Understanding the Long-Term Costs of Maintaining Wooded and Pasture Property

Posted on October 20, 2026 by smithb9

Owning wooded acreage or pastureland can provide opportunities for recreation, agricultural activities, and long-term investment. However, maintaining rural property often involves expenses that landowners underestimate, particularly when the land is not actively generating income.

Unlike developed residential properties, wooded and pastureland may require specialized maintenance to preserve accessibility, control vegetation, protect soil conditions, and prevent environmental problems. These responsibilities can become increasingly expensive as properties age or ownership circumstances change.

For individuals who inherited rural land, relocated to another state, or no longer use their acreage regularly, ongoing maintenance costs may eventually outweigh the benefits of continued ownership.

Understanding these expenses can help landowners establish realistic budgets and decide whether retaining, leasing, or selling their property makes financial sense.

Understanding the Financial Responsibilities of Rural Land Ownership

Rural land ownership involves more than paying the original purchase price and annual property taxes.

The financial responsibilities depend on the property’s size, location, terrain, vegetation, and intended use.

Wooded parcels may require tree management, trail maintenance, and removal of hazardous vegetation. Pastureland may need fencing repairs, mowing, drainage improvements, and management of invasive plants.

Other common expenses include insurance, access road maintenance, boundary surveys, and professional property inspections.

Some expenses occur annually, while others arise unexpectedly after storms, flooding, or prolonged periods of neglect.

Landowners should account for both recurring maintenance and occasional major repairs when calculating the true cost of ownership.

Property Taxes and Their Long-Term Impact

Property taxes are among the most predictable expenses associated with rural land ownership.

However, tax obligations can vary considerably depending on the property’s location, acreage, classification, and assessed value.

Some agricultural properties may qualify for preferential tax treatment when they meet specific land-use requirements.

For example, land actively used for farming or forestry may be eligible for certain assessment programs, depending on state and local regulations.

However, owners should not assume that vacant wooded acreage automatically qualifies for reduced taxation.

Changes in land use or ownership may also affect eligibility.

Landowners should review their tax assessments periodically and investigate whether applicable agricultural or forestry programs could reduce their expenses.

Even relatively modest annual taxes can accumulate over decades of ownership.

The Cost of Maintaining Wooded Acreage

Wooded properties often appeal to buyers because of their natural scenery, privacy, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities.

However, forests require appropriate management to remain accessible and healthy.

Fallen trees, overgrown trails, invasive plants, and storm damage can create maintenance challenges.

In some regions, landowners may also need to consider wildfire risk, erosion, or pest-related damage.

Professional forestry services may be necessary when a property contains extensive timber resources or hazardous trees.

These services can involve substantial expenses, particularly when equipment must travel long distances or operate on difficult terrain.

Owners should evaluate whether the property’s recreational or investment benefits justify these ongoing responsibilities.

Managing Wooded Property in Montana

Montana contains extensive rural landscapes where wooded acreage may be used for recreation, wildlife observation, timber management, or long-term ownership.

However, maintaining forested property can become challenging when parcels are remote or difficult to access.

Seasonal weather, fallen trees, road deterioration, and vegetation growth may require ongoing attention.

For landowners who no longer have the time or resources to maintain their acreage, exploring Land Boss wooded land offers may provide an alternative to continued ownership.

Before deciding whether to sell, owners should compare the property’s estimated market value with annual maintenance expenses and potential future uses.

A property that provides significant recreational enjoyment may justify continued ownership, while unused acreage with substantial expenses may present a different financial calculation.

Understanding Pasture Maintenance Requirements

Pastureland often requires consistent management, even when livestock are not currently grazing on the property.

Without appropriate maintenance, pastures may become overgrown with weeds, brush, and invasive vegetation.

These conditions can reduce the amount of usable grazing land and make future agricultural activities more difficult.

Routine pasture maintenance may involve mowing, soil testing, fertilization, weed control, and reseeding.

The frequency and cost of these activities depend on climate, soil conditions, vegetation, and the intended agricultural use.

Poorly managed pastureland may also experience erosion or drainage problems.

Landowners should establish maintenance schedules that reflect the property’s actual needs rather than relying on occasional clearing.

The Importance of Fencing and Boundary Maintenance

Fencing is a significant expense for many pasture properties.

Livestock operations often require dependable fencing to contain animals and protect neighboring properties.

