Wanderlust and Wonder
July arrives with the momentum of a well-trimmed sail; sleek, sunlit, and full of possibility. From the skies above Pensacola Beach to the tablaos of Spain, we’ve curated a summer issue designed to ignite both wanderlust and wonder.
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, precision meets poetry in motion as the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels return home for their storied July air show. A beloved ritual and a bold display of aerial mastery, it’s a celebration of skill, heritage, and the spirit of flight. Just across the bay, American Magic’s high-performance sailing team is quietly transforming Pensacola into a global center for elite nautical sport. They are not only preparing for the next America’s Cup but redefining what it means to chase the wind with intention.
Farther afield, we invite you to rediscover Puerto Rico with an intentional trip for two. From the cobblestone intimacy of Old San Juan to the bioluminescent magic of Vieques, the island’s natural beauty and cultural depth offer a seamless blend of escape and connection.
Art lovers will find no shortage of inspiration this season. In London, the West End explores a revival of Evita. Naoshima is one of a dozen islands hosting the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival in Japan. Meanwhile, see Vincent van Gogh’s famous masterpieces come to life at the New York Botanical Garden.
For oenophiles, a journey through how best to plan a trip with intention from regions, to vineyards, to the game plan upon arrival itself. Each curated detail is necessary for an unforgettable experience, and understanding what to avoid will only further enhance the trip.
And if Europe calls more loudly, we begin part one of our two-part travel series on crafting the perfect month-long European itinerary. Think slow mornings in Paris, bygone practices of Stonehenge, and Moorish architecture in Andalucia. This isn’t just a trip, it’s a reawakening of the senses.
Wherever this season finds you, whether above the clouds, across the sea, or lost in a glass of something remarkable, may it be filled with beauty, movement, and meaning.
Here’s to a summer well lived!
BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @PENSACOLACITYLIFESTYLE
July 2025
PUBLISHER
Suzanne Pope | Suzanne.Pope@CityLifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
Bianca.BainVillegas@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Bianca Bain Villegas
Bianca.BainVillegas@CityLifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alex Boykin, Stephania Streit, Anna Wall, Elizabeth McKinley, Bianca Bain Villegas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
James Baldwin, American Magic
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
inside the issue
WINGS OF GLORY
ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH MCKINLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES BALDWIN
Each July, the skies above Pensacola Beach transform into a theater of precision and power as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform their iconic aerial ballet. From July 9th through the 12th, 2025, the Pensacola Beach Air Show celebrates the hometown heroes of Naval Air Station Pensacola, offering a spectacle that marries aviation excellence with coastal charm.
The festivities commence on Wednesday with “Breakfast with the Blues,” where early risers can witness the squadron’s arrival and initial maneuvers around 7:30 a.m. Thursday features a full practice show at 2 p.m., providing a glimpse into the precision
that defines the team. Friday’s dress rehearsal and Saturday’s official air show begin with civilian aerobatic performances around noon, culminating in the Blue Angels’ display at 2 p.m.
Since their inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have showcased the prowess of naval aviation, flying the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in formations that defy gravity and exemplify teamwork. Their mission extends beyond entertainment, aiming to inspire excellence and service across the nation.
For enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience, the National Naval Aviation Museum offers public viewing
Hometown Heroes, the Blue Angels, gear up for the annual Red, White & Blues Air Show
of select practice sessions. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., with flights commencing at 10:30 a.m. On designated Wednesdays, visitors can meet the pilots during autograph sessions, adding a personal touch to the awe-inspiring displays.
The Pensacola Beach Air Show is more than an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of aviation and community. As the Blue Angels soar, they not only honor their rich history but also inspire future generations to reach for the skies.
For more information about the Blue Angels Weekend and the Pensacola Beach Air Show schedule, visit: visitpensacolabeach. com/whats-happening-blue-angels/
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AMERICAN MAGIC AND THE RISE OF PENSACOLA AS A U.S. SAILING POWERHOUSE
Charting a Course
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY © AMERICAN MAGIC
American Magic training in their AC75, Patriot, ahead of the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
Tom Burnham, Coach for American Magic, Barcelona, 2024.
Riley Gibbs, Paul Goodison, Tom Slingsby and Michael Menninger: American Magic
“This is no longer a temporary base,” Lamond says. “This is home. We’ll be designing and building boats here for years to come, America’s Cup or not.”
