Keepin’ It Real: How We Stay Strong, Focused, and Blessed

Photos captured by Mitchell Royel set the perfect mood as the track "Pillz" by Gucci Mane plays now, bringing the energy and vibe to life. The visuals and the music together create an immersive experience that resonates deeply, highlighting the raw emotion and authenticity behind both the imagery and the sound. This combination invites you to feel every moment and connect with the story being told through the lens and the beats.

Photos captured by Mitchell Royel set the perfect mood as the track "Pillz" by Gucci Mane plays now, bringing the energy and vibe to life. The visuals and the music together create an immersive experience that resonates deeply, highlighting the raw emotion and authenticity behind both the imagery and the sound. This combination invites you to feel every moment and connect with the story being told through the lens and the beats.

Life’s gonna throw us some heavy punches, but it’s all about how we bounce back. We gotta hold our power tight, make moves that lift us up, and shut down all the noise that tries to drag us down. The grind ain’t always smooth, but that’s when we lean on what the Good Book says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). That’s the real power source.

True strength? It’s inside us. We gotta know our worth, set them boundaries, and never let nobody control our vibe. Trust your gut, keep your circle tight, and stay locked on your goals. When we take the wheel, we stop being passengers and start driving our own ride.

This ain’t just about surviving — it’s about thriving. Turning pain into power, setbacks into comebacks. We don’t need nobody’s approval ‘cause God’s already got us covered. Keep your head up, stay true, and remember every step forward is a win. The journey is ours — let’s own it, live it, and rise above.

20 Tips for Us to Stay Strong and Focused

1. Know your worth — don’t let anyone cheapen your value.

2. Set clear boundaries and stick to ’em.

3. Keep your circle tight — real ones only.

4. Trust your instincts; they don’t lie.

5. Pray and lean on faith when times get tough.

6. Stay focused on your goals, no distractions.

7. Don’t chase validation — God’s approval is enough.

8. Turn setbacks into lessons, not excuses.

9. Celebrate every small win, they add up.

10. Keep your mind sharp — read, learn, grow.

11. Stay humble but confident — balance is key.

12. Avoid negative vibes and toxic people.

13. Take care of your body — it’s your temple.

14. Speak life over yourself daily.

15. Be patient — good things take time.

16. Don’t be afraid to say no.

17. Surround yourself with positive energy.

18. Keep grinding even when no one’s watching.

19. Remember, your story ain’t finished yet.

20. Always give thanks — gratitude changes everything.

Remember, fam, keep your prescriptions tight and if something feels off, don’t hesitate to talk to your dad or someone you trust. Stay awake, stay blessed, and keep it 100.

-Deck

Benchwarmers Legacy: Echoes of Audacity

Captured by Mitchell Royel, now playing: "Out My Head" by Topic, A7S - a soundtrack to our unfolding narrative.

The music pulses, a heartbeat of memories and moments yet to come.

Captured by Mitchell Royel, now playing: "Out My Head" by Topic, A7S - a soundtrack to our unfolding narrative.

The music pulses, a heartbeat of memories and moments yet to come.

Captured by Mitchell Royel, now playing: "Out My Head" by Topic, A7S - a soundtrack to our unfolding narrative.

The music pulses, a heartbeat of memories and moments yet to come.

Two years ago, we started a blog called Benchwarmers Legacy - a digital sanctuary for the unheard, the overlooked, the perpetual sideline dwellers. Little did we know that our inspiration would come from a trailblazer who redefined what it means to challenge the system.

Shirley Chisholm - a name that resonates with pure, unapologetic audacity. In 1972, she did what seemed impossible: she ran for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination becoming the first African American to seek a major party’s presidential nomination. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” was more than words - it was a manifesto.

When Chisholm announced her candidacy, she declared, “I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women’s movement of this country, although I am a woman and equally proud of that. I am the candidate of the people and my presence before you symbolizes a new era in American political history.”

Our audacity was all we had. Just like Chisholm, who faced discrimination and was blocked from televised primary debates, only permitted to make one speech, we understood that visibility is a battle. Her campaign was underfunded, spending only $300,000 in total, and she struggled to be taken seriously. Yet, she persisted.

Today, we’re no longer just writing about change - we’re embodying it. From benchwarmers to players, from spectators to catalysts. Chisholm’s words echo in our journey: “I am and always will be a catalyst for change.”

10 Lessons We've Learned Together:

1. Our Resilience is Our Strength: We've learned that challenges don't define us; how we respond to them does. Together, we've turned obstacles into stepping stones, growing stronger with each hurdle.

2. Authenticity is Our Superpower: We stopped trying to be perfect and started embracing our true selves. In our vulnerability, we found connection, and in our imperfections, we discovered our most powerful stories.

3. Small Steps, Collective Progress: We realized that real change isn't about grand gestures, but about the consistent, intentional actions we take daily. Our collective momentum matters more than individual bursts.

4. Breaking Comfort Zones Together: We pushed each other beyond familiar boundaries. Our growth happened in those uncomfortable moments when we dared to challenge our own limitations.

5. Relationships are Our Lifeline: We invested in connections that truly matter. We learned to surround ourselves with people who lift us up, challenge us positively, and genuinely care about our collective journey.

6. Learning is Our Continuous Adventure: We stayed curious. We embraced the humility of knowing that our knowledge is always evolving, and every conversation is an opportunity to grow.

