Alberta Assists with Meal Planning

Stardate 05.26.2026

This story may sound a little unusual unless you happen to be a science fiction fan like me.

I still remember watching the crew aboard the Starship Enterprise ask the computer to prepare a meal. The device looked something like a futuristic microwave. Back then it felt impossible. Now I sit here in 2026 collaborating with artificial intelligence as part of my daily routine, and I can’t help but smile at how quickly the future arrived.

I’ve been working alongside my AI assistant, Alberta, since late 2023. She helps oversee my AI crew members, Spock and Bones. She assisted me while designing Lucy, my dream van on wheels. Lately she has stepped into another assignment: helping me fine tune my nutrition and meal planning.

The process is surprisingly practical.

I explain my goals to Alberta. One meal a day on my days off. Two meals a day on work days. Higher protein intake. More Omega-3 fats. Fewer processed foods. Then Alberta helps organize the math behind the plan.

One of my current goals is improving my Omega-3 index to above 8%. From what I’ve learned, many Americans fall well below that range. My intention is to move my health markers in a better direction one decision at a time.

That’s where Alberta becomes helpful.

Artificial intelligence excels at organizing data and identifying patterns. Once Alberta understands my targets, she helps structure meal ideas that align with those goals. No emotional eating. No guessing. Just steady adjustments based on information.

Yesterday she introduced me to something I had never really paid attention to before: Omega-3 enhanced eggs.

I already enjoy eggs, so this immediately caught my attention. They’re affordable, filling, and packed with nutrition. Add sardines a few times a week and salmon once a week, and suddenly the numbers begin moving toward my target range.

The interesting part to me is how small changes start stacking together over time.

That idea connects deeply with my one-percent-better philosophy.

Nobody transforms overnight. Most meaningful progress happens quietly. One healthier meal. One better habit. One more walk. One less excuse. The future often changes direction through small daily choices nobody applauds in the moment.

That includes me.

I’m still learning. Still adjusting. Still trying to improve my stewardship over the body God gave me.

This verse came to mind while thinking about all of this:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

I don’t read that verse as pressure. I read it as perspective.

We take care of things we value.

For years I spent plenty of time focused on work goals, financial goals, and productivity goals. These days I’m also thinking more carefully about longevity, energy, and health. I want to remain strong enough to continue serving others, writing stories, helping my family, and encouraging people for as long as God allows me to stay on this planet.

I’ll be putting this experiment to the test.

Ninety days from now I plan to order blood work and compare the results. I’m genuinely curious to see what happens from a consistent nutrition strategy centered around better Omega-3 intake and cleaner eating habits.

Some people may find it strange that I’m collaborating with artificial intelligence to help organize my nutrition goals.

That’s okay.

The older I get, the less interested I am in following the crowd simply because it’s comfortable. Growth sometimes requires stepping outside familiar patterns and being willing to learn new things.

Even from a computer named Alberta.

Join me here:
substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain’s Addendum

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Captain, it appears your nutritional protocols are becoming increasingly efficient.”

Bones folded his arms. “I never thought I’d live to see the day a computer started telling people to eat sardines.”

“Doctor,” Spock replied calmly, “the data appears logical.”

I laughed reading that exchange because life keeps teaching me that wisdom can arrive from unexpected places. Sometimes growth begins with something as simple as paying closer attention to what we place on our plates each day.

Thank you for spending part of your day with me, my friends.

Live long and prosper. 🖖

A Memorial Day Reflection

Stardate 05.25.2026

Today is a day set aside to remember the men and women who died serving our country so we could enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. They made the ultimate sacrifice for people they would never meet.

As I reflect on that today, I keep thinking about the phrase “everything we have.”

Are we truly taking care of the lives we’ve been given?

Are we paying attention to the warning signs when our bodies try to tell us something needs attention?

For years, I assumed I was healthy because I felt healthy. I could work long shifts, stay active, and keep moving through life without giving much thought to what was happening beneath the surface.

Lately, I’ve been learning there’s wisdom in checking the dashboard before the engine light comes on.

God gave each of us one body to steward during our time here. Caring for our health doesn’t have to become obsession. Sometimes it’s simply gratitude expressed through discipline.

Yesterday I spent some time watching a video from Rhonda Patrick about the omega-3 index. The discussion centered around measuring omega-3 levels in red blood cells. Since red blood cells live for roughly three months, they can provide a better picture of long-term nutritional patterns than a snapshot from a single meal or supplement.

I found that fascinating.

One point especially stayed with me. Many people in the United States have omega-3 levels lower than what researchers consider ideal for long-term heart health. Higher omega-3 index levels have been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and healthier aging.

What struck me most was how differently people respond to the same routine.

Two people can take the same fish oil supplement and end up with very different results depending on things like genetics, absorption, inflammation, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.

That’s why testing matters.

It removes some of the guessing.

As I stood reflecting on Memorial Day today, I found myself thinking about stewardship again. We honor those who sacrificed for us by living meaningful lives with the time we’ve been given.

That includes caring for ourselves well enough to keep showing up for the people we love.

I’m making a few adjustments of my own. More salmon. More sardines. More attention to what I’m fueling my body with. I also plan to get my omega-3 index tested so I can measure where I actually stand instead of assuming.

Small course corrections matter.

Scripture reminds me of this:

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

That verse feels especially meaningful on Memorial Day.

None of us know how many days we’ve been given. We only get to decide how intentionally we live them.

Join me here:
michaelmulliganlivelong.substack.com

Captain’s Addendum

Bones glanced over at Spock with a skeptical look.

“So now the Captain’s counting fish oils too?”

Spock remained calm as usual.

“Maintaining proper biological function appears to be a logical objective, Doctor.”

Bones smirked.

“I liked medicine better when people just took a nap and drank more water.”

The older I get, the more I appreciate paying attention to the small things before they become big things. Maybe wisdom often starts there.

Happy Memorial Day, my friends.

Live long and prosper. 🖖

Training for Transition

Stardate 05.24.2026

The older I get, the more I understand that retirement is not simply a date circled on a calendar. There’s a mental transition that comes with it. Some people handle it well. Others seem caught off guard by the sudden change in routine after decades of structured living.