Framed by the vast, unspoiled expanse of its namesake bay, Pensacola is swiftly charting its course as the epicenter of high-performance sailing in the United States. At the crux of this transformation is American Magic, the U.S. challenger for the America’s Cup, who have quietly built a world-class sailing, training, and manufacturing hub that could forever alter the course of competitive sailing on this side of the Atlantic.
This isn’t simply about preparing for the next regatta. It’s about planting a flag for the future of American sailing.
“We didn’t want just a place to park the boats,” says Tyson Lamond, American Magic’s Chief Operations Officer. “We wanted a home. A real ecosystem. Pensacola gave us that and more.”
From their sprawling waterfront facility, American Magic is not only building boats, they’re building talent, infrastructure, and community. Their holistic approach to development, both technological and human, has positioned Pensacola as a locus of innovation. And it’s only just beginning.
A NEW ERA OF SIMULATIONDRIVEN PERFORMANCE
One of the most transformative tools being developed in Pensacola isn’t visible from the docks, it lives in a simulator.
“The biggest development for our team, and frankly the sport itself, is simulation,” Lamond shares. “If we can create a simulator that replicates the boat experience closely enough, we dramatically increase the time our sailors can ‘train’ without ever touching the water.”
The model here is Formula One. With simulators so advanced that teenage drivers can rack up thousands of virtual hours before ever stepping into a real car, F1 teams have redefined talent development. American Magic aims to do the same. Traditionally, top sailors
train 200 days a year on the water, but unpredictable conditions and logistical inefficiencies limit the quality of those days. A robust simulator changes the game.
“This is about getting more reps, more feedback, and bringing in younger, fresher talent,” he says. “When those athletes finally hit the water, they’re sprinting not walking.”
To that end, American Magic has partnered with major U.S. simulation firms and universities to push the envelope. “There’s the user interface, the part the sailor touches, and then there’s the science behind it,” Lamond explains. “Simulating wind shifts, wave patterns, and aerodynamic loads on a foil-borne boat is an entirely different beast. It’s hard. But it’s vital.”
A PIPELINE FOR AMERICAN TALENT
Technology is only part of the story. American Magic’s broader goal is to regenerate the American sailing pipeline from the ground up.
Closer to home, American Magic is strengthening ties with the Pensacola Yacht Club, a venue he describes as “world-class and incredibly supportive.”
Recent youth regattas like the Open Skiff event, with 75 boats on the water, have become essential parts of the team’s community-building strategy.
“The more we help create opportunities for kids in Pensacola to experience sailing, the more likely it is that the next great sailor could come from here,” Lamond says. “We’re proud to be part of that possibility.”
INFRASTRUCTURE, INVESTMENT, AND LOCAL IMPACT
The investment in Pensacola is real and it’s mutual. American Magic has committed significant resources to establishing its base here, and the City of Pensacola has stepped up with meaningful support to help make it possible.
CONTINUED >
“There’s been major investment from both our team principals and the City,” Lamond says. “What makes Pensacola stand out is the level of partnership we’ve received from City Hall to the yacht club, local colleges, and the broader community.”
That partnership has enabled the rapid growth of an integrated operation where manufacturing, training, and research converge under one roof. With 86 shipping containers of assets on-site, dozens of skilled professionals, and a 40-person manufacturing team already at work, the team is fast becoming a major local employer.
“Our internship programs with UWF and Pensacola State College are making a real impact,” Lamond says. “One intern is now full-time with the team, and two more are mid-program. It’s about visibility, access, and creating real job pathways.”
And it’s not just students benefiting. A recent collaboration with SailGP brought 18 containers and 22 staff to Pensacola for a fast-turnaround repair operation. The team rerouted a cargo ship directly into the city’s port, a sign of just how valuable the infrastructure has become.
“Build it, and they will come,” Lamond says simply. “And they are.”
American Magic training in their AC75, Patriot, ahead of the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
A LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE SPORT
American Magic’s vision for Pensacola extends well beyond the America’s Cup. It’s about building something lasting—driving innovation, supporting American sailing, and creating meaningful opportunities through long-term investment.
“This is no longer a temporary base,” Lamond says. “This is home. We’ll be designing and building boats here for years to come, America’s Cup or not.”
Plans are in motion to open the facility to other projects, including aerospace contracts and one-off racing builds.