Over time, fence posts can deteriorate, wire can become damaged, and gates may require replacement.

Storms, fallen trees, and wildlife activity can also damage fencing.

For larger parcels, inspecting and repairing extensive fence lines can require considerable labor.

Boundary maintenance is equally important for wooded properties.

Overgrown vegetation and missing markers can make property boundaries difficult to identify.

Maintaining accurate surveys and visible boundary information can help reduce disputes and simplify future transactions.

Evaluating Pastureland Ownership in Texas

Texas has extensive agricultural and ranching areas where pastureland may support livestock operations, recreational activities, or long-term investment.

However, maintaining pasture property can involve substantial expenses related to fencing, water infrastructure, vegetation control, and access roads.

The financial burden may increase when owners live far from their land or no longer operate an agricultural business.

For those considering selling pasture land in Texas with Land Boss, evaluating current ownership expenses can help determine whether a sale aligns with their financial goals.

Owners should also consider whether the property could generate income through agricultural leasing before deciding to sell.

Comparing available purchase offers with the cost of continued ownership can provide a clearer understanding of the available options.

Water Management and Drainage Expenses

Water availability is important for both wooded and pasture properties.

Pastureland used for livestock may require wells, ponds, watering systems, or access to other reliable water sources.

These systems can involve installation, electricity, maintenance, and repair expenses.

Poor drainage can create additional problems.

Standing water may damage pasture vegetation, restrict equipment access, and contribute to soil deterioration.

Wooded properties can also experience erosion when drainage systems are inadequate.

Heavy rainfall may damage trails, culverts, and access roads.

Addressing drainage problems early can sometimes prevent more expensive repairs later.

However, significant water management improvements should be evaluated carefully to determine whether their benefits justify the investment.

Maintaining Rural Access Roads

Access roads are essential for many rural properties.

They allow landowners, agricultural equipment, emergency services, and maintenance contractors to reach different areas of the property.

Unpaved roads can deteriorate because of rainfall, erosion, heavy vehicles, and seasonal weather conditions.

Maintenance may involve grading, gravel replacement, drainage improvements, and vegetation clearing.

For remote properties, transporting equipment and materials can increase costs.

Shared private roads may also create financial responsibilities among neighboring landowners.

Owners should review any recorded road maintenance agreements and understand their obligations.

Maintaining dependable access can preserve usability and improve the property’s attractiveness to future buyers.

Insurance and Liability Considerations

Insurance is another expense that rural landowners should evaluate.

Although vacant land may not require the same coverage as a developed residential property, certain activities can create liability concerns.

For example, properties used for hunting, livestock grazing, recreational access, or commercial activities may present different risks.

Existing structures, equipment, ponds, and other features can also affect insurance needs.

Owners should discuss their property’s actual uses with an insurance professional to determine appropriate coverage.

Allowing other individuals to use the land may create additional considerations.

Written agreements and appropriate insurance arrangements can help clarify responsibilities when property is leased or used by third parties.

The Challenges of Maintaining Property From Another State

Absentee ownership can make rural property maintenance considerably more complicated.

Landowners who live far from their acreage may struggle to monitor vegetation growth, storm damage, fencing conditions, and unauthorized activity.

Travel expenses can become substantial when regular inspections are necessary.

Some owners hire local contractors or property managers to perform maintenance and monitor conditions.

Although professional assistance can reduce the burden of managing remote land, it introduces additional costs.

Communication and scheduling challenges may also delay repairs.

For inherited or unused property, these responsibilities can eventually become difficult to justify.

Considering Rural Property Ownership in Ohio

Ohio includes agricultural and wooded rural properties that may require different maintenance approaches depending on their intended use.

Pastureland may need vegetation management and fencing, while wooded parcels can require trail maintenance, drainage work, and forestry-related attention.

Landowners who no longer actively use their property may find that maintenance expenses continue without providing corresponding benefits.

In these circumstances, exploring selling opportunities through Land Boss in Ohio may be worth considering.

Before accepting an offer, owners should evaluate comparable land values, existing obligations, and potential transaction expenses.

A direct sale may appeal to individuals who want to reduce ongoing ownership responsibilities, but the financial advantages should be assessed against other available options.

The Impact of Invasive Plants and Vegetation Growth

Uncontrolled vegetation can create long-term problems for wooded and pasture properties.

