25 Myths and Facts on My Fitness, Family, Faith & Fostering Fun (Another Thoughts in Starting my 2025)
25 Myths and Facts Across Topics in past 15 Years of my Blog Topics
Over the past 12 months, as a first-time federal employee working in the Navy’s Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) program, I’ve encountered a unique blend of challenges, learning opportunities, and revelations. Transitioning from a more flexible civilian role to a structured federal position has been an eye-opener. Some of the myths I held were shattered; others were reaffirmed but with new insights.
This journey has been a culmination of my life's transitions—each one shaping my perspective and mission. Starting 1991 after being a bank teller in the American Express Philippines, I joined the Navy and embarked on a career that spanned decades of service. In 2000, I transitioned from active-duty 2nd Class Petty Officer into a Navy reservist while becoming an American Express financial advisor. Later, I pursued seminary studies to deepen my understanding of faith and purpose, only to return to active duty for another 14 years. After retiring as a Navy Chief Counselor, I poured my energy into entrepreneurship, founding three successful businesses with Myla’s support, which she helped triple in success over the past 2–3 years.
Yet, despite the thriving success of our businesses, I felt a renewed calling to serve the military community. I returned as an educator, giving up my entrepreneurial ventures to focus on helping active-duty family or future veterans transition smoothly into civilian life—not by encouraging dependency on entitlements and disability benefits but by equipping them with tools to find purpose and independence.
This blog reflects those experiences and lessons, aimed at inspiring veterans, active-duty service members, immigrants, entrepreneurs, and followers from all walks of life. My hope is that these insights will challenge myths, spark meaningful conversations, and help others navigate their own transitions with confidence.
Work-Life Balance & Career
Myth: Success demands relentless work without rest.
Fact: True success stems from balancing productivity with rest and reflection.
My Journey to Balance: As a federal employee, I’ve learned to appreciate structured work hours, which gave me evenings to spend with family. On weekends, my wife and I often took long walks with Bentley and Blinky, where we discussed our dreams, challenges, and goals. These quiet moments reminded me that stepping back from work rejuvenates both the mind and spirit, fueling creativity and better decision-making.
Myth: Transitioning out of the military is straightforward.
Fact: Transition is complex and requires thoughtful planning.
My Experience Helping Others Transition: Leading TAP workshops, I’ve met veterans who were overwhelmed by civilian job markets. One Marine told me he had no idea how to translate his leadership skills into a civilian resume. Working with him to highlight his transferable skills and coaching him through interviews, I saw the transformation. It underscored the importance of preparation in navigating this significant life change.
Myth: Federal jobs lack flexibility.
Fact: Federal roles provide stability but still allow room for innovation.
Adapting to a Federal Role: When I started my role at FFR, I worried the structured environment would stifle creativity. Instead, I found opportunities to revamp curricula, collaborate with external partners, and implement fresh ideas to support transitioning service members. This role has shown me that flexibility can exist even in structured settings when you take initiative.
Myth: Government jobs are tedious and repetitive.
Fact: Federal positions often require creativity and adaptability.
Breaking the Stereotype: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is tailoring workshops to diverse audiences. A session for junior sailors is vastly different from one for senior officers. This constant need to adapt keeps my role dynamic and engaging, proving that federal work is far from monotonous.
Myth: Educators only teach—they don’t learn.
Fact: Educators grow by continually adapting to meet their students' needs.
My Lifelong Learning as an Educator: While teaching pre-separation classes, I often learn from the service members I guide. For instance, a young sailor once shared a unique job-search strategy using niche online platforms. That insight not only enriched the class discussion but also expanded my own knowledge, which I’ve since shared in future sessions.
Family & Parenting
Myth: Parenting college seniors is hands-off.
Fact: Supporting college students requires balancing independence with guidance.