More importantly, American Magic envisions a future where sailors, designers, engineers, and manufacturers are born, trained, and employed in Pensacola. A future where the next great American sailor doesn’t just dream from afar, they grow up just down the road.
“When young kids come here for Optimist Nationals or Open Skiff events, we want to open our doors and say: This is where you could be. This is your future, if you want it.”
CULTURE, CONTINUITY, AND COMMUNITY
What makes this effort stand apart is the team’s dedication to long-term cultural and community integration. They’re not just headquartered here. They belong here.
The city of Pensacola, particularly under the leadership of Mayor D.C. Reeves, has embraced American Magic’s mission with energy and vision. “Mayor Reeves has been phenomenal,” Lamond says. “He sees Pensacola as a high-performance city, and we couldn’t agree more.”
American Magic’s presence has catalyzed interest in Pensacola from other racing teams and event organizers. The GL Series, for instance, initially committed to two events, but after overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and owners, a third was added.
“The owners loved being able to walk from downtown to their boats, the venue, the hospitality, it all just clicked,” he says. “It proved what we already knew. Pensacola works.”
A LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Asked what he wants American Magic’s legacy in Pensacola to be, the answer is immediate and heartfelt.
“I want the legacy of American Magic here to outlive all of us,” Lamond says. “If we can create an ecosystem of sailors, designers, manufacturers, and innovators that endures, then we’ve done our job.”
The goal is nothing less than a generational shift in American sailing, rooted in a community that believes in possibility.
“I think the coolest thing,” he says with a smile, “would be to one day see a kid who was born in Pensacola, racing in the America’s Cup on our boat.”
That day may come sooner than we think.
Follow the evolution of American Magic as this ongoing Pensacola City Lifestyle series will continue to offer an inside look at their expanding presence at the Port of Pensacola, and their growing connection to the broader community. From innovative programming to truly meaningful local engagement, continue on the journey with us as we discover how American Magic continues to shape and be shaped by the vibrant spirit of Pensacola.
American Magic training in their AC75, Patriot, ahead of the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, Spain.
Puerto Rico for Two
ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH MCKINLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED ROMANCE, RHYTHM, AND REFINED ESCAPE
Puerto Rico is a love affair wrapped in sunlight, where cobblestone streets whisper old secrets, jungle breezes carry the scent of orchids and ocean salt, and every sunset feels like it was painted just for two. For couples craving a destination rich in soul, story, and sensual beauty, this Caribbean gem delivers with effortless elegance.
Begin in Old San Juan, a 16th-century walled city that feels pulled from the pages of a romantic novel. Beneath the watchful gaze of El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, fortresses built by Spanish conquistadors to guard the “Island of Enchantment,” you’ll stroll hand in hand past candy-colored buildings and into hidden courtyards blooming with bougainvillea. Check into Hotel El Convento, a former Carmelite convent steeped in baroque detail, or the stately Condado Vanderbilt, a 1919 oceanfront grand dame reborn in modern luxury.
Culture abounds for the curious. Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, home to centuries of Puerto Rican creativity from colonial religious iconography to bold contemporary works.
Nearby, the Museo de las Américas offers a powerful exploration of Indigenous, African, and European influences echoing the island’s own complex identity.
Slip away to Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where private plunge pools, open-air spa pavilions, and quiet shoreline walks make space for deep reconnection. Explore El Yunque’s misty rainforest trails or charter a boat to Culebra or Vieques, where deserted beaches and bioluminescent bays offer unforgettable encounters under moonlight.
Dine intimately in San Juan’s Santurce district or savor a slow, decadent meal at Marmalade, where tasting menus reflect the island’s rich culinary heritage rooted in Taíno, Spanish, and African traditions.
Claimed by Spain in 1493 and a U.S. territory since 1898, Puerto Rico’s layered history is part of its allure. It is complex, proud, and passionately alive. For couples, it offers not just escape, but a return to wonder.
The Wine Trip
SOME INS AND OUTS, AND THE TOP THREE THINGS THAT WILL RUIN YOUR TRIP
ARTICLE BY ALEX BOYKIN OF GULFCOAST WINE
Ramos Pinto Napa
Considering a wine trip? Most people put the majority of their effort into picking the destination. Well, especially for the first timers, there is a lot more to consider. Here are some of the ins and outs that will hopefully help you prepare for your first, or next, wine trip, and you might not have to go as far as you might think.