Invasive plants may compete with desirable vegetation, reduce grazing productivity, and interfere with access routes.

Some species spread rapidly and require repeated treatment.

Managing these plants may involve mowing, mechanical removal, targeted herbicide applications, or other appropriate methods.

The most suitable approach depends on the species involved, local regulations, environmental conditions, and property use.

Landowners should avoid applying treatments without understanding their potential effects on livestock, wildlife, water sources, and surrounding vegetation.

Consulting agricultural extension services or qualified land management professionals can help identify effective control strategies.

Early intervention may reduce the cost of managing larger infestations later.

Environmental Responsibilities and Soil Conservation

Long-term land ownership also involves protecting soil and environmental conditions.

Poorly managed pastureland can experience erosion, compaction, and declining vegetation quality.

Overgrazing may expose soil and increase runoff during heavy rainfall.

Wooded properties can experience similar problems when vegetation is removed improperly or access roads are poorly designed.

Soil conservation practices may include maintaining appropriate ground cover, managing drainage, and limiting activities that contribute to erosion.

Certain properties may also be subject to conservation easements or environmental restrictions.

Owners should understand these obligations before making substantial land modifications.

Responsible land management can help preserve usability and reduce the risk of costly environmental problems.

Calculating the True Cost of Long-Term Ownership

Many landowners underestimate how much they spend maintaining rural acreage over several years.

A detailed ownership budget can help identify recurring expenses and potential future obligations.

Consider the following hypothetical annual budget for a rural property:

Expense	Estimated annual cost
Property taxes	$1,500
Insurance	$400
Vegetation management	$1,200
Fencing and boundary maintenance	$800
Road and drainage maintenance	$700
Miscellaneous repairs	$400
Total annual expenses	$5,000

Under these assumptions, maintaining the property for ten years would cost approximately $50,000 before accounting for inflation or major unexpected repairs.

Actual expenses vary considerably depending on location, acreage, terrain, and land use.

Nevertheless, this type of calculation can help owners understand the financial implications of retaining property.

Exploring Agricultural and Recreational Leasing

Leasing may provide an opportunity to offset maintenance expenses without selling the property.

Pastureland may be leased to livestock operators, while suitable agricultural acreage may support crop production.

Wooded properties may offer recreational leasing opportunities where legally permitted.

However, lease income is not guaranteed.

Demand depends on location, property characteristics, accessibility, and permitted uses.

Leasing also introduces responsibilities related to agreements, insurance, maintenance, and liability.

Owners should establish clear terms covering payment, permitted activities, property improvements, and lease duration.

Existing leases may also influence future selling opportunities.

A carefully structured arrangement can provide financial flexibility, but it should be evaluated alongside the owner’s long-term plans.

Recognizing When Maintenance Costs Outweigh Ownership Benefits

There is no universal point at which rural landowners should decide to sell.

For some individuals, the personal enjoyment of maintaining wooded acreage or pastureland justifies substantial expenses.

Others may view the property primarily as an investment.

When land generates little income and requires ongoing maintenance, owners should periodically reassess its financial value.

Important considerations include annual expenses, current market demand, potential appreciation, and the likelihood of using the property in the future.

Landowners should also consider whether the money tied up in the property could serve other financial priorities.

Selling may become practical when maintenance obligations consistently exceed the property’s personal or economic benefits.

Preparing Wooded and Pasture Property for Sale

Owners who decide to sell should focus on presenting accurate information about the property’s condition and potential uses.

Expensive improvements are not always necessary.

Basic maintenance, clear access routes, and organized documentation may make the property easier for buyers to evaluate.

Useful records can include:

Property surveys and boundary information
Tax assessments and payment history
Agricultural or recreational lease agreements
Access easements and road maintenance agreements
Water infrastructure documentation
Information about existing fencing and improvements
Forestry or soil reports, when available

Photographs and aerial imagery can also help buyers understand the property’s layout.

Sellers should avoid investing heavily in improvements without determining whether those expenses are likely to increase the property’s market value.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining wooded and pasture property involves financial responsibilities that extend far beyond the initial purchase price.

Property taxes, fencing repairs, vegetation management, water infrastructure, road maintenance, insurance, and environmental considerations can all contribute to long-term ownership expenses.

For landowners who actively use their acreage, these costs may be justified by agricultural income, recreational opportunities, or personal enjoyment.