Lessons from Parenting Sam: When my son Sam, a senior at Virginia Tech, needed a car, it wasn’t a simple purchase. We sat down together to discuss his needs, budget, and the long-term responsibilities of owning a vehicle. This process became an opportunity to teach him about financial planning and self-reliance while ensuring he felt supported.
Myth: Relocating elderly parents is simple.
Fact: Moving a loved one into a nursing home involves emotional, financial, and logistical challenges.
Caring for My Mom: Relocating my mom closer to us wasn’t just a logistical process; it was deeply emotional. We visited several facilities, ensuring each met her medical and social needs. Involving her in every decision helped ease the transition, turning a challenging situation into one where she felt valued and heard.
Myth: Buying a car for your child spoils them.
Fact: Providing a car fosters responsibility, especially when paired with trust and shared goals.
Fostering Responsibility: Sam’s car came with a condition: he would manage its upkeep. Watching him schedule maintenance appointments and budget for gas reassured me that this wasn’t just a gift but a step toward his independence.
Faith & Spirituality
Myth: Faith is tied to one location.
Fact: You can find faith and community anywhere.
My Faith Journey: Over the past 20 years, my family and I have attended churches across the U.S. and overseas. In Tampa, we found warmth in a small congregation, while in Blacksburg, we connected with a vibrant student ministry. These experiences reminded us that faith is universal and community can be found anywhere.
Myth: Renowned pastors only focus on mega-churches.
Fact: Pastors like Rick Warren and John Hagee create personal connections through their messages.
Inspiration from Sermons: Rick Warren’s teachings on purpose inspired me to approach my career with renewed focus. John Hagee’s messages on resilience often guide me during difficult times, proving that impactful leaders can reach individuals no matter the size of their congregation.
Myth: Faith-building moments require structured events.
Fact: Everyday experiences can deepen your spiritual journey.
Finding Faith in the Everyday: Singing hymns on @COVIDEOKE during the pandemic became a way to share faith and joy with others. These spontaneous moments often felt more powerful than formal gatherings, as they connected people in authentic ways.
Myth: Spiritual growth is a solo endeavor.
Fact: Community plays a vital role in deepening faith.
Faith in Fellowship: Joining groups at Grace Church and engaging with my online community has shown me that faith grows stronger when shared. Through prayer, discussion, and mutual support, I’ve deepened my spiritual understanding.
Fitness & Well-being
Myth: Fitness requires expensive equipment or gym memberships.
Fact: Fitness can be fun, simple, and free.
Staying Active Anywhere: Walking Bentley and Blinky every morning became my daily meditation, while dancing in ZumVA classes energized my evenings. These activities require no special gear, just commitment and joy.
Myth: Social media is detrimental to health.
Fact: When used positively, social media promotes wellness and connection.
Building Healthy Habits Online: Sharing my fitness journey on TikTok inspired others to take small steps toward better health. One follower messaged me, saying my videos motivated them to start daily walks.
Myth: ZumVA and TikTok is just another dance class for softies.
Fact: ZumVA is a vibrant mix of movement and joy that boosts overall well-being and putting it on public to see may encourage the same.
The Power of Community in Fitness: ZumVA isn’t just exercise—it’s a celebration of life. Dancing alongside friends, both in-person and online, creates a community that motivates and uplifts.
Myth: Mental health can be separated from physical health.
Fact: They are deeply interconnected.
Mind-Body Balance: On days when stress felt overwhelming, a brisk walk or a session of dance helped me reset mentally. These moments reminded me that caring for the body nurtures the mind.
(Continued in Part 2)
25 Myths and Facts Across Topics on TonyAstro Blogs (Part 2)
Content Creation & Entertainment
Myth: Blogging requires perfection.
Fact: Blogging is about authenticity and sharing your voice.
Why Authenticity Matters: My posts on TonyAstro Blogs often start as raw reflections—like writing about my son’s college journey or my travels across the U.S.—but they resonate because they’re genuine. One reader commented how my honesty helped them feel less alone in their parenting struggles.
