Stay Mentally Strong With the M.C.P.

During World War II the Japanese military sent Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda to Lubang Island in the Philippines and told him to defend the area at all costs. When the war ended in 1945, Onoda refused to believe it was over. Numerous attempts were made to convince Onoda to return home but none were successful. Twenty-nine years passed before Onoda surrendered his post.

As we enter the month of December I want to give you full permission to prioritize defending the healthiest mindset possible for you and your family. Maybe you are thriving right now, or maybe you are not. We have a saying around here, “It is okay not to be okay but it is not okay to stay that way.”

Wherever you are, I want to share three things that I believe everyone needs in order to stay grounded mentally. I call it M.C.P. and it is one of the reasons why we launched Eyes Up. We built it for our own family after decades of studying and observing families in our professional and personal life and we pray it will serve your family as well.

M.C.P. stands for Movement, Community, and Purpose.

Movement: The research is clear: exercise brings major benefits. Not only does it help control weight, and combat health conditions but it improves mood, boosts energy, supports better sleep, strengthens your relationships, and creates space for fun and connection. Enough said, move your body.

Community: Research also reveals community matters. We want you to know you are never alone, no matter how you feel. If you are receiving these emails, you are already a part of a vibrant community cheering for you.

• For my local friends, at Eyes Up, we offer group workouts every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:45–5:30 p.m. Drop the kids off and take a walk or grab a cone and join the workout.

• For my dads no matter where you live, we host a Zoom lunch the first Thursday of each month (including this Thursday) where we talk about faith, family, wellness, and career. This is a simple and easy way to connect with other men who are wanting to win as dads.

• You can book time with me anytime, I am only a call, text or email away.

• We also unapologetically invite people into Christian community at the church where I serve on pastoral staff, Mecklenburg Community Church. There are in person and online options for checking it out.

Purpose: What are sociologists saying is the greatest predictor of “happiness?” Feeling your life has purpose. What drives you? What inspires you? What motivates you? Are you doing enough of that?

We have recently heard so many stories about folks who are struggling mentally right now, and the cause of much of it is lack of purpose in their life.

I recently talked to one man who reached out to a college buddy he hadn’t spoken to in years. After reconnecting, the old friend texted him saying, “Thank you for calling. You saved my life, I was about to end it all.”

This is a true story that was shared last week. That one simple act of kindness sparked new purpose.

Life is hard, but I want you to know that you’re doing better than you think. You’re showing up. You’re fighting each day. And we’re proud of you.

Stay mentally strong with the M.C.P.