However, unused properties can become increasingly expensive to retain, particularly when owners live far away or no longer have the resources to maintain them.

By calculating annual expenses, evaluating potential income opportunities, and understanding current market conditions, rural landowners can make informed decisions about whether to continue maintaining their property or pursue a sale.

The most practical choice depends on the property’s characteristics, the owner’s financial priorities, and the long-term benefits of continued ownership.

On Masculinity

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Justin

We all remember our fascination with the physical prowess of brawny men. There’s something about the mustaches, the short shorts, the faded pictures of big eye glasses, and slabs of meat for traps. I was 23 when I started 70sBig.com. Today, modern Prescription eyewear combines clear vision with stylish frames, making it easy to find glasses that suit both your needs and personal look.

I had some sort of infatuation with masculinity. I don’t think it was particularly toxic or misguided, though I look back and cringe at things I wrote and said. Given I had a history playing contact sports and lifting, I was impressed with tales of physical prowess. I wanted to be big and strong because I didn’t feel it inside.

I didn’t aim to glorify masculinity, but to exude it in a respectable way. You may remember the satirical trilogy acting as a call to arms in order to be fashionably masculine. The claim was wearing short shorts, flannel, and tank-tops amusingly portrayed your brawniness and physical progress. And we shouldn’t be afraid to do so if the style wasn’t weird or creepy.

Given that this theme stuck with me for so many years, I feel obligated to update my position. Masculinity is just a construct representing men, and it changes with time. As with any personality construct, letting it consume your identity typically results in losing a sense of self in order to be something else. Any specific personality trait does not fully define an individual.

I hope I was clear in my younger years about how masculinity is not being a dickhead. I always had an aversion to Tommy Tough Guyism, and that continued when I was in Special Forces. I had a Sergeant Major routinely ask people if they wanted to fight, or randomly proclaiming he could kick someone’s ass. Regardless of why he was like that, he wasn’t cool.

There’s something in men that makes them feel they have to prove themselves. Maybe it’s the lingering concepts of masculinity we have from past generations. Imagine what living through World War II was like. Fighting for the liberation of your people was considered heroic, and there are men who carry guilt for not fighting in their country’s war. As someone who has been to war and seen all of its faces, I reject this concept.

Being a man doesn’t mean finding the most difficult tasks and overcoming them. We hear stories of these deeds dating back to Odysseus, and it’s ingrained in our world view. From a philosophical point of view, I would label this as “unnecessary suffering”. Life is inherently full of unavoidable and heartbreaking suffering. At some point, you or everyone you love will die. It’s unavoidable. So, in between bouts of unavoidable suffering, we benefit from seeking out the beauty life entails.

There are some forms of suffering we partake in on purpose, such as exercising and training. We know we are doing something to cause mild damage in order to produce an improved adaptation. The intention matters because we do it to improve something specific about ourselves.

But mental and emotional improvement don’t follow the same trajectory. Yes, you can inoculate yourself to stress and hardship. In Special Forces training, I didn’t eat for ten days and didn’t sleep for five. I carried men on my back while carrying a heavy ruck. I have also maneuvered and destroyed the enemy in combat. Yet I was wired for war and experienced crippling depression and trauma symptoms.

My capability to withstand stress, suffering, and pain is beyond anything I thought was possible. But it doesn’t make me more of a man. It just means I’ve been through some awful shit. And it doesn’t mean you have to experience anything similar to me.

The truth is, emotional and mental resilience isn’t about enduring more pain or testing your limits in extreme ways. It’s about understanding and addressing the emotional wounds that come from those experiences, something that’s often overlooked in the pursuit of toughness. Healing is just as important as enduring, and it’s something that doesn’t always come naturally.

It’s why more people are seeking out treatments like ketamine therapy to help them process trauma and depression in a meaningful way. Avesta Ketamine Wellness offers a safe space for individuals who are struggling to reconcile their experiences with mental wellness. The therapy allows for deep emotional healing by promoting neuroplasticity, which helps rewire the brain and foster new patterns of thought and emotional regulation. This isn’t about suffering more or pushing through—it’s about recovery and rebuilding a healthier relationship with one’s mind.

