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
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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