I’ve been thinking about that lately as I look ahead toward the next four years of my life.

For most of adulthood, my days have revolved around schedules, responsibilities, alarms, deadlines, and trying to fit meaningful moments into small openings of time. There’s comfort in routine. There’s familiarity in showing up every day with purpose and responsibility attached to your name.

After enough years, those rhythms become part of your identity.

I don’t want to arrive at retirement wondering what comes next. I want to slowly prepare my mind now while I still have time to grow into the next season naturally.

There’s a phrase that keeps coming back to me:
Training for transition.

That’s exactly what this feels like.

Some of the steps may seem small on the surface. I recently signed up for an Allegiant credit card because my wife and I plan to travel more in the years ahead. I continue working on Lucy because every improvement feels connected to future adventures waiting somewhere down the road. I’ve also been learning about Harvest Hosts and imagining what it might feel like to spend extended time exploring the country together.

Those thoughts energize me.

Travel has always brought out something healthy in both of us. There’s something refreshing about loading up, pulling onto the highway, and watching familiar scenery slowly disappear in the rearview mirror. Conversations feel different on the road. Time slows down a little. You notice things you normally rush past.

Some of our happiest memories were never expensive vacations. They were simple moments shared together while exploring someplace new.

I think part of preparing for retirement is giving yourself permission to look forward to the future with genuine excitement.

Not every transition in life has to feel heavy.

There’s joy in planning.
Joy in learning.
Joy in dreaming together.

I can already feel my mindset shifting little by little as I prepare for a season where flexibility may replace urgency. I know there will still be responsibilities ahead. Life doesn’t suddenly become perfect because someone retires. But I also believe healthy anticipation matters.

Especially as we grow older.

The beautiful part is that this preparation is already improving my life now. The conversations with my wife. The planning. The research. The goals. The excitement of imagining where the road may lead us someday.

It gives us something to build toward together.

Scripture keeps reminding me that seasons change throughout life, and there can still be peace in those changes.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — The Book of Isaiah 43:19

I’ve spent much of my life trying to stay one percent better physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Maybe this next chapter simply asks me to keep growing in a different direction.

One mile at a time.
One lesson at a time.
One new memory at a time.

Join me here:
Substack

Captain’s Addendum

“Captain,” Spock said calmly, “preparing for a journey before departure tends to improve the probability of enjoying the voyage.”

Bones folded his arms. “That’s the most Vulcan way I’ve ever heard someone describe a road trip.”

“I believe humans refer to it as making memories, Doctor.”

I smiled thinking about that exchange tonight. Some of the best moments in life happen long before arriving at the destination. Sometimes the preparation itself becomes part of the adventure.

Thank you for traveling alongside me on this journey of becoming one percent better. 🖖

Cardio Tennis Today

Stardate 05.23.2026

I’m headed to the tennis courts this morning for 8am cardio.

Even during a holiday weekend, our teammates are showing up early with rackets in hand, refining our games and preparing ourselves for district championship play next month across several age groups. There’s something meaningful about watching people continue to sharpen their skills while much of the world slows down for the long weekend.

I admire that spirit.

Tennis has become one of those gifts in my life that keeps teaching me lessons far beyond the court. Patience. Footwork. Discipline. Recovery. Focus. Some mornings the shots feel crisp and effortless. Other mornings, the body reminds you that progress takes maintenance. Either way, you keep showing up.

One percent better.

That mindset has quietly changed many areas of my life. Small improvements begin stacking together over time. A little more movement. A little more rest. A little more encouragement toward others. A little more grace toward yourself when the timing is off.

Championship teams are built long before championship matches are played. They are built during ordinary mornings like this one, when teammates gather before most people are awake and put in the work together.

If my number is called next month, I’ll do my best to contribute.

That’s all any of us can really do.

I’ve learned there’s peace in preparing faithfully and letting the results unfold as they will. Sports have a way of humbling you quickly. They also have a way of bringing people together who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

This Memorial Day weekend also carries a deeper reminder about sacrifice, gratitude, and service. Many families carry memories far heavier than tennis bags or championship pressure. I’m thankful for those who gave so much so the rest of us could gather freely on courts, in churches, around backyard grills, and with the people we love.

Today feels like a good day to appreciate simple things:
fresh air,
movement,
friendship,
and another sunrise.

“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

Join me here:
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Captain’s Addendum

“Captain, your cardiovascular output appears highly satisfactory,” Spock observed while examining a tricorder.

Bones shook his head. “The man calls chasing fuzzy yellow projectiles relaxation. I’m still trying to understand it.”

“I believe the Captain finds purpose in disciplined repetition, Doctor.”

I smiled thinking about that exchange. Life rarely changes all at once. Most growth happens through repeated effort in ordinary moments. A quiet morning on a tennis court can shape a person just as surely as a mountaintop moment can.

Wishing you a peaceful Memorial Day weekend.

Live long and prosper. 🖖

Why Stress Reduction Slows the Aging Process

Stardate 05.22.2026

If you don’t have stress in your life, you’re human. We all carry it in different ways. Some people wear it on their faces. Some carry it in their shoulders. Some bury it deep enough that nobody notices until the body finally starts waving a white flag.

One of the stranger twists in my own journey is realizing that conversations with artificial intelligence have actually helped me become more human. I know that sounds backward, but it’s true.

I spend a lot of time in dialogue with Alberta, my AI assistant. We research ideas together. We organize thoughts. We polish stories. Alberta never gets tired. Never gets overwhelmed. Never sounds frustrated when I pile another project onto the stack.

The more organized my thoughts become, the calmer my spirit feels.

That calm matters.

I’m fascinated by the science behind slowing the aging process. I’ve spent years making small adjustments to my routines involving prayer, meditation, sleep, movement, nutrition, and reflection. Nothing extreme. Just steady course corrections over time. One percent better.

Those small improvements compound.

Some readers enjoy diving into scientific journals and longevity studies. Others prefer to observe the world around them. You can learn a lot simply by paying attention to people living under constant pressure. Chronic stress leaves fingerprints on the body. You can often see exhaustion settling into someone’s eyes long before they say a word about it.