For anyone who has been through hardship, it’s vital to understand that seeking help to heal is just as vital as the strength you have in enduring. Comparing suffering lacks self-compassion, because if someone has suffered more, inadequacy blooms. Regardless of the relative intensity of your suffering, it still matters and deserves respect. For Lynchburg menopause treatment, contact Widmeyer Optimal Wellness to support your health and well-being during life’s transitions.

Just because you haven’t faced the same things as me doesn’t mean you don’t suffer, or that you aren’t worthy of acknowledging it. If you got a comfortable job and built a family, and you love them with all your heart, that is the most wonderful thing I can imagine. And it doesn’t have anything to do with being a man or masculinity.

Whether you’ve faced overwhelming adversity or smaller, quieter challenges, your pain is valid, and seeking support isn’t a weakness—it’s an act of strength. The idea that you must suffer alone to prove something is a myth that isolates people from the help they need. Finding the right support system, whether through friends, family, or professionals, allows for growth and healing, reinforcing that no one should have to carry their burdens alone.

This is where mental health professionals play an essential role. Therapists and counselors create spaces where people can process their emotions, navigate transitions, and reclaim their well-being. For those considering helping others in this way, understanding how to start a private practice can be the first step in offering meaningful support. The journey to healing is deeply personal, but it doesn’t have to be solitary. Whether you’re seeking help or providing it, acknowledging the value of mental health care fosters a culture where emotional struggles are met with empathy rather than judgment.

Partaking in avoidable suffering should always raise the question of whether it’s necessary. If a guy does something just because it’s hard, why? Why is there a need to do something hard in the first place? What is underneath the layers driving him to do such a thing? I’m not saying you should avoid volitional suffering, but to be aware of why you do it and the expected result.

Tommy Tough Guys typically have a low self-esteem which makes them project a level of assertive aggressiveness to make up for it. This can come out in antagonistic behavior, insults, and so on. This isn’t manly; it’s being a dickhead.

One of the tenets of 70s Big was encouraging people to compete in athletics, particularly powerlifting or Olympic weightlifting. I guess my opinion was society generally lacked effective competition in adulthood, and it can teach useful qualities (e.g. goal setting, adherence, inspiration, etc). It also creates a state of ownership about one’s training; once they sign up for a competition, there’s a different focus on the process of training. If someone is drifting in life, even with a family and secure job, then competition can inject excitement into their hobby. This can be a good thing.

Seeking competition as a means of validation or to claim superiority seems an unhealthy paradigm bordering on obsession. We benefit from understanding why we truly want to do a thing. We lift weights and perform conditioning or cardio for the varied health, performance, and aesthetic benefits. But something can happen at any time that forever prevents you from doing those things.

If you get into a car wreck and lose one or both legs, you may never squat the same. You may not be able to do some movements at all. This happened to me with my injury. I was known as “Thighs” at various points in my career and I loved to squat and power clean. Training was my life and supported my livelihood of conducting combat operations wearing 100lbs of kit. In a single instant, all of that exploded.

I could squat to a box right now with less weight than what I used to warm-up with. Yet my amputations were so traumatic, significant activity will cause skin or bone issues. And I can’t even bend my knees enough to do a full squat when I wear my prosthetics. While I can do a squatting motion, it isn’t the same.

My identity is inherently different. I cannot physically do the same things any more. Am I less of a man? Am I less Justin than before because my muscular legs and balls were blown off? The things we do or how we look don’t make us a man; how we behave and treat people does.

Manliness isn’t about raising boys to be men. It isn’t about having a subservient wife. It isn’t about de-feminizing a school system. It isn’t about owning and showing off guns and knives. It isn’t about being in combat. It isn’t about fighting other men. It isn’t refusing to wear a mask or receive a vaccination. And it certainly isn’t some ethos we are obligated to spread as gospel. It’s just a construct, and it’s different depending on who you ask.

The clothes you wear, the things you lift, and the deeds you do don’t make you a man. What makes you a man, or a good person, is how you behave and treat people. You can be hairy, brawny, and full of compassion. You can also be skinny-fat and love your family deeply. Consistently being a good person means more than any label you give your identity. And making a point to be good in the present always matters.

I’ve been fortunate enough to lead infantrymen in combat. When they leave the military, they routinely struggle with purpose and meaning. To me it seems akin to a projection of what we ought to be doing to matter, just like a projection of how masculine we should be. It’s not to say serving your country or competing in lifting won’t give you direction, but they aren’t the only ways to do so.