For me, the research really begins once I choose a destination. I have already considered the wineries in that area and checked recent reviews. Next, I start calling the wineries that I am interested in visiting to get an idea of the reservations required and availability. Now the logistics begin. How will I get there, what food is there, will I need to spend the night? I cannot over emphasize food! Most wineries do not have much more than some crackers, potentially some charcuterie available for purchase. When making your tasting reservation at a winery, ask about food. Will there be food available at the tasting, if so, what? Is it included with the tasting? If there will not be any food at the tasting, is there a recommended spot nearby?
This leads us into the top three things that will ruin your wine trip. #1. Not having a food plan. Doing multiple wine tastings during your trip is like getting ready for a sporting event that you are playing in, not just watching. You need to stay hydrated and you need to eat! I highly recommend, as a minimum, having a bottle of water with you and some type of food, like some nice crackers. I have water and crackers with me even when I have a great food plan, like reservations at area restaurants, lined up.
#1 leads us to #2. Visiting too many wineries in a day. I recommend no more than three a day. If you are visiting some of the really high-end wineries, then that number becomes two a day. DO NOT RUSH yourself, take time and enjoy the experience. Even with a good food plan and proper hydration, you can get into a lot of wine in a hurry, so BE CAREFUL!
As #1 leads to #2, #2 leads us into #3, the Transportation Plan. Will you be driving?? Getting pulled over after having some great wine will ABSOLUTELY ruin your trip! Even worse, getting into an accident! Many parts of “wine country” are outside the reaches of ride services, like Uber. Is there a tour bus, or a train that can get you close enough for an easy walk? Your trip may require a hired driver, unless you are fortunate enough to travel with a DD. If you can get to a central location, near the wineries that you want to visit, this problem becomes much easier to solve, but it CANNOT be overlooked!
If all of that sounds like too much work then I say look closer, much closer. I highly recommend you consider exploring our local wine festivals. We are fortunate to have several great ones within an hour’s drive or less. Most occur in the spring, like the Pensacola Beach Art & Festival, and South Walton Wine & Food Festival to name just two. They are easy to get to and have good to great wines to try. So, no matter how far, or close, you go there are plenty of accessible parts of “wine country” to visit. Hopefully I will see you out exploring one. Cheers to that!
“Most wineries do not have much more than some crackers, potentially some charcuterie available for purchase. When making your tasting reservation at a winery, ask about food.”
Arts Away
Your Summer Culture Bucket List
ARTICLE BY ANNA WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Ah, summertime! Three lazy, hazy months when travel is not just encouraged, it’s assumed. The world’s cultural capitals heat up during this season, drawing visitors with much-anticipated exhibitions, performances, and festivals. I’ve compiled standout
New York
See Vincent van Gogh’s famous masterpieces come to life at the New York Botanical Garden. The urban oasis will be transformed by botanical recreations of van Gogh’s paintings, largescale contemporary art pieces inspired by his work, and a field of real and sculptural sunflowers. On select nights, van Gogh-themed drone shows will light up the skies.
London
The latest in director Jamie Lloyd’s critically-acclaimed revivals, a reimagined Evita premieres on London’s West End this summer. Starring Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón, the show is sure to enrapture a new generation with its timeless songs and captivating story. If you’re looking for a more whimsical Andrew Lloyd Webber revival, catch Starlight Express across town.
© The New York Botanical Garden
The West End
events in four arts meccas to add to your summer itinerary or inspire future adventures.
The New York Botanical Garden is an idyllic reprieve for New York City visitors tired of the concrete jungle. Their immersive summer exhibition, Van Gogh’s Flowers, is the perfect getaway after viewing the artist’s masterpieces in the city’s famous museums. While Broadway can be sleepy in the summertime, the theater scene across the pond comes to life. London’s West End is debuting an Evita revival and several fun movies-turned-musicals, including Burlesque, Clueless, and Disney’s Hercules. Further afield, Shakespeare’s historic
Globe Theatre is braving new frontiers with a production of Romeo & Juliet set in America’s Wild West.
Long hailed as the fashion capital of the world, museums across Paris are showcasing the intersection of art and couture this summer. The Louvre’s inaugural fashion exhibition pairs pieces by legendary designers with historic decorative artworks from the museum’s collection. While Japan is a top travel destination for 2025, Naoshima has been drawing art lovers since the 1990s. This August, it is one of a dozen islands hosting the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival, making its siren song ring even louder.