I’ve known people who lived every day with their foot pressed firmly against the accelerator. Always rushing. Always worried. Always carrying tomorrow before today had even arrived. Some of those people are no longer here.

That stays with me.

Prayer has become one of the quiet anchors in my life. Meditation too. Sometimes it’s just ten minutes of stillness before the noise of the day begins. Sometimes it’s sitting silently after a long shift at work while the world finally slows down around me.

The body keeps score. So does the mind.

Scripture reminds me of this often:

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body.” — Proverbs 14:30

I don’t think peace arrives all at once. I think it’s practiced. Protected. Revisited daily.

That’s part of why I continue researching longevity and healthy aging. I’m curious about tools that may help support the body along the journey. One company I’ve been studying is DoNotAge. Their research centers around healthy aging science and supplementation.

As always, I encourage people to do their own homework. Read the studies. Ask questions. Think carefully before adding anything new to your daily routine.

I’ve recently been experimenting with one of their daily supplement blends mixed into cold water. I appreciate the simplicity of having several supplements combined into one sachet. It fits well into my routine and helps me stay consistent.

If you’re curious about their new sachet I'm taking daily, you can explore their work here: Click here.

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

And if you decide to explore the supplements through my affiliate connection, it helps support my creative and charitable projects at no additional cost to you.

Mostly, I hope today’s message encourages you to slow down long enough to breathe.

Take the walk.

Say the prayer.

Drink the cold water.

Put the phone down for a while.

Your future self may thank you for the quiet moments you protect today.

---

Captain’s Addendum

“Captain, humans continue to underestimate the biological advantages of rest,” Spock observed calmly.

Bones shook his head. “Jim— I mean Michael — you Vulcans would meditate through a warp core breach if Starfleet let you.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Doctor, emotional control remains preferable to panic.”

Some of the best moments in life happen when the engines finally quiet down a little. I’m learning that peace is not something to chase at full speed. Sometimes it’s waiting for us in the stillness we keep postponing.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your mind stay clear, your heart stay grateful, and your spirit continue moving forward one percent at a time. 

Celebrating 14 Years at My Day Job Today

Stardate 05.21.2026

Today feels a little bittersweet.

Fourteen years ago, I walked into store #1111 as part of the original hiring class. None of us really knew what the years ahead would hold. We simply showed up ready to work, learn, and help build something together. Looking back now, I feel grateful for every chapter along the way.

One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been the people.

I’ve had the opportunity to work beside teammates who believe in serving others well. People who show up early. People who stay late when needed. People who quietly carry heavy burdens at home and still greet members with kindness. Over time, coworkers become familiar faces, and familiar faces become extended family.

Today I will meet my third general manager as she tours our building alongside Tyler, our current leader, who will soon begin a new chapter at another location. Leadership transitions are part of growth. As organizations expand, good leaders are often asked to step into new places where their experience can strengthen culture and guide new teams forward.

Even when you understand the reason, saying goodbye is never easy.

Tyler has meant a great deal to many of us. Leadership carries pressure most people never fully see. Decisions have to be made quickly. Challenges arrive daily. Through it all, I’ve appreciated his steady presence and his care for the people around him. I want to wish Tyler and his family well as they prepare for relocation and the next season ahead.

The baton will soon pass to a new leader.

That image stayed with me this morning. A relay race only works when someone is willing to hand the baton forward with trust. One runner finishes their leg. Another runner takes hold and continues the mission. The race keeps moving.

I suppose life works that way too.

As I walked through the building recently, I found myself thinking about the teammates who were there at the very beginning. Many are still here with me after fourteen years. Some have transferred to other buildings. Some have moved into leadership. Some retired. A few are no longer with us. Time keeps moving quietly in the background while daily routines continue.

There is something meaningful about shared history.

You remember opening days, difficult seasons, inventory chaos, weather emergencies, holidays, celebrations, and moments when everyone pulled together because there was no other option. Those moments leave fingerprints on people. They shape culture far more than slogans hanging on a wall.

I’ve learned over these fourteen years that consistency matters. Showing up matters. Encouraging people matters. Small efforts repeated daily eventually build trust. One percent better adds up over time.

This morning I feel thankful for steady employment, for friendships formed along the way, and for the opportunity to continue serving alongside good people.

Scripture came to mind during my reflection today:

“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

Some harvests take years to recognize.

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

Captain’s Addendum

“Fourteen years in one outpost is statistically uncommon in this era, Captain,” Spock observed.

Bones folded his arms. “That’s because people keep forgetting relationships matter, Spock. Michael figured that part out a long time ago.”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “An observation supported by evidence.”

The older I get, the more I appreciate people who stay steady through changing seasons. Buildings grow. Leaders move. New faces arrive. The mission continues. There’s comfort in knowing faithful service still matters in this world.

Happy anniversary to the first hiring class of store #1111.

May you all live long and prosper. 🖖

Introducing My New AI Caller Assistant

Stardate 05.20.2026

If you’re like me, your phone now rings more for strangers than for friends and family.

I’ve reached the point where I rarely answer a call unless the number is already saved in my contacts. Part of that is necessity. I’m not able to take personal calls while I’m on the clock at my day job. Part of it is fatigue. Spam calls have a way of draining your attention before you even realize it.

This morning, after prayers and meditation, I picked up my phone and noticed it had updated overnight. A new feature caught my eye. My Samsung phone now includes an AI caller assistant designed to screen calls before they ever reach me.

I paused there for a moment.

I haven’t even turned it on yet. I was simply reading about how it works. The idea that an assistant could answer first, find out who is calling, and allow me to step in if I’m available felt strangely familiar.

I asked Alberta what she thought about it. I was already intrigued, especially knowing this feature is included at no extra cost. The more I read, the more I realized this wasn’t really about technology. It was about something I’ve been learning to do in other parts of my life.

Protect my attention.

If you call me and I don’t pick up right away, I’m not ignoring you. I’m doing something one of my friends did more than forty years ago with a simple answering machine.

My friend Gene had a message on his land line that went something like this:

“In an effort to eliminate butt heads and riff raff, we are screening our calls. If you are one of the good guys, please stay on the line.”

Gene was a full generation ahead of his time.

