Hello everyone, I thought I would come in here and share some challenges and successes related to those challenges that I've experienced. I'm sure we all experience some sort of challenges but mine tend to relate to disconnecting from technology and getting out of the house. So many adventures to be had but I just don't go because of "time constraints", distance to arrive, or effort required. See I struggle with planning ahead for anything. This creates challenges when wanting to participate in activities like golf, backpacking, hiking, or vacations. Until recently my biggest challenges were related to just being willing and able to get out of the house whether alone or with my family. This stems back to Covid times through the middle of this year where I found myself wondering if I had agoraphobia. As a result I determined I would get out of the house more and do more. Not sure what "more" meant at the time, but just get out and do. So, in July I started to play golf again after not playing for over 15 years. I have had two shoulder injuries (one repaired) and a broken ankle since then. I've put on at least 80 pounds and I completed an entire military contract before discharging honorably. It felt good to get back out. Since I don't have any social connections in my neck of the woods I went alone. I met a couple of nice people in my group and I came home after. I played terribly marking 114 in 18 holes. I never thought I'd be happy to get 114 in golf in any form unless it was 2 rounds 😅. Now I find myself trying to go once a week. This is my "meditation" time. I don't take music or any other devices. I totally disconnect and I go first thing in the morning most times. This has made a huge difference in my mental and physical well being. No major weight loss yet (I ride most days but I just got a push cart so i'll walk more) but my blood pressure has improved markedly and my panic/anxiety disorder that got me out of the military is the most well controlled and maintained it has been since I was diagnosed.

Hey y’all! Introduce yourself in the comments: My name is James and I created the Brotherhood Forge to share with all the guys out there looking to connect, adventure, learn new skills, be better husbands, fathers, friends, and just be better dudes overall. I am 45, married 20 years to my dream girl, father of four awesome teenagers. I live in central Texas and run a successful real estate development company for my day job. My favorite hobbies are adventure racing, trail running ultras, backpacking, sailing, and farming. I’d love to learn more about every one of you, so fire away!