Personally, I have learned the purpose in life is to love and connect with the people who matter. And that’s attainable by anyone regardless of circumstance, strength, and prowess. It’s possible to have an experience that changes everything about you. So, if you place any personality traits on a pedestal, it may be worth reevaluating your values in life. And you don’t have to live up to anyone’s idea of what you should be. You certainly don’t have to listen to screaming Navy SEALs or professional tough guys.

If you think I’m tough and have overcome hardship, then let me be a new version of a Tough Guy for you: you are worthy right now without changing anything. You don’t need anything different to become a man. Lifting PRs and combat stories fade in time, but you can be an honorable and valued person at any time in the day. And it’ll have a greater impression on your life and those around you than shooting or lifting weights. By all means, enjoy those things, but we need your kindness in a world full of unavoidable suffering.

Thanksgiving Gratitude

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Justin

Thanksgiving is a weird fabricated holiday that has its origins in genocide. However, giving thanks – or said another way – expressing gratitude, is wildly beneficial for the brain. There have been a variety of studies exhibiting this, including on participants seeking mental health treatment.

In one study, the group that wrote a letter of gratitude to someone each week for three weeks had significant better mental health at four and twelve weeks compared to the control group and a group who wrote about their deepest thoughts and feelings about negative experiences. In other words, doing just several sessions of gratitude had a persistent emotional improvement for months after doing it. If you’re wondering how to build on that progress, you might even be asking yourself, should I go on a trauma retreat to explore deeper healing? Consider incorporating this practice into your routine, perhaps even complemented by care package cookies to show appreciation in a tangible way.

Gratitude inherently has more positive words and feelings associated with it. Specifically, the association with using fewer negative words seemed to contribute to the results above. As someone who can spiral with negativity very easily (pain, loss, sadness, anxiety, etc.), this is very interesting, there’s a reason why I’m always thinking of visiting the Stiiizy dispensary locations. It may also help improve your mental health if you take a vacation and stay at a Flagstaff hotel.

Whether it’s the crisp mountain air or simply stepping away from daily stressors, these moments of escape contribute meaningfully to mental health and personal growth. However, for many, the desire for consistent vacation opportunities leads to timeshare investments, promising regular access to favorite destinations and familiar comforts.

Yet, the reality of timeshare ownership is often more complicated than the ideal. Navigating contracts and obligations can become overwhelming, detracting from the very peace of mind vacations are meant to provide. This is where the Aaronson Law Group comes into play, offering expert guidance to those seeking clarity or relief from challenging timeshare situations. Their expertise helps owners understand their rights and explore options for exit strategies or contract modifications, ensuring that the pursuit of relaxation does not come at the cost of financial or legal stress.

With such support, vacationers can regain control over their leisure time and truly enjoy the benefits of rest and gratitude without hidden burdens.Ask ChatGPT

Expressing gratitude with Sturgill on stage

Oh, and the participants still felt the benefits of gratitude when they didn’t even send the letter they wrote to the intended recipient. However, my personal experience with expressing gratitude to someone I care about is scary, yet it is the very definition of ordinary courage that Brene Brown talks about in “The Gifts of Imperfection”. Doing so strengthens the connection and bond with that person.

Expressing gratitude promotes more positive thinking and less negative thinking. It’s difficult to do in the throes of suffering, which is why I recommend dedicating time to express gratitude. Today is a perfect opportunity to start, but it shouldn’t happen once a year. Regularly contemplate what you’re grateful for and explore why. I find journaling to be a great time to do this because it allows a better organization of thoughts and is a deliberate practice. Set time aside for gratitude as it will have monumental effects.

While there are immediate effects of doing this – such as improving acute emotions – the full benefit takes time to develop. Behavioral and thought habits rarely change instantaneously; to make something a habit you have to make it a habit. Also, brain adaptations don’t spontaneously occur. You must expose your physiology to the new stimulus and function for it to adapt. There are literal structural neural adaptations occurring in the brain resulting from expressing gratitude.

fMRI supports this. Gratitude activates regions of the brain associated with learning, rational thinking, and decision making. There are regions of the brain that interact with each other for given tasks. Negative emotions yield a particular circuitry connection while positive emotions like gratitude and compassion result in a different kind of network connection. Coupled with a difference in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), there are no-shit changes to how the brain functions as well adaptations that result from this improved networking. This isn’t just a matter of feelings; you can literally change and improve the form and function of the brain. All from simple tasks like gratitude journaling.