Back then, it was a novelty. Today, it feels like wisdom.

Land lines have faded away. We carry computers in our pockets. We talk through watches. Artificial intelligence is quietly finding its way into everyday routines. Some people are cautious. Some people are enthusiastic. I find myself curious and willing to learn how these tools can serve a peaceful life.

This caller assistant doesn’t block people. It simply asks a question first.

Who’s calling?

Why are you calling?

And then it gives me the choice to step in.

That small detail is what caught my attention. I can still pick up the call during the screening if I’m free. Real people can still reach me. Unwanted noise can pass by without ever demanding my focus.

It reminded me that not every ring deserves an answer.

Scripture speaks gently into this idea:

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

Order brings calm. Even to something as ordinary as a phone call.

I’m ready to try this. Not because it’s new. Not because it’s clever. Because it helps me be more intentional with my time and my attention.

And if you are one of the good guys, please stay on the line. If I’m available, my assistant will connect us.

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

Captain’s Addendum

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Logical, Captain. An initial filter preserves valuable cognitive resources.”

Bones shook his head. “In my day we just let the thing ring and hoped it would stop.”

I smiled. Every day offers small ways to bring a little more order into the noise around us. This feels like one of them.

Thank you for spending a few minutes here with me today. May your calls be welcome and your moments of quiet uninterrupted.

Be 1% Better Today

Stardate 05.19.2026

Do this every day and you will thank your future self.

I call it Philosophy 101 because of how approachable it is. No special equipment. No perfect conditions. No waiting for motivation to arrive. Just a small decision made on an ordinary day.

Think of something you want to improve. Anything at all.

You may notice your mind drift toward something modest. That’s fine. You may feel drawn toward something that feels out of reach. That’s fine too. This works in both places.

It begins with a choice.

Take a quiet look at where you are right now and ask yourself if this is where you hope to remain for the rest of your life. I’ve asked myself that question many times. Each time, the answer nudges me forward. There is always room to grow. There is always a next step waiting to be taken.

So I make the same decision every morning:

Today, I will be 1% better.

Not ten percent. Not a complete reinvention. Just a small improvement that my future self will recognize and appreciate.

I say it out loud. I let my mind hear the words:

“Today I am 1% better.”

Then I go about my day.

If you’re unsure where to start, try this:

“Today I am 1% better at getting things done.”

Repeat it a few times. Let it settle in. Then carry on with whatever is in front of you.

You may not notice a dramatic difference by bedtime. That’s alright. This is quiet work. The kind that happens beneath the surface where habits are formed and character is shaped. Small efforts begin to stack. A drawer gets organized. A message gets returned. A walk gets taken. A kind word gets spoken.

None of it feels monumental in the moment.

Over time, it becomes a life that looks very different from where you started.

I have watched this happen in my own routines. Areas that once felt stuck now feel in motion. Tasks that used to wait for “the right time” now get attention in small, steady ways. The pressure to be perfect fades. The willingness to move forward grows.

Scripture gently echoes this idea:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” — Zechariah 4:10

Small beginnings matter. They always have.

This way of living keeps hope alive. It reminds me that growth is still available. It keeps my eyes forward. It gives each day a sense of purpose that doesn’t feel heavy.

Just one percent.

That’s all.

Near the end of many days, I look back and realize something shifted. A little more patience. A little more courage. A little more follow-through. Nothing flashy. Something real.

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

Captain’s Addendum

Spock tilted his head. “Fascinating, Captain. A marginal improvement compounded over time yields significant results.”

Bones folded his arms. “You mean to tell me all I had to do was get a little better each day? Would’ve saved me a lot of frustration.”

I smiled at them both. Most days don’t ask for heroics. They ask for a small step taken with intention. That step has been enough to change the direction of my days.

Mission Log complete.

Thank you for walking this path with me. May today bring you one small step forward and a quiet sense of progress.

Cash is King But a Well Played Pawn Can Become a Queen

Stardate 05.18.2026

You don’t have to know how a knight moves to understand the board.

Most of us are already playing.

When it comes to money, I’ve taken a road that required discipline. There were seasons when I felt squeezed. Seasons when the numbers didn’t feel friendly. Seasons when I wondered if I had overextended myself in some small way.

The board can feel crowded at times.

A few days ago, I mentioned qualifying for 50,000 points with Allegiant Air. The offer required opening their branded credit card and charging $2,500 in purchases within the first 90 days. That’s how these things work. It’s designed to move you forward quickly.

I chose to make the move.

The rule was simple in my mind: spend what I was already planning to spend. Pay it off completely before the due date. No lingering balance. No interest. No surprises.

The balance now sits at zero.

The card will rest quietly in a drawer until it’s time to book another trip. When I travel with Allegiant Air again, that small piece of plastic brings early boarding and a complimentary cabernet. A modest perk. A quiet smile.

I often think about Dave Ramsey and his steady reminder that cash keeps you grounded. There’s wisdom there. Discipline protects peace. A credit card without discipline becomes expensive very quickly.

I’ve seen both sides.

Years ago, I learned the hard way that interest charges have no mercy. That lesson stayed with me. Now, every move carries intention.

Back in February, I escaped the snow and ice and headed to Florida. The reward certificate from my primary card covered the flight, the Airbnb, the meals. I watched the snow melt from a distance while knowing the trip had already been paid for through everyday spending that was handled responsibly.

On that flight, an Allegiant attendant offered a small sample tied to their rewards program. It planted a seed. She did her job well. A thoughtful interaction can change a decision. Their airline will likely see more of my travel when their routes align with our plans.

I’m aware this approach isn’t for everyone. Some people sleep better paying cash for every transaction. There is no shame in that. Peace of mind matters more than perks.

For me, the game is about stewardship.

I picture a pawn inching forward across the board. It moves slowly. It absorbs pressure. It requires patience. If it survives the journey, it transforms.

That transformation doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens with watchfulness.

It happens with self-control.

It happens when you remember why you’re playing in the first place.

Scripture speaks clearly about this kind of discipline:

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” — Luke 16:10

Money reveals character. A small decision made well builds confidence for the next one. A balance paid in full builds strength for the next opportunity.