Paris
The Louvre’s first-ever fashion exhibition, Louvre Couture, presents over 65 designs in the museum’s famous decorative arts galleries. On loan from dozens of iconic fashion houses, the garments offer a new perspective on the museum’s historic collections. Think sumptuous Dior gowns against the stunning backdrop of Napoleon III’s apartments - oh la la!
A bucket-list destination for many art lovers, Naoshima island is one of several sites for the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival this August, in Japan. New works by art world giants such as Yoyoi Kusama and James Turrell will be displayed across the landscape and throughout the island’s museums. The festival occurs every three years in this once-in-a-lifetime location.
Naoshima
© Louvre Museum - Nicolas Bousser
Kusama Pumpkin at Naoshima Island
Photo Credit: Kristen Marcus Photography
A Foray into Europe
Part 1: Planning travel for a month
Embarking on a month-long European journey with school-aged children is not only possible, it can be deeply enriching, educational, and surprisingly manageable with the right plan. As a mother traveling with young companions, I curated this thoughtful itinerary to harmonize cultural exploration, learning, and leisure. This guide reflects what I’ve learned through experience: how to see your people, where to go, how to navigate, what to pack, and how long to stay in each place to maintain balance and joy along the way.
GETTING THERE & PACKING WITH INTENTION
Our adventure will begin with a flight from Pensacola to London. I always pack with purpose: one shared suitcase and a carry-on per person. The key is layers and versatility: mix-and-match outfits, light jackets, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for varied European climates. Essentials include
ARTICLE BY BIANCA BAIN VILLEGAS |
PHOTOGRAPHY
Montmartre, Paris, France
Blaise Castle Estate, Bristol
Sevilla, Spain
passports, power adapters, basic health supplies, and compact entertainment for the children such as books, tablets, headphones, and travel games to keep them engaged in transit.
THE ITINERARY: A MONTH OF DISCOVERY
LONDON – 2 NIGHTS
We will ease into the journey in London, visiting with family and a jaunt through central London taking in sights like Buckingham Palace, and walking along the Thames after stopping in the Tate Modern and touring the Globe Theater. A centrally located hotel would allow for efficient exploration. However, we will stay with family in the delightful burrough of Kingston upon Thames. This brief but iconic stay always serves as a gentle introduction before moving on.
BRISTOL – 4 NIGHTS
A scenic train ride will take us to Bristol, a creative, family-friendly city to visit with a dear friend. From here, we will make memorable day trips:
• To Bath for Roman history and Georgian charm.
• To Stonehenge for an awe-inspiring lesson in ancient mystery.
• To Cardiff to explore the Welsh capital and its magnificent castle. Bristol’s walkable city center and artistic energy makes it an ideal home base.
FRIGILIANA, SPAIN – 14 NIGHTS
We will fly to Málaga, rent a car, and settle in Frigiliana, a serene Andalusian village of whitewashed houses and sweeping views to celebrate a 50th anniversary with extended family. These two weeks offer a restful rhythm interwoven with discovery:
• Granada and the majestic Alhambra.
• Córdoba, where the Mezquita and floral alleyways enchant.
• Sevilla with flamenco, royal gardens, and vibrant plazas.
• A beach day in Marbella and visit with a friend, with a peaceful retreat to Macharaviaya, a quiet historic gem and home to Bernardo de Gálvez.
Staying put allows us to unpack, unwind, and give the children space to recharge between adventures.
MADRID – 8 NIGHTS
We will travel by train to Madrid. More family and friends to see and catch up with will add a personal touch to the city I went to school in for six years. Our central lodging places us near the Prado, Retiro Park, the Royal Palace and Cathedral, and shopping districts. From Madrid, we will enjoy day trips to:
• Segovia, with its fairytale Alcázar and Roman aqueduct.
• Barcelona for Gaudí’s whimsy and the Mediterranean coast.
• Valencia, blending beaches with futuristic science museums.
PARIS – 3 NIGHTS
From Madrid, we fly to Paris. Tourist favorites such as the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, savoring pastries and people-watching at sidewalk cafés are on the list. A day at Versailles will offer a regal escape in gilded gardens. We will stop in markets and boutiques and experience a surprise or two along the way. Staying in the 7th, 14th or 15th Arrondissement or Le Marais will allow us to see friends and traverse central Paris with ease.
