Starting Strong: 5 Key Things I Wish I Knew About Fitness and MTG

Arguably, the most important part of having a hobby is starting one. It’s exciting to immerse yourself in something new—the challenges, rewards, camaraderie, and joy that come with a fresh hobby often propel you to keep engaging with it. However, the beginning stages can be overwhelming for some. They can come with financial burdens, obstacles, and learning curves. It's best to assess a few things before diving into a new hobby. Here are five things I wish I knew before starting both my fitness and Magic: The Gathering (MTG) journeys, respectfully.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Fitness Journey

1) Define what fitness means to you:
It’s crucial to know why you're starting your fitness journey. Your “why” becomes the backbone that keeps you motivated. While your reasons may evolve, having a clear purpose in the beginning helps set the stage for long-term success.

2) Look good, feel good:
Looking the part is important, even in fitness. This doesn’t mean you need to buy all the latest Nike gear but taking pride in your appearance and dressing comfortably while exercising can boost your confidence and motivation.

3) Choose the right environment:
Being comfortable in your space is vital to your fitness journey. Finding the right setting for the fitness goals you have may take time. If you're not ready for a gym, start by working out at home with a video. Consider a yoga class if you're unsure about joining a local gym. The key is to find a place that keeps you motivated to keep moving.

4) Be okay with missing a day:
Sometimes this could also be labeled as “be okay with some regression,” at least in the beginning. Rarely does anyone stick to a new routine without a few setbacks. You might miss a workout, feel unmotivated, or fall back into old habits. Honestly, this feeling doesn’t completely disappear. The key is consistency. Understand that setbacks are part of the process, but pushing through those hurdles is essential for reaching your goals.

5) What a good workout can do for your mental health:
Without sounding too dramatic, I’m not sure where I’d be today without the benefits of exercise. Having that outlet has allowed me to express myself through movement and channel energy into productive tasks. I like to think of myself as generally a happy person, but even during tough times, fitness has been my way to cope. I only wish I’d known just how powerful fitness could be for my mental well-being.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Magic the Gathering

1) Research the game:
I’m not saying you need to dive deep into the entire lore of MTG, but it’s beneficial for new players to understand key aspects of the game. Learn about the different colors and how they impact gameplay, the various MTG formats like Commander, Draft, and Modern, and the playstyles, such as Voltron vs. Life Gain. Taking the time to research a bit more about the game beyond just the mechanics will save you both time and money in the long run.

2) Be prepared to spend:
Like most hobbies, MTG can be an expensive endeavor. To the game’s credit, it does allow for a range of budget deck-building options, but it takes work and experience to figure out what works effectively on a budget. In Commander, deck power levels can sometimes put new players at a disadvantage. My advice is to know how much you're willing to spend as you go. Save for the sets you're most excited about, use preconstructed decks to save on actual deck-building, and look for cheaper alternatives for cards that have similar effects. MTG is accessible to most income levels, so it can work for you.

3) Packs vs. Singles:
This one’s up for debate, but from personal experience, buying singles has provided me more value for deck-building and gameplay compared to buying packs. Opening packs is random—you might get lucky, but you could also spend hundreds on commons that don’t enhance your deck. Buying singles gives you better control over what goes into your deck and how the mechanics work. If you do buy packs, I recommend trading with others in your playgroup. Often, players have cards they need, and trading can help save money, build relationships, and improve your deck for upcoming matches.

4) START SLOW:
Listen, there will always be another Commander deck to build, a new set to explore, and that one card you just have to have. In just a few months, there will be another Secret Lair, followed by a new Universes Beyond set. The point is, you'll likely never feel fully satisfied with what you have, and that’s okay. The goal is to pace yourself. Even if you can afford to collect everything, remember: you can only play one deck at a time. Focus on building a few decks and refining them. Play with them more than you think you should. Every game is different, and you might discover something new about your deck every time you play. Slow and steady is the key to sustained enjoyment in MTG.

5) Find your squad:
Who wants to play alone? MTG is a communal game. Yes, most formats are 1v1, but even in that setting, the game still lends itself to group dynamics and shared experiences. Commander is often played with four people in person, which leads to unpredictable games filled with a wide range of emotions, usually light-hearted in nature. To truly get the most out of MTG, I recommend finding a group (or groups) to play with regularly. In a time when connection is more valuable than ever, being surrounded by people who share your passion can enhance your experience tenfold.