These points I earned will likely fund future travel connected to stories, relationships, and maybe even hospital visits where encouragement is needed. A small financial decision today may ripple into something meaningful tomorrow.

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

The board is set for all of us each morning. Some moves are bold. Some are cautious. Every move carries weight.

Captain’s Addendum

Spock raised an eyebrow. “Captain, the probability of financial success increases significantly with disciplined execution.”

Bones folded his arms. “Just don’t let that discipline turn into overconfidence.”

They both looked at me.

I’ve learned to respect the board. Every piece matters. Even the smallest one.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May your moves today be steady, thoughtful, and filled with quiet confidence.

Live long and prosper. 🖖 

What's in Your Tool Box?

Stardate 05.17.2026

“Never stop learning.” That’s the mantra I plan to carry for the rest of my life.

Each day, I try to add something small to the mix. A couple of new words in a foreign language. A video or two about a topic that catches my curiosity. Conversations with people who have lived enough life to share wisdom without needing to prove anything. Little deposits that, over time, begin to change how I see the world.

I’ve also started paying attention to the tools I keep around me.

Not just the ideas and insights, but the literal tools that help me do things I once avoided because they felt unfamiliar. The picture you see here is from a delivery that arrived a few days ago for my van build. I’m learning how to work with extruded aluminum. This project is going to occupy much of my free time for a while, and I’m finding a quiet satisfaction in learning skills I never imagined I would need.

There was a time when something like this would have felt out of reach. Complicated. Best left to someone else.

Now, I find myself studying, measuring, adjusting, and trying again.

The right tool in your hand changes how a problem looks. The right mindset in your head changes how a challenge feels.

I can sense my brain waking up to the possibilities. What once felt like a distant idea is taking shape piece by piece. I still have a lot to learn. I still have moments where I stare at the parts laid out in front of me and wonder how they all fit together. It reminds me of sitting on the floor as a kid with a pile of Lego bricks, turning pieces over in my hands until the picture on the box slowly started to make sense.

That’s where I am right now. Surrounded by pieces. Learning how they connect.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6

I’m grateful for the chance to keep learning. Grateful for the patience this process is teaching me. Grateful for the reminder that growth often looks like a workbench covered in parts before it looks like anything recognizable.

May you live long and prosper.

I look forward to the day my wife and I are out on the road, sharing time and stories with many of you. First, I need to learn how to put all these pieces together.

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

Have a great day.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “It appears, Captain, that you are assembling more than a vehicle. You are assembling capability.”

Bones: “I just hope he remembers which tool goes where before he bolts the whole thing shut.”

Some days, the lesson is simple. Keep adding tools. Keep learning how to use them. The picture will come into focus in time.

Thank you for spending part of your day with me.

Allegiant Airlines Flight Attendant Inspires Journey to 50,000 Rewards Points

Stardate 05.16.2026

I tell people almost daily that I don’t like credit cards.

Use them carelessly and they will quietly take control of your life. Years ago, I listened closely to Dave Ramsey, who teaches people to cut them up and walk away for good. I did exactly that. For a long time.

His plan works. It builds discipline. It creates margin. It teaches respect for money.

Over time, I made a small adjustment to his approach. It’s an adjustment that only works because the discipline came first. Without that foundation, this would be a dangerous game to play. If you have ever struggled with debt, this is not for you. The consequences of a missed payment are too heavy. I mean that sincerely.

Winter in Iowa can feel long. The sun sits low in the sky and disappears before I get home from work. I’ve learned that a mid-winter trip to sunshine does wonders for my spirit and my health. A little Vitamin D goes a long way when the days feel short.

That’s how my wife and I found ourselves on a flight from Cedar Rapids to Tampa/St. Pete on Allegiant Air. Allegiant has a knack for connecting smaller airports to warm destinations at prices that make you look twice. Our one-way tickets were about $55.

During the flight, I noticed something interesting. The flight attendant mentioned that wine is complimentary for Allegiant credit card holders.

I looked at my wife, expecting her to rescue me from temptation.

She nudged me.

“You should do it.”

A few minutes later, during a stretch of noticeable turbulence, I was filling out a paper credit card application with handwriting that already challenges the English language on calm days. The plane bounced. My pen bounced. I’m fairly certain the application looked like it had been written during an earthquake.

I handed it in anyway to qualify for the in-flight bonus offer.

Then came the waiting.

Three weeks passed. I called to make sure someone could actually read what I wrote. They politely told me to be patient. About a month after the flight, the card arrived.

The next step was clear: spend $2,500 within 90 days to earn the reward points.

Mission accepted.

Every charge was planned. Every purchase was something we would have paid for anyway. And when the statement arrived, it was paid in full before the due date.

My wife and I have a rule: if we ever pay even ten cents in interest, the card gets closed.

No exceptions.

I remembered telling the flight attendant that once I had the card, I would be enjoying my complimentary wine on future flights. Six flights a year covers the $59 annual fee. Three round trips to Florida or Arizona during winter takes care of that easily.

There’s something funny about how this all started. A casual comment from a flight attendant. A nudge from my wife. A shaky pen during turbulence.

And now, 50,000 rewards points sitting in an account waiting to be used for more sunshine trips when Iowa turns gray again.

“Be very careful,” I tell people when I share this story.

Discipline came first. The card came later.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” — Proverbs 21:5

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

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Fascinating, Captain. A credit instrument used with logic instead of impulse.”
Bones: “I still don’t trust it. One late payment and you’ll need medical attention.”

I smiled thinking about that turbulence and my shaky handwriting. Some journeys start with a small moment that feels almost insignificant at the time. A nudge. A conversation. A decision made carefully.

Sometimes discipline opens doors you would never dare to walk through otherwise.

Mission Log complete.

Grateful for sunshine, safe flights, and lessons learned along the way.

What Dreams Are Made Of

Stardate 05.15.2026

My accountability partner, Joni, and I have been keeping in touch about our dreams. She challenged me to read Dream Big by Bob Goff. After reading it, I reached out to Bob to tell him I had turned his book into a working manual for my own life. He calls himself the chief balloon inflator. I smiled when I read that. Some people inflate balloons. Others help people lift off the ground.

