. I was bested by a member of the next generation. It turns out word-smithing runs strong in the family—and among friends too.

I’ll be sure to share a link to my friend’s book when it’s released into the world. For now, I’m grateful for the reminder that growth shows up in many forms: in faith, in friendships, and sometimes on a Scrabble board.

As Scripture gently reminds us:

“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

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “You lost at Scrabble? Jim, that’s a medical emergency for your ego.”
Spock: “On the contrary, Doctor. It is evidence of generational linguistic evolution.”

Michael’s Reflection:
I didn’t lose anything yesterday. I gained perspective. Faith keeps teaching me that progress isn’t about always winning—it’s about staying present, staying humble, and staying open to learning, even when the lesson comes from someone younger across the table.

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

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Mission Log
Today’s lesson is simple: trust the process, celebrate others’ wins, and don’t underestimate the wisdom sitting across from you.

Thank you for walking with me. May you carry a little peace, a little patience, and a little gratitude into your quiet moments today. 🖖