Footnote: Just a thought to wrap up this week’s blog. Never let anyone else define your purpose. I've allowed the opinions of others to shape who I am, and I can honestly say it's led to missed opportunities, resentment, and self-doubt. While those around you can influence your journey, they shouldn't set the terms of it. Life is short—take risks, fail, love, lust, explore, play—whatever you choose, do it with passion and on your own terms. Until next week, take care and thank you for reading.

Schemes, Shuffles, and Self-Credit: Politics and Growth in Commander

Acknowledging Growth: Embracing the Journey and Giving Yourself Credit

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know this week’s post is about the importance of navigating the political side of a Commander game in Magic: The Gathering. But before we get into that, I wanted to take a moment to talk about something that’s been on my mind—giving yourself credit.

I live with a lot of regret. I believe regret is an inherent part of growth. There are personal relationships, financial decisions, and career choices I look back on and wish I had handled differently. But I also know those choices shaped the person I am today. Still, I struggle with giving myself credit for the growth that has come from them.

Life is tough, and there’s no guide on how to do it “right.” What’s good or bad is often subjective. We’re constantly hit with information, temptations, and distractions. Time moves fast, and each year adds new chapters to our stories.

So I want to take a moment to acknowledge the growth we’ve all gone through. Growth takes effort and self-reflection. We won’t always get everything right—our past proves that—but the fact that we keep trying to be better is what really matters. We can’t change the past or fast-forward the present, but we can appreciate where we are and be thankful for everything that comes with it.

What’s a moment of growth in your life that you’re proud of? Let’s take a second to appreciate how far we’ve come.

How to Politic Your Way to a Win in Commander

The Commander format in Magic: The Gathering is a whole different beast—mostly because it's played in groups, not just 1v1. If you know anything about group dynamics, you know that influence is key. In Commander, being able to work the room, pull the strings, and get people to do your bidding can be just as important as drawing the right cards. Whether you're looking to pull off a sweet win or just stir up some chaos (hey, no judgment), here are 8 tips for mastering the art of table politics. Let’s get to it!

1) Know Your Table

Before you dive in, take a moment to figure out who you’re playing with. Are they your close friends? If so, what’s their playstyle? If you're dealing with strangers, maybe just sit back and observe for a game or two to figure out their tendencies. You want to know who’s going to be your ally, who’s going to be a wild card, and who’s just there to ruin everyone’s day. Knowledge is power!

2) What Colors Are You Dealing With?

Each color in Magic has its own strengths. Use that knowledge to your advantage. If you’ve got a blue player at the table, you know they’ll be countering everything in sight, so you might want to steer them toward the aggro red player. Or maybe talk the white player into wiping out the huge green elf army that’s about to trample everyone. Play the colors like a puppeteer pulling the strings, and watch the chaos unfold.

3) Know When to Lay Low

Sometimes, being the quiet observer is your best move. You don’t always need to dive into every fight. Stay out of the spotlight, let others duke it out, and use the chaos to your advantage. Think of it like being the quiet mastermind—waiting until the perfect moment to swoop in and take the win.

4) Befriend the Chaos Player

Every table has that one player who seems to thrive on chaos—doing the weirdest stuff that doesn’t always make sense but somehow works out. They’re like a walking distraction, and honestly, they’re your secret weapon. Befriend this player, sit back, and let them run wild while you quietly plot your victory behind the scenes. The more chaos they create, the less anyone will notice you sneaking up for the win.

5) Scare Tactics, Baby!

The beauty of Commander is that the "threat" can shift in an instant. When you’re not the biggest threat, make sure everyone else knows who the real danger is. Start planting seeds of doubt—“That life-gain deck is really getting out of hand!” or “I think the Voltron player’s gearing up for a big attack!” Scare tactics can make others act irrationally, leaving them wide open for you to swoop in and take the lead.

6) Play Santa Claus

Who doesn’t love a gift, right? If your deck has the means, toss a little favor to the player in the lead. Maybe you can provide them with a blocker, a spare card, or some other resource. Think of it like buying some goodwill to get yourself a little more time to set up your win. You’ll have a helpful ally for a while—and hopefully, they’ll owe you one when the time comes.

7) The Gift of Gab

While laying low can be a good move, don’t forget that Commander is a social game. Chat it up! Stir up some friendly (or not-so-friendly) banter, and you might just make someone miss an important trigger or decision. Throw some shade, make some alliances, and throw everyone off track with a little well-timed chatter. Sometimes, the real play happens in the conversation, not just the cards.