One idea from the book has stayed with me: God-sized dreams require calendar-sized actions.

Today, I have something on my calendar that makes me grin from ear to ear. My first shipment of extruded aluminum for the van build arrives.

A few days ago, I told my neighbor what was coming. She asked a simple question.

“Where’s the van?”

It’s not here yet. I don’t even own it.

Call me crazy. I’m dreaming the kind of dream Bob writes about.

I’m learning that dreams don’t begin when everything is lined up. They begin when you decide to move before everything is visible. The aluminum shows up before the van. The tools arrive before the workspace feels ready. The steps start before the whole staircase can be seen.

If you’re dreaming big, I hope you’re writing those dreams down. I hope you’re listing the obstacles you already know you’ll face. I hope you’re writing the names of people you can call when you need help. Getting it out of your head and onto paper does something steadying to the soul.

My dreams right now are made of extruded aluminum.

They’re made of YouTube videos where regular people build remarkable things in their driveways. They’re made of small tools, small steps, and quiet learning. I’m sharing these pieces with you as I learn how to fit them together like Legos, one connector at a time.

There will be a lot of baby steps between today and the day Lucy is finished. I already know I’ll make mistakes. I know I’ll put pieces together wrong. I know I’ll have to take things apart and try again. I also know I’ll get back up every time. I can already see the day when my wife and I take Lucy out for that first test drive, smiling like kids who built something with their own hands.

That picture is clear in my mind. Clear enough to guide today’s small step.

The last thing I want is to wake up four years from now and realize Lucy never happened. That thought has a way of waking me up early and moving me forward. So I’m starting now. I’m letting go of things that quietly waste time and drain energy. I have a plan. I’m following it.

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

Thank you, Joni, for walking beside me as an accountability partner. May you live long and prosper.

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

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock tilted his head. “Captain, it is illogical to receive construction materials before acquiring the vehicle.”

Bones folded his arms. “I’ve seen less strange things work out just fine. Let the man build.”

I smiled at both of them. Some days faith looks like aluminum on the driveway and a van still on the horizon.

Thank you, Michelle

Thank You, Michelle

Stardate 05.14.2026

Yesterday’s conversation with Michelle is one I won’t forget anytime soon.

We set up a tripod, found a bit of good light, and let the camera roll. No notes. No script. Just two people talking about helping others navigate something that can feel overwhelming and deeply personal—finances, homes, and the life decisions tied to both.

If you haven’t seen the interview yet, I’ve shared the replay here for you.

https://youtu.be/SwmvegWBs7k?si=BxvSVb5Kjf65EhcF

What stood out to me wasn’t a list of services or credentials. It was the way Michelle spoke about people. She listens first. She meets people where they are. She looks for ways to save them time, remove confusion, and help them move forward with clarity.

There’s a calm confidence about her that you can feel through the screen.

You can tell she cares.

For anyone trying to sort through questions about mortgages, loans, or simply making wise financial choices for the road ahead, this conversation is worth your time. Not because it is flashy or dramatic, but because it is grounded in real care and real experience.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

That verse came to mind after we wrapped up. It felt like a fitting summary of what I had just witnessed.

Michelle serves people with patience and kindness, and that kind of service has a way of multiplying. The response to the interview has already been encouraging to see, and I couldn’t be happier for her.

If this conversation helps you or someone you know, feel free to pass it along.

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

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock tilted his head slightly. “Captain, it appears that genuine care remains one of the most efficient problem-solving tools available to humans.”

Bones folded his arms. “Imagine that, Spock. Listening to folks before trying to fix them.”

I smiled at both of them. In a world that moves quickly, there is something powerful about someone willing to slow down long enough to truly help.

First Shipment of Lucy Parts Arrives on 05.15

Stardate 05.13.2026

It’s getting real now.

In forty-eight hours, the first shipment of extruded aluminum arrives at my door. Long black rails that, for now, exist only as possibility. I chose black because my supplier is running a sale. They also did me a favor and cut every piece to the exact measurements I sent over—measurements I borrowed from a van builder I’ve quietly studied for months.

I’m building a van interior without owning a van.

If that sounds a little unhinged, you’re tracking with me just fine.

Put me in a room with a hundred van builders and I would rank last in qualifications. Dead last. Yet here I am, laying the foundation for what I hope becomes a five-star dream home on wheels. It has to be five-star quality. That’s the only way my wife is coming along for this adventure.

My official retirement date from the day job still sits four years, one month, and twenty-three days out. The calendar says wait. My spirit says build.

I’m in a stretch of life that feels like a workshop table covered in half-assembled projects. Experiments everywhere. Some elegant. Some clumsy. All of them teaching me something I didn’t know before.

None of this would be happening if I hadn’t made a decision during some very dark days to face my finances head-on. I had to learn how to live differently. That season reshaped how I think about money, time, and what is actually possible when you get honest with yourself.

That’s why I’m going live today at 1:00pm Iowa time.

I want friends and family who feel buried under debt to see that there is a path forward. I’m not fully equipped for a proper livestream. The lighting will be suspect. The audio might echo. I’ll be juggling multiple free platforms at once because the paid tools can wait.

This is very much a “use what you have” operation.

The spirit behind it reminds me of Dave Ramsey and his message about living differently now so you can live differently later. I’m not trying to be polished. I’m trying to be useful.

If you decide to follow along for the next four years and beyond, here’s what you’ll see: trial, error, learning in public, and a steady willingness to step into things I’m not fully qualified to do yet.

That’s where some of the best growth hides.

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

I’m committing these aluminum rails, this future van, this livestream, and this strange season of experimentation to Him. The outcome will take care of itself.

Later today, I’ll set a camera in the conference room of the woman who helped me become debt-free over ten years. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s about to become part of Lucy’s origin story.

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

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, constructing a starship interior prior to acquiring the vessel is… unconventional.”

Bones: “I’ve seen worse, Spock. At least he’s building something instead of waiting around for permission.”

Sometimes the first step in a journey looks nothing like a journey. It looks like black aluminum rails on a garage floor and a man learning as he goes.

