Ground Breaking Ceremony Ahead

Stardate 07.02.2026

It's happening.

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

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

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

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

This one belongs to Williamsburg.

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

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

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

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

Captain's Addendum

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

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

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

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Mission Log

Live long. Prosper in purpose. Encourage someone today.

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

Sardine Score: 36–2 in the Latest Food Experiment

Stardate 07.01.2026

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

I'm all in for 90 days.

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

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

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

The bigger picture has very little to do with sardines.

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

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

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

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

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

Captain's Addendum

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

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

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

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

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

🖖