8) Play the Long Con

Table politics work best when you’ve got some history with the players at the table. The more you play, the more you’ll learn about their habits and decks. Use this data to manipulate the game outside the game. “Hey, remember that time [insert player’s name] wiped us all out with that combo? We might want to keep an eye on that.” Use old grudges and memories to shape perceptions and get the table thinking the real threat is someone else. And remember, it’s all in good fun—don’t take it too seriously!

Wrapping It Up

Commander is more than just a card game—it’s a social experience, and politics are at the heart of it. Whether you’re trying to win or just cause a little chaos, these tips will help you maneuver your way through the game and manipulate the table dynamics to your advantage. So go ahead, use those smarts, and get ready to make some moves (and maybe a few enemies) along the way.

Thanks for reading, and remember: time is precious, and I’m honored that you spent a little of yours here. I write this blog as a way to share my passion for Magic and other hobbies, and I hope it helps you dive deeper into yours. Stick around for more posts, and until next time, may your draws be ever in your favor!

Take the Stairs: 9 Simple Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier You

We’ve all heard the excuses: “I don’t have time to work out,” “Eating healthy is too expensive,” or “Meal prep is just too much.” I get it, life’s busy. As someone who works in the medical field, I know how tough it can be to break old habits. But instead of debating those excuses, I want to offer some simple, actionable tips that can help you reach your wellness goals. Life moves fast, and sometimes you need quick, easy ideas to make things better, even in small ways. So, here’s what’s worked for me: 

1. Take the Stairs: This is about choosing the more challenging option when you can. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs. It’s not just about fitness – it’s about building habits that make you better. 

2. Skip the Kitchen Trip: Ever find yourself in the kitchen mindlessly opening the fridge or pantry? We all do it. Next time, stop yourself. Walk to another room, look in the mirror, or do something else to distract you before you snack out of habit. 

3. Don’t Buy It: The easiest way to avoid unhealthy snacks is not to buy them in the first place. Next time you’re at the store, skip the snack aisle and go for the produce or meat section. Out of sight, out of mind. 

4. Use AI to Your Advantage: Tools like ChatGPT are amazing! I love using them to find quick workouts, recipes, and health tips that fit my mood or goals. Crunched for time? Get a quick workout suggestion and try it out. 

5. Use Social media: There’s so much wellness content out there – blogs, influencers, apps. Whatever you're struggling with, chances are there’s someone out there who’s made content just for you. Explore, follow, and find something that clicks. 

6. Find a Buddy: You don’t have to go on this wellness journey alone. Whether it’s a friend or a family member, having a partner can keep you motivated. My fitness journey started with a buddy, and it made all the difference. 

7. Use Your Environment: Fitness doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. You can do air squats with a loaded backpack, dance around your house, or take a brisk walk in your own neighborhood. Get creative! 

8. Walk While You Scroll: We’ve all been guilty of doom-scrolling, right? Why not make it work for you? Get up, walk around, and scroll at the same time. It might sound weird, but it’s an easy way to move without having to put down your device. 

9. Just Start: This is the hardest one, but also the most important. Don’t stress over missing workouts or indulging in junk food – just keep going. Small steps lead to bigger changes, and consistency is key. Don’t expect perfection, just effort. 

As we wrap up this week’s post, I just want to remind you that you got this. Life can be tough, but it’s worth the ride. Give yourself some grace—your health is the most important thing you have. You can’t buy a new version of yourself (not yet, anyway), so remember that every little step you take to improve your health will help you live a more fulfilling life.

I’ve shared 9 tips that have been invaluable to me on my wellness journey. I thought about sharing 10, but let’s be real—everyone does 10, right? I won’t be adding a Magic: The Gathering section to this post, as I spent quite a bit of time on this one, but next time, I’d love to dive into Commander table politics.

Take care to anyone reading this, and I truly hope you found something in this post helpful. Feel free to reach out to me through the contact links below. Until next time!

21, 21,21

Fitness and Wellness: Getting Started and Sticking with It 

Just like with Magic, my fitness journey has been a work in progress. My motivations have shifted over time, my workouts have changed, and my routines have definitely evolved. But one thing that’s stayed the same is my commitment to making fitness a priority—5 to 6 days a week. 

 Now, I’m no fitness expert, but I want to share a couple of things that I think are super important when it comes to wellness. 

1. Just Get Started 

I know it sounds basic, but honestly, the hardest part of fitness is just starting. Don’t worry about figuring out what you like or don’t like just yet. You don’t need to go for an hour-long workout from the get-go. Even 15 minutes of moving around is a win. No progress happens until you get started, so just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving. 