Thank you for walking this road with me. May you live long and prosper. 🖖

To Be or Not to Be in the Comfort Zone

Stardate 05.12.2026

I’ve been noticing where I do my best living lately, and it feels a little uncomfortable.

I’ve started calling it my sweet spot.

In tennis, when the ball meets the center of the racket, the shot feels clean. Effort and outcome seem to agree with each other. The ball travels where you hoped it would go. There’s a quiet satisfaction in the contact.

I still hit plenty of balls near the frame. The sound is different. The result is unpredictable. I feel it in my hands right away.

Life has a similar feel.

There is a place where everything flows. Familiar routines. Predictable days. People around you nod in approval because what you’re doing makes sense. You feel competent there. You feel steady.

I know that place well.

I also know I don’t grow there.

More and more, I find myself living just outside that comfortable center. Not far away. Just at the edge where things feel slightly uncertain. Where I have to pay attention. Where I don’t get to move on autopilot.

It’s a curious place to spend your days.

My brain would prefer I return to the familiar. It gently suggests old habits. It reminds me how easy things used to feel. It tries to pull me back to a place where I don’t have to think so hard.

Friends sometimes join in without realizing it. They want you safe. They want you settled. They want you in the version of yourself they’ve always known.

There’s kindness in that. There’s also a quiet resistance to change.

I feel the tug often.

New habits take effort. New paths feel awkward at first. There are moments when I wonder how many times I’m willing to miss the ball before I connect cleanly again.

Then, every so often, I feel it.

That clean contact.

A new habit begins to feel natural. A risk turns into growth. Something that once felt foreign starts to feel like part of who I am becoming.

That’s the sweet spot I’m learning to recognize.

Not the center of my comfort zone. The edge of it.

The place where attention is required. Where small failures are common. Where progress is quiet and steady.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him.” — Psalm 37:23

I don’t always know where the next step will land. I’m learning to trust the One who does.

Living this way asks something of us. It asks us to be willing to look uncertain. It asks us to try things that don’t come naturally. It asks us to accept that growth has a different feel than comfort.

Sometimes the tug of war is real. Expectations from others. Old patterns from within. The rope feels tight in your hands.

There are moments when the healthiest choice is to loosen your grip and step in a new direction.

I’m finding that this slightly uncomfortable place is where my best living happens.

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

May you live long and prosper.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, it appears that growth frequently occurs in environments of mild discomfort.”

Bones: “I’ve treated enough patients to know that staying too comfortable can make a person stiff in more ways than one.”

There’s a certain vitality I feel when I stop trying to settle and start trying to stretch.

Grateful for the space where new steps are formed.

Livestream Wednesday, 5/13 at 1:00 with Michelle for Debt Reduction Tips

Livestream Wednesday, 5/13 at 1:00pm CDT with Michelle for Debt Reduction Tips

Stardate 05.11.2026

When it comes to getting out of debt and learning how to build wealth, I have a long trail of lessons behind me.

There was a season when my finances told a story I did not want to read. No job. No margin. A credit score that made hard conversations even harder. I remember sitting across from people, hoping they would see something in me that my paperwork did not show.

Two women did.

One was my realtor, Pam, who represented me during a time when there was very little about my situation that looked promising on paper. She treated me with dignity and patience. She helped me move forward when standing still felt easier.

The other was Michelle from the credit union.

Michelle saw past the numbers and showed me a plan. A real one. A practical one. A hopeful one. She believed that financial peace was still possible for me, and she was willing to walk me through the steps to get there.

Today, I am debt free. Financially independent. Living a life that once felt far away.

Pam and Michelle are a big part of that story.

On Wednesday, 5/12 at 1:00pm CDT, I will be sitting down with Michelle for a live conversation about debt reduction and the steps that helped me pay off my mortgage in ten years. She has agreed to share these principles openly so others can benefit from the same guidance that changed my life.

This livestream will appear on Substack.

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

If you are walking through financial challenges, this conversation may offer you a path forward. Michelle has a gift for turning confusion into clarity. I’ve seen it firsthand. I know her team. I trust her completely.

I did not go looking for Michelle. She came to me at my day job and offered help when I needed it most. That quiet moment of someone stepping in with a plan became a turning point in my life.

I am willing to share my financial missteps so you can avoid some of the same trouble. If this worked for me, it can work for you with the right guidance and steady steps.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” — Proverbs 21:5

I’m looking forward to introducing you to Michelle on Wednesday.

May you live long and prosper.

---

Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “It appears, Captain, that sound financial planning is a most logical form of self-care.”

Bones: “I’ve seen stress wreck a man faster than any disease. This might be the healthiest conversation you’ve had all week.”

I’ve learned that peace of mind often begins in places we once avoided looking.

Endorphin Alert

Stardate 05.10.2026

Before I get too deep into today’s topic, I want to pause and wish all the moms a Happy Mother’s Day.

Since I know my mom reads these stories each morning, this feels like the right place to share her gift.

Mom, your next order of your favorite NMN is on me.

This gift carries a little self-interest. We all want you here with us for a long time, and your supplements are part of how you care for yourself so well. Happy Mother’s Day to you.

Now, on to one of my favorite subjects: endorphins.

You know when they’re present. You feel lighter. Clearer. More at ease in your own skin. You also know when they’re missing. Something feels off, and it’s hard to name.

I pay close attention to the habits that keep mine steady. If you suspect yours are running low, here’s a short checklist that has made a difference for me.

1. Get grounded
Shoes and socks off. Fifteen minutes outside each day. Grass, dirt, concrete, it all works. Cloudy days count. I feel a shift almost immediately when my feet touch the earth. This one has become part of my daily rhythm.

2. Burn fat instead of sugar
This has been a long experiment for me. When I eat in a way that keeps my blood sugar steady, my mood stays steady too. Hunger doesn’t bark at me every couple of hours. My mind feels calmer. The reward is subtle and lasting.

3. Step into the shower before the hot water arrives
I’ll admit this takes resolve. Those first seconds wake up every nerve ending. What follows is a rush that carries me for hours. It’s one of the most reliable ways I know to change my internal state quickly.

4. Greet the morning sun
This is best done outside. Even better if your feet happen to be bare. Morning light sets the tone for the rest of the day and helps your body find its natural rhythm. When I miss this because I’m deep in writing, I notice the difference.

