During the late part of the 1990s, a series of severe head injuries put a premature end to the career as a Navy SEAL, explains an honored Veteran. The first was a terrifying 10-foot plunge, headfirst through a floor, landing onto unyielding concrete. The second, a daunting 30-foot drop from a ladder while embarking on a ship at sea. These incidents not only terminated his time as a SEAL – a role that was cherished deeply – but also left him unknowingly grappling with the aftermath of an undiagnosed Traumatic Brain Injury for over two decades. The diagnosis, when it finally came, revealed that the region of the brain responsible for emotional processing was inoperative due to the injuries. The physician explained the severity of the injuries, which could have led him down the path of the 22 veterans who tragically take their own lives daily, largely due to similar injuries. Yet, despite this grim prognosis, this veteren found himself not in a place of despair but leading a fulfilling personal and professional life. When asked how he managed to avoid spiraling into darkness, he explained that he had noticed his emotions spiraling out of control soon after the incidents, and made a conscious decision to be continually aware of his emotional state. This self-awareness became crucial in preventing emotions from impulsively driving actions that usually resulted in less desirable outcomes. For over 20 years, he remained deeply attuned to his feelings in every situation, using this awareness to guide actions and navigate through life’s challenges. This mindfulness practice extended to his daily ritual of cold exposure. Unlike meditation or other similar activities, where one can drift in and out of mindfulness without immediate repercussions, the unforgiving nature of the cold demands constant awareness. The initial physiological panic that sets in upon entering an ice bath can only be calmed through mindfulness. Maintaining calm in an ice bath requires constant awareness of one’s mental state. This practice not only trains the mind to focus intensely and remain in the present moment but also helps reset the nervous system, promoting clear thinking. The physician concluded that this mindfulness practice, coupled with the mental and physiological benefits of cold exposure, had essentially saved his life. This resilience-building process he had developed to stay aware of his emotions and how he responded to them was instrumental in recovery. Mindfulness became more than just a coping mechanism; it became an integral part of self-care routine that allowed him not merely to survive but to thrive in any situation. This veterans story serves as a testament to the power of mindfulness and self-kindness in overcoming life’s most formidable challenges. For those in high-stress professions, like Nurses or those engaged in high-intensity hobbies, incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine can be invaluable. Mindfulness has the potential to save lives and improve overall well-being. It is indeed worth considering as part of your daily self-care practice to ensure you bring your best self to every situation.