2. Find What You Enjoy and Stick with It 

One thing I hear a lot is that people struggle to get to the gym, or they feel like they “should” be lifting weights but don’t enjoy it. The truth is you don’t have to do something you don’t enjoy. Find something that keeps you coming back for more—whether it’s lifting, cardio, yoga, or whatever else. Your wellness journey will evolve over time, but there’s no point in forcing yourself to do something you won’t stick with. Fitness should be something you want to do, not something you dread.

Why I Love Voltron and Equipment Decks in Magic: The Gathering  

So, I’ve been diving into Magic: The Gathering for about seven months now—yep, you read that right, just seven months. And in that time, I’ve made 11 decks. I guess you could say I’m all in. My playstyle has turned out to be pretty Voltron and equipment heavy. Some of the commanders I’ve been using include: 

• Sergeant John Benton 

• Samut, Voice of Dissent 

• Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist / Akiri, Line Slinger 

• Pir, Imaginative Rascal // Toothy, Imaginary Friend 

• Wolverine, Best There Is 

For me, Voltron and equipment decks are all about that 21-commander damage win condition. I know, it’s not the most strategic strategy, but there’s something so satisfying about swinging in with a massive, unblocked creature and knocking someone out of the game with a single blow. This playstyle reflects my aggressive mentality. I like keeping things straightforward with a “high-risk, high reward” type of game plan. Anyway, here are five things I’ve learned about building Voltron and equipment commander decks: 

1. Voltron vs. Equipment: What’s the Difference? 

 Voltron decks are all about buffing up your commander with auras, instants, and sorceries to make them unstoppable. Equipment, on the other hand, tends to require more resources because you must pay to play and equip them. The payoff can be massive, but they’re also more vulnerable to board wipes and artifact removal, and they can be slower to set up. 

2. Choose Your Commander Wisely 

This is big. When picking a Voltron commander, you want a creature that already has keywords that help with the strategy. Stuff like double strike and trample are super important—they’ll help ensure your damage actually lands when it matters. The last thing you want is a big creature that can’t get through blockers, right? 

3. Keep Your Commander Safe 

 Your deck is all about one creature—your commander. So, it’s kind of obvious that you need to protect them. This protection comes from instants and sorceries, sure, but don’t sleep on support creatures. Cards that give your commander additional abilities or keep them safe can make a huge difference. 

4. Make Sure Your Damage Gets Through 

 Okay, you’ve got a huge weapon, but how do you get that damage past your opponent’s defenses? Trample is a must but also make sure you’ve got a couple of spells that can make your creature unlockable. Wide boards can make it tough to land those 21 commander damage points, so keeping your creature unlockable is key. 

5. Combat Tricks Are Your Best Friend 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that combat tricks can make or break your strategy. Knowing when to use a protection spell, how to bluff, or when to throw in a surprise move can turn the tide in your favor. There’s something so satisfying about catching your opponent off-guard with a sudden burst of damage or unexpected evasion. Who doesn’t love a good combat trick? 

What’s Next? 

Once I round out these Voltron decks with the cards I want, I plan to branch out and try other playstyles. But for now, I’m just enjoying the ride and letting the game come to me. It’s been a blast so far. 

Whether it’s building decks or building muscle, the important thing is to keep showing up and doing what works for you. I’ve learned that dedication and consistency are key to making progress in both Magic and fitness. And the best part? You get to enjoy the process along the way.

Let me know your thoughts! What’s your favorite Voltron commander, or how do you stay consistent with your wellness goals? I’d love to hear from you. 

Joyful New Year!

Welcome Back!

First off, thank you for checking out the blog again. I know your time is precious, so I really appreciate you spending a few minutes with me! Let’s kick things off with a Joyful New Year! Every year offers a fresh opportunity to set new goals, so I’m asking you: What does that look like for you this year? Maybe it’s taking a trip overseas for the first time, reading a new book, reconnecting with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or trying a new hobby. Whatever you choose, remember that the year is 365 days long—your goals don’t need to be accomplished by February 1st. Give yourself time, stay consistent, and keep pushing forward. I can’t stress that enough! I’m wishing you the best of luck with whatever goals you decide to pursue. And feel free to share any updates on your progress—I’d love to hear from you!