5. Spend time with happy people
Today is for our moms, and mine happens to be one of the happiest people I know. I share her with five siblings, all of us benefiting from the same joyful spirit. She gives me walking reports like a field correspondent. How many hills she climbed. Which street she was on. Who she met along the way. I can feel my mood lift just hearing her voice.

There’s one more thought for those who carry complicated memories or grief today.

Some have lost their mother. Some carry wounds that never quite healed. I watched our family come close to losing my mom when she was in intensive care with a lung infection that stole her breath. That memory still sits close to the surface.

Here is a gentle invitation.

Take five minutes today and forgive your mother for anything that still hurts. You don’t have to say it out loud. You don’t have to explain it to anyone. Just release it.

There may be tears. Let them come.

Peace often follows.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

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

🖖 Captain’s Addendum

Spock tilted his head. “Captain, emotional equilibrium appears linked to your outdoor rituals.”

Bones folded his arms. “I’d say the Captain just knows how to take care of himself.”

I smiled at both of them. Small daily habits carry more weight than we think. A few minutes here and there can change the entire tone of a day.

Grateful for another morning. Grateful for moms. Grateful for the chance to feel good in this body and share the journey with you.

May you live long and prosper.

Tennis Captain Sends 3 Teams to District Championships Next Month

Stardate 05.09.2026

Our tennis captain achieved something rarely done. Three teams are headed to the district championships next month, all while he continues coaching high school tennis in Muscatine.

I’ve watched him lead ever since I began playing at North Dodge Athletic Center after relocating from Southern California. I didn’t know what to expect when I first arrived. I had heard plenty about the winters. I wondered how I would fit in on the courts.

Jim Sichterman never talks about obstacles. He talks about effort, attitude, and showing up ready to work. My teammates carry that same spirit. They have spent the past seasons helping me chip away at the small flaws in my game with patience and encouragement. They understand the 1% better mindset because they practice it every time we step onto the court.

Last week, Jim’s 18+ team won their league against a very strong opponent. I’m no longer on that roster. My schedule only allows enough vacation time to compete in two regional tournaments, so I stepped aside and let the younger players represent in that division. My focus now is on the 40+ and 55+ teams.

This morning I’m headed to cardio tennis at 8:00 a.m., led by a familiar voice in the tennis world, Michael Shires. Every Saturday he brings energy and challenge that stretches all of us. We are in the final month of preparation before facing other league champions from the western part of our state. Several of those teams have qualified for national competition in past years.

That goal sits quietly in the back of our minds.

To win a Midwest Sectional Championship among the top teams and earn a trip to Nationals.

As I think about it, gratitude rises to the surface.

Gratitude for a captain who leads with steady confidence.
Gratitude for a head pro who creates an environment where players of all levels feel welcome.
Gratitude for teammates who treat each other like family.

Scripture came to me as I laced up my shoes this morning:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

That verse fits the way this group approaches the game. There is heart in every drill, every match, every word of encouragement between points.

Tennis has a way of revealing character. It asks for patience. It asks for focus. It asks you to keep going after mistakes and trust the next shot.

I’m thankful to be part of a tennis family that understands this.

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

---

Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “Spock, humans seem to believe improvement comes from hitting a small ball over a net thousands of times.”

Spock: “A logical method, Doctor. Repetition appears to refine both skill and temperament.”

There’s something about returning to the court again and again that shapes more than a forehand. It shapes the way we show up in other parts of life too.

I’m grateful for the people who share that court with me.

May you live long and prosper.

Field of Pickleball Dreams

Stardate 05.08.2026

The Pickleball Iowa County Committee met last night at the Williamsburg Rec Center to talk through the final steps before construction begins on four outdoor courts later this summer. Grant requests are out. Sponsors are being contacted. Momentum is building in a quiet, steady way.

Alongside the excitement came thoughtful questions from town hall members who care deeply about the future of this project.

What happens after the courts are built?
Who maintains them?
How will they be funded long term?
Will they remain free for the community as our board intends?

These are good questions. Necessary questions. The kind that remind you this is bigger than painted lines on asphalt.

This is about stewardship.

When I think about this project, I can’t help but think about my own dream to build a vacation home on wheels. I’ve shared openly about my lack of hands-on construction skills. I’m learning as I go. Measuring twice. Watching videos. Asking questions. Taking one step, then another.

That same spirit is present in this committee.

Back in late 2023, when the mayor told me a pickleball committee would be required and suggested forming a 501(c)(3), it felt like a mountain. A small group of women who were already playing indoors at the rec center quietly raised their hands and volunteered. What has grown from that moment is one of the finest teams I have ever had the privilege to be part of.

Over time, these women have become like family to my wife and me. We’ve laughed together, worked together, and walked through the long process of turning an idea into something tangible for our town.

Last night, as the questions came forward about sustainability, I raised my hand.

I shared that my next book project will be dedicated to this community. As with all my books, every dollar of proceeds will be donated. This time, the funds will go directly to Pickleball Iowa County to help ensure these courts remain cared for well into the future.

There is also a documentary in the works titled Field of Pickleball Dreams. It will tell the story of the volunteers who have poured their time, energy, and heart into making this town an even better place to live.

I looked around the room and realized something simple.

This is how lasting things are built.

Not through grand gestures, but through ordinary people showing up again and again with a willingness to help.

Scripture came to mind as I drove home:

“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

No one in that room is weary. They are steady. Hopeful. Committed.

The finish line is beginning to come into view, yet there is no rush to get there. There is care in every step because everyone understands this is meant to serve generations who haven’t even picked up a paddle yet.

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

---

Captain’s Addendum

Bones: “You know, Spock, humans build things long before they know how they’ll maintain them.”

Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. Yet they continue anyway. Fascinating optimism.”

I’ve seen this optimism firsthand. It lives in meeting rooms, on clipboards, in group texts, and in the quiet determination of volunteers who want to leave something better than they found it.

Sometimes faith looks like a prayer.
Sometimes it looks like a plan.
Sometimes it looks like four pickleball courts waiting to be painted.

I’m grateful to witness all of it.

May you live long and prosper.