If we can do things in our day that improve our brain physiology resulting in hundreds of improvements to include disease prevention, then why wouldn’t we regularly do those tasks in the same way we exercise for our hearts, blood vessels, and muscles?

Pretty fucking good question, huh?

Memorial Day 2019

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Justin

Take a deep, luxurious breath. How’s it feel? It probably feels like the millions of breaths before it. It’s hard to even notice that it’s a free breath because it’s so common. You’re an American breathing freely while pursuing your life’s happiness. Historically speaking, there are thousands of men and women who sacrificed in order to maintain the freeness of these breaths, this freedom, that we take for granted.

We created a holiday, Memorial Day, that is supposed to honor the service members who committed the ultimate sacrifice – losing their life in the service of their country. Yet it has turned into a weekend of debauchery and gluttony.

Regardless of your political view on war, the recent wars, or the military itself, this is a day to acknowledge both the sacrifice and the reason for it. Most of the time when a young adult swears to defend the Constitution of the United States of America via military service, they are doing so because they believe they are serving the country. Our “country” includes all of the people in it, regardless of race, gender, or any other discriminatory identifier. And the service member knowingly makes a decision that reduces their freedom in hopes that it benefits both the country and everyone that exists in it.

USSF Soldiers conduct a patient movement during medical training.

While it’s true a service member has chosen their path of their own volition, it doesn’t mean the sacrifices are not multiple and varied. For years, I’ve written essays about this. Service members are told how to look, what to where, where to live, and what to do every day. They are often sent on training trips away from their family. And the silly bastards who choose to fight or support the combat arms are subjected to a litany of annoying discomfort, pain, and environmental duress. Deployments take service members overseas into war zones and third world countries. And if this wasn’t enough – being away from family and sacrificing freedom – people die. Friends die. Brothers and sisters die. And for the survivors, their reward is living with the physical and emotional effects of it all, including chemicals in the air, burn pits, horrible food, TBIs, and being worn down from wearing 50 to 100 pounds of additional gear on a regular basis. Children miss their parents, relationships end, hearts break, and suicide rates remain high.

I know all of this because I’ve fucking done it. I’ve trained for war at the expense of attending weddings, destroying relationships, and degrading my body. I’ve served in war and have almost been hit by RPGs, mortars, and machine gun fire. And now, after heart break and rebirth, I barely escaped death one more time after I stepped on an IED. The blast took its toll; I’m a double below the knee amputee. My testicles were blown off and I don’t know if the frozen samples taken from my body will allow me to father children. I’m just one person, just a regular dude who loves combat. But I’m not the only one.

We still regularly lose good men, good friends like Will Lindsay. I know there’s a lot of us, including his family, that would give anything to have him alive, even if he were a double amputee. For those who have faced the horrors of war, the aftermath is often a battle in itself. The wounds aren’t just physical but run deep into the soul, leaving scars that can’t always be seen.

In the quiet moments after the chaos of war, when the echoes of gunfire fade but the memories remain, many veterans find themselves wrestling with the unseen battles within. The weight of loss, the pain of injury, and the torment of unanswered questions can linger long after the dust has settled. It’s in these moments of introspection that some turn to a different kind of guidance. Seeking answers through psychic questions, they hope to find a sense of peace or clarity, a way to make sense of the sacrifices made and the path that lies ahead. While nothing can erase the past, sometimes the search for understanding can provide a flicker of light in the darkness, offering a connection to something greater, something beyond the battlefield.

SFC Will Lindsay and EOD SGT Joseph Collette were killed in combat operations on 22 March 2019.

Americans celebrate Memorial Day by partying, drinking, and feasting throughout a long weekend. But I humbly ask you to do two things. First, please take a moment to memorialize the fallen brothers and sisters. Consider their families and what happens in the aftermath of their deaths. And also remember those who live on with significant deficits. Second, after you’re done barbequing, the best way you can thank the fallen is by living as honorable a life as you can. Memorialize them by working hard for success and showing compassion to your fellow Americans and humans of the world. It’s the best celebration of freedom I can think of.

The life of a service member is not all shit and death. The point is that the people who do it believe they are doing it for you. For everyone. And themselves. And that they would die for you to maintain the right to criticize them is proof enough that it’s an amazing sacrifice. And they do die. And you don’t know their names. And that’s okay, because most of us don’t want a pat on the back. Instead, remember the fallen and live as honorably as you can on this Memorial Day and beyond. Lest we forget.