Fitness Check-In

It’s the first month of my training for the Murph challenge on Memorial Day, and so far, it’s been a solid start. The past two weeks have been EMOM-heavy, which is a great way for me to keep moving and get the pump I love. I’ve found that traditional strength training can feel a bit boring at times, but using EMOMs helps me stay engaged and lift for reps, which makes it more fun. Right now, I’m going lighter on my lower body to give my calves and achilles a break. I haven’t been diligent with resting these areas over the past year or so, so I’m taking this opportunity to prioritize recovery. Once spring rolls around, my training will shift to be more run-centric to prep for the 2-mile portion of Murph.

I was also gifted a weight vest for Christmas, so I’m excited to incorporate that into my training! It’s motivating to have something specific to train for—it definitely adds an extra boost to my workouts.

Diet Update

Snacking continues to be a struggle for me. I’ve been better about keeping fruits and veggies on hand, but I still tend to overindulge in processed snacks. On the plus side, I’m down a few pounds, which is progress. I’ll keep being mindful of when I’m snacking and work on avoiding mindless eating just because food is available. It’s a process, but I’m staying focused on improvement!

Magic Time!

Now, onto something a little different—Magic: The Gathering. After being in the game for about six months, I can confidently say I’ve found something I’m truly passionate about. Outside of the gym and reading, this has been an amazing outlet for me. The best part, though? The camaraderie. It’s been fantastic to connect with others over a shared love of chaos and strategy. I’ve built new friendships and strengthened old ones, and it’s been a lot of fun.

The game itself is such a creative form of expression, especially through deckbuilding and the individual playstyles of each player. Like most passions, it can be a bit consuming at times, but I know it’ll settle down eventually. I’m excited to continue embracing the Magic: The Gathering experience and see where it takes me.

My favorite deck to play is the food deck—it’s a surprisingly powerful and unassuming set of cards based around, well, food! The way it ramps up and becomes a threat to the table is awesome. Plus, it has a bunch of Lord of the Rings cards, which has inspired me to read the books. Who knew that a card game could lead me to explore something like that? I’m on book two now, so I’ll share my thoughts on the series once I finish.

Something to Ponder: Music

Now, a quick thought on music. I’m not claiming to be profound here, but I just wanted to share how much music has shaped my life, especially when it comes to fitness. There are so many artists—like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Bad Bunny, Big Sean, and many other artist —whose songs have carried me through tough workouts. Music has also helped me navigate through heartache and regret, reminding me that others have felt the same way I have, and that’s incredibly comforting.

Thank you to all the artists who create the soundtracks to our lives. I’ll leave you with a question: What’s one song that gives you that extra push during a workout, and what’s one that takes you back to a specific time or memory?

Here are my picks:

• Travis Scott – My Eyes (straight fire in the second half)

• Drake – Virginia Beach

Why Evolving Hobbies?

The idea for this blog started with a simple thought: I wanted a way to talk with people about the things that interest me. I’ve stayed off social media for over 10 years, so it’s not always easy to connect with others who share the same hobbies or passions as me. During the pandemic, I picked up reading as a hobby and wanted to share the journey I’d been on—figuratively speaking. But most of my friends aren’t really into reading, so finding people to talk to about it wasn’t easy.

I realized more and more how much I enjoy talking and sharing my thoughts with others about the world and how hard it can be to find a space to do that. I didn’t want to involve social media or require me to be super extroverted, so I figured, why not start a blog?

That leads me to what this blog is all about. I aim to carve out a little corner of the internet to share my passion for reading, fitness, WWE, Magic: The Gathering, and anything else that interests me. This is my way of investing in myself—Tyrell. If one day, this blog grows and becomes something more significant, I’ll be incredibly grateful and humbled. But honestly, if it just connects with a few people, that’s more than enough for me, and I’ll keep putting in the effort to make this something worth reading.

I don’t have a clear plan for how this will go. I just felt like it was time to start and see where it took me.

“Echoes from You.” (I’ll add one of these with each post to spark conversation and maybe even help me work through some of my questions about life.)

Heading into the new year, what wellness goal are you hoping to tackle, and what might be the biggest challenge along the way?

• For me, I’ve always wanted to complete the Hero workout Murph with a competitive time—under 35 minutes. If you’re unfamiliar, Murph traditionally consists of a 1-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and ends with another 1-mile run, all while wearing a 20lb weight vest.

  I’m currently training for it using an AI-made template that combines lifting and Murph-related cardio work. My biggest hurdle with this goal is my lack of commitment to elite-level nutrition. Honestly, I snack a lot and don’t eat much fresh food, which isn’t fueling my body as it needs.

  Heading into the new year, I will focus on adopting cleaner eating habits and improving my relationship with food as fuel for my body. Stay tuned for updates as I work toward smashing this goal!