When life knocks you down, it’s easy to think the best thing to do is rest. You tell yourself you’ll get up tomorrow, or when you feel stronger, or when the weight in your mind doesn’t feel so heavy. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize—when it comes to energy, your body doesn’t work like a bank account. Spend it, and you often end up with more. The first step is always the hardest. I know it sure is for...

I believe preparation is more than a safety measure—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you're heading off-grid for a spontaneous adventure (my son calls these side quests) or responding to a real-world crisis, having a Go Bag ready is one of the simplest, smartest ways to take control in the face of uncertainty. Also known as a Ready Bag, Grab Bag, or Bug-Out Bag, this compact, pre-packed kit is designed to sustain you for 24 to 72 hours. It’s not about fear or...

At Survivor Mind, I talk a lot about resilience—the kind that’s forged in the fire of hardship, grief, or loss. But survival isn't just mental. It's also about staying physically prepared, strong, and self-reliant in the environments we explore. Whether you’re heading into the backcountry, climbing a volcano, or just car camping off the grid, your mind can’t thrive if your body isn’t protected. This is where the physical side of Survivor Mind comes in. I believe in training for the world...

Shame is Heavy It lingers in the back of your mind, whispering that you’re not enough, that your past mistakes define you, that if people really knew you, they’d turn away. Shame doesn’t just remind you of what you’ve done—it convinces you that you are what you’ve done. And that lie keeps so many people stuck. We all carry things we wish we didn’t—regret, guilt, moments we replay in our heads, thinking, If only I had done something different. But shame is...