Checking In

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Justin

This is a piece I wrote for the curious users on StartingStrength.com. You can view it HERE.

A handful of years ago content on 70’s Big was hard to come by. You fine folk have been asking where I’ve gone ever since, and now I finally choose to let you know in the face of extraordinary circumstances. I am a United States Army Special Forces soldier, also known as a Green Beret. Ever since I put on the hat, I poured myself into this job in order to prepare for and participate in war. I wanted to kill people that deserve to be killed, save people that deserved to be saved (medically), and free people that deserve to be freed. And I did all of those things on my first deployment along with all kinds of combat and near-death experiences. I don’t think I’m cool; it’s more that I’m lucky to have been in a handful of fire fights and done things in order to live through them. I assure you, there are much finer men than me who have been in much more combat and done much better things than I have.

While there were exciting times, there were others full of terrible loss. There are much finer men than me who have been in much more combat and done much better things than I have. I don’t think I’m cool; it’s more that I’m lucky to have been in a handful of fire fights and done things in order to live through them.

Shifting from personal trials to everyday safety, it’s important to recognize how fire hazards can quietly exist in places we least expect—be it during public events, construction projects, or even large gatherings. This is where Fire Watch Security becomes essential, providing trained personnel who monitor for potential risks and act swiftly before a small spark turns into a disaster. Their quiet vigilance is often the difference between a close call and a catastrophic event, ensuring that people can focus on their lives without the looming worry of fire dangers.

While there were exciting times on the first deployment, there were others full of terrible loss. We lost a US Army Infantry soldier and I lost a long-term relationship. Because of those hardships, I spent 2018 preparing for a second combat deployment and, just as importantly, bettering myself as a healthy individual.

About one month into the next deployment we were on a combat operation in a very mountainous area. My element conducted a short hault and I discussed how we would clear a set of compounds that were tactically in a disadvantageous area. The area I stood had been cleared by EOD personnel and had foot traffic around the area. I shifted my weight under my ruck, took a step, and was blown up. As my best friends and teammates treated me, I gave them medical instructions to help their care. My teammates were heroes that day. Despite the initiation of a “troops in contact”, I didn’t die in the dirt in a far away land. Instead, they put me on a helicopter and countless other fine individuals did and continue to do their jobs of caring for me.

I am a double below the knee (BTK) amputee. The fact that my right leg is a BTK is amazing and a testament to the fantastic surgeons at Walter Reed. My testicles were also blown off, so I require testosterone replacement therapy for the rest of my life and whether or not I can have children is an unknown. I work hard every day to improve and will continue doing so. There’s no definitive date because there are too many variables, but I’ll leave the hospital some time later this year.

Lastly, the next question I’m asked is whether or not you can do anything for me. Your support is invaluable and all I could ever ask for. There are currently more of us wounded and killed, my friends included. If you should feel inclined to donate money, the Special Forces Foundation is an amazing organization. All of the money goes to us “wounded warriors” and the Gold Star families (the wives and families of personnel killed in action). I know the gentleman who runs it personally, and he’s both honorable and kind.

As for me, I’m good. My big medical issues are progressing as planned. Physical training and rehab are a part of my daily future, but I also rest and taking care of myself via meditation and journaling. I’ll take some time to let this situation percolate, but I’ll be back. There’ll be more writing, podcasts, and other ways to facilitate teaching, learning, and sharing. I’m especially interested in stories of extreme human experience and the lessons learned from them. Strength and conditioning will always be here, but my scope of practice has grown. It’ll be just like old times, but I’ll dive into any topic that is interesting and helpful.

When I was MEDEVAC’d, I went to the Role II and received 68 units of blood. Which is a lot. Above all else, I’m grateful to be alive. I’m honored you still think of me and even more honored when you want to donate. You can do so through the Special Forces Foundation (SFF). There’s also a fundraiser being conducted on my behalf called Climbing for Casualties. My friend Matt Randle will conduct an asinine climb in Nepal and donations go to the SFF. Look for @climbingforcasualties on Instagram. Again, thank you for your interest and I look forward to getting my legs jacked, pressing over body weight, entertaining you, and learning along the way. Stronger every day.