Myth: Singing online is for fame.
Fact: Sharing music online fosters joy and connection.
Music as a Connection Tool: During the pandemic, @COVIDEOKE became a space where people could laugh, sing, and feel less isolated. One participant from Europe shared how our virtual karaoke sessions brightened her days during lockdown.
Myth: TikTok or Instagram or Facebook is only for trends.
Fact: Social media can be a platform for education, entertainment, and encouragement.
Using Social Media platform for Good: My videos focus on life skills, fitness, and motivation. One video on career advice received comments from veterans who found the tips actionable and motivating for their transition journeys.
Myth: Social media distracts from meaningful interactions.
Fact: It can enhance connections when used purposefully.
Building Relationships Through social media: Facebook Lives during ZumVA classes or Covaoke or Covideoke (I started during the pandemic for Karaoke online) or travel updates on Tony Astro Editions and MT Nesters (Myla & Tony Blogs), Podcasts like FusionTalk and Upgrading Your Brand (on Spotify and iTunes) have become platforms where followers engage with me directly. It is a two-way street, creating meaningful dialogues and lasting connections.
Travel & Adventure
Myth: Travel is expensive and complicated.
Fact: Meaningful journeys can be simple and affordable.
Exploring on a Budget: During a family trip to Tampa, we focused on free or low-cost activities, like visiting local parks and attending community events. These experiences were just as memorable as any lavish vacation.
Myth: Local churches are only for worship.
Fact: Churches often serve as community hubs.
Discovering Community Across the U.S.: From a small church in Alaska to a vibrant congregation in Texas, my travels revealed that churches offer more than sermons—they provide fellowship, support, and cultural experiences unique to each region.
Myth: Traveling hinders faith practices.
Fact: Travel broadens faith by exposing you to new perspectives.
Finding Faith Abroad: During a trip to Italy, I attended a local service where hymns were sung in Italian. Though I did not understand the language, the shared faith and warmth of the congregation transcended words, reaffirming my belief in the universality of spirituality.
Myth: Long-term travel disrupts family dynamics.
Fact: It strengthens bonds through shared experiences.
Family Adventures: Traveling as a family to places like Blacksburg for college visits or to national parks brought us closer. The car rides alone became a time for deep conversations, shared laughter, and a few sing-alongs that remain cherished memories.
Lifestyle & Reflection
Myth: Life’s purpose is fixed and unchanging.
Fact: Purpose evolves with life’s seasons.
Embracing Change: Over the past 30 years, my journey from Navy educator to federal employee to blogger has shown me that purpose isn’t static. It adapts with every phase of life, often becoming richer and more meaningful as we grow. My reflections in blogs and social media posts are proof that purpose is found not in destinations but in the journey itself.
Final Thoughts
Life is a journey of transitions, and mine has been no exception. From being a bank teller to joining the Navy, becoming a financial advisor, pursuing seminary, returning to active duty, and then transitioning into entrepreneurship, every phase has taught me valuable lessons. Returning to the military community as an educator 12 months ago was not an easy decision, especially after Myla and I had built a thriving business together. But I knew my mission was greater than personal success—it was about empowering others to find purpose and independence.
As an encourager (hopefully) and educator, I strive to help future veterans recognize their potential beyond disability benefits, a mindset often perpetuated in TAP classes. Instead, I want to equip them with the tools, resources, and mindset to thrive in civilian life. My journey serves as a testament that life is not about staying in one role forever: it’s about embracing change, growing through challenges, and finding fulfillment in helping others.
I invite you to reflect on your own journey. What myths have shaped your path? What truths have guided you forward? Let’s share our stories, encourage one another, and continue building a community of growth and resilience.
May this blog inspire you to shatter misconceptions, embrace change, and discover the joy of living with purpose. Share your thoughts below or explore more at TonyAstro Blogs, CommerceWise, or my social media pages. Together, let’s inspire each other toward a brighter future!
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