RETURN TO LONDON – 1 NIGHT
A quick Eurostar ride brings us back to London for one final night near Heathrow, where we will prepare to return home. With deliberate pacing and a spirit of curiosity, this monthlong journey will become a rich tapestry of connection, culture, and cherished memories for both me and my children. Safe travels to all my fellow adventurers this season. À bientôt!
Stonehenge
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Savor the Lifestyle: Time
A Call to Live Intentionally, Lead Boldly, and Leave a Legacy Worth Remembering
“Patience and time are my warriors, my champions” duly observed General Kutuzov in the epic novel “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy. Kutuzov did not see the passage of time as an enemy, as most of us do, but a friend who would help him to win the war against the French in the early 1800s. In the opening scene of the year 2000 film, Gladiator, Roman Empire General Maximus Decimus Meridius delivered an invigorating, patriotic speech to his troops as they headed into battle to give courage in a time of fear and uncertainty, “Imagine where you will be and it will be so” and “What we do in life echoes in eternity”. His poetic axiom defining time simultaneously in its infinitesimal and eternal states was given to provide hope and courage in a moment of darkness to his loyal warriors reminding them that their life was significant and meaningful, not only in life but in death. Since these times, in the 20 th and 21 st centuries, we live in a time period where living a life of purpose and meaning through a healthy, prosperous lifestyle is much more attainable than ever before. Time is precious. It is a gift we take for granted that it will always be here, as it steadily gives and never takes. A gift that shapes each and everyone of us into the
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIA STREIT
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
unique individual we are, dependent upon how we use it. So, how do we use our time? How much of our time do we intentionally use to curate a lifestyle of accomplishment and success that benefits us and those around us?
To answer this question, let’s take a step back for a moment and think. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Clear your mind to ponder only one thought. Would you live your life differently if you knew the date of your last day here on earth? Just like you know the date of your first day, your birth date? Nine months is the preparation time for your beginning date. A lifetime of decades is your preparation time for your end date. How well you live in between, your Dash, makes all the difference to yourself and the world around you. “So when your eulogy is being read with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your Dash?”, Linda Ellis mused in her moving tribute to her father, John William Hicks, in “The Dash”.
So, where does our time go?
According to the CDC, in 1900, the average life expectancy was 47 years. However, by 2019, it had risen almost 60% to 79 years. 60% more time for us to live, learn and love so, do we use this gift of additional time to enhance our life or are we just “spinning our wheels”? For Asian Americans, they have learned how to stretch time in their favor. As an ethnic group, they were reported to live over 8 years longer than the average American in a study published June 1, 2015, by the National Institutes of Health.
The study is inconclusive, but its resulting hypothesis proposes longevity is based on a prosperous lifestyle. The “blue zone” concept, coined in 2004 by National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner, illustrates this scientific finding in broader terms noting that any culture around the world can have longevity through healthy lifestyle factors, such as proper diet, physical activity, healthy social connections and stress management that can only be accomplished through actively living a lifestyle of intentional purpose with a positive outlook. Alternatively, think on an individual level. Do we as individuals invest time into our best interests in terms of our character development through mental, emotional and physical challenges? Or do we squander our time with frivolous, burdensome activities that do not elevate our person to the next level? Assess yourself. What have you developed into as an older adult? And if you are younger, what are you developing into as a young adult? Is there needed improvement?
As a nation, it seems we may have lost our focus on being the best we can be throughout time and space due to the luxuries of a first world economy and its associated securities. Have we lost focus on attaining the merits of life because it takes work - consistent discipline and mental toughness, as football coach, Nick Saban, taught his players? When was the last time you challenged yourself to better yourself and live your best life? Each one of us must push ourselves to attain the next level of achievement through the practice of adaptability, discipline
and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Take joy in both the mundane and exhilarating moments of each day. Be glad to be here. You are here where time has blessed you to be. Reach for the stars and you may achieve the lifestyle you so desire to savor. In order to capture the fullness and richness of life, one must be uncompromising in its pursuit.
Author, Joseph Epstein once said, “We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents, or the country of our birth. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choicelessness, we do choose how we live.” Be a time warrior. Be a champion. Live your best life and Savor the Lifestyle.
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