7. Self-Care is Our Shared Responsibility: We learned that taking care of ourselves isn't selfish - it's essential. We started prioritizing our mental, physical, and emotional well-being, understanding that we can't pour from an empty cup.

8. Failure is Our Teacher: We stopped fearing failure and started seeing it as feedback. Every setback became a lesson, every mistake a chance to pivot and improve.

9. Gratitude Transformed Our Perspective: We shifted from focusing on what's missing to celebrating what's present. Our gratitude became a powerful lens that changed how we see our world.

10. Our Energy Creates Our Reality: We discovered that what we focus on expands. By cultivating positive thoughts and surrounding ourselves with uplifting influences, we've watched our collective reality transform.

Our legacy continues.

-Deck

Thin Ice: Navigating the Edges of Possibility

Captured by Mitchell Royel

now playing: "obvious" by Fordo

Captured by Mitchell Royel

now playing: "obvious" by Fordo

Growing up in hockey, you learn pretty quickly that life is a lot like skating on thin ice. Every move is a calculated risk, every breath a delicate balance between pushing forward and staying grounded. People think being an athlete is about strength, about never showing weakness. But the real truth? It's about understanding your vulnerabilities and turning them into your greatest power.

There's this moment when you're on the ice - and I mean really on the edge - where you feel everything. The slightest shift could send you crashing through, could expose everything you've been trying to hide. It's terrifying. But it's also where the magic happens. Where you discover who you really are when everything else falls away.

Growing up in the spotlight, everyone thinks they know you. They see the stats, the goals, the headlines. But they don't see the moments of doubt. The times when the ice feels so thin you can hear it cracking beneath your skates.

Vulnerability isn't weakness. It's the courage to stand exactly where you're most likely to fall and say, "I'm here. This is me." Every time I step onto the ice, I'm making a choice. To be seen. To risk everything. To show up fully, knowing I might fail spectacularly.

The thin ice isn't something to be afraid of. It's a challenge. It's where you learn the most about yourself - how you move, how you adapt, how you find your balance when everything around you is uncertain.

There's a difference between being fearless and being brave. Fearless is pretending the ice isn't thin. Brave is acknowledging how fragile everything is and moving forward anyway. It's about understanding that your strength comes from your ability to be honest - with yourself, with others, with the world watching.

Message to Those on the Edge

To anyone standing on their own thin ice - whether it's in sports, in life, in pursuing a dream - I want you to know something. The cracks? They're not your enemy. They're your opportunity. They're where you learn to distribute your weight, to find your true center, to understand that strength isn't about never breaking, but about how you put yourself back together.

The ice will always be thin. The key is learning to dance on it.

-Deck

High Stakes and Hard Truths

Captured by Mitchell Royel. Now playing: "Pretty Girls Walk" by Big Boss Vette.

Captured by Mitchell Royel. Now playing: "Pretty Girls Walk" by Big Boss Vette.

Captured by Mitchell Royel. Now playing: "Pretty Girls Walk" by Big Boss Vette.

In the world of casinos and luxury hotels, survival is a game played at the highest stakes. Only the best thrive in this glittering ecosystem, where every move is calculated, and every player knows that mediocrity is a death sentence. This ruthless environment extends beyond the gaming floors and into the exotic dancer scene—a microcosm of competition, strategy, and power dynamics that mirrors the broader world of high-stakes business and social maneuvering.

For young collegiate conservative males, understanding this world isn’t just about voyeuristic curiosity; it’s a lesson in discipline, strategy, and the brutal realities of competition. Casinos and hotels are not just places of entertainment—they are arenas where status is earned, influence is wielded, and survival depends on mastering the unspoken rules.

Exotic dancers, often misunderstood, operate in one of the most cutthroat sectors within this environment. Their success hinges on more than just appearance—it’s about reading the room, understanding power plays, and navigating a complex social hierarchy. They must constantly adapt, outwit rivals, and maintain an aura of control, all while performing under intense scrutiny.

This scene is relevant to young conservative men in college because it reflects broader truths about ambition and success. It strips away the idealism often found in academic settings and exposes the raw mechanics of influence and power. It’s a reminder that in any competitive field—whether in business, politics, or social circles—only those who understand strategy, maintain discipline, and adapt swiftly will rise to the top.

Moreover, this world challenges the conventional narratives about masculinity and success. It forces young men to confront their assumptions about strength, control, and respect, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be powerful in modern society.

In essence, the casino and exotic dancer scene is a high-stakes classroom. For those willing to learn, it offers invaluable lessons on survival, strategy, and the harsh realities of competition—lessons that resonate far beyond the neon lights and velvet ropes.

Tips for Young Conservative Males Inspired by This World:

1. Cultivate Discipline: Just as the best survive by maintaining focus and control, cultivate self-discipline in all areas of your life. Proverbs 25:28 reminds us, "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

2. Master Strategy: Success requires understanding the dynamics around you. Be observant, learn from every situation, and plan your moves carefully. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."

3. Adapt and Persevere: The environment is ever-changing and unforgiving. Adapt quickly and persevere through setbacks. Romans 5:3-4 encourages, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

4. Maintain Integrity: Even in competitive spaces, hold fast to your values. Integrity builds lasting respect and trust. Proverbs 10:9 states, "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out."

5. Respect True Strength: Understand that true power is not just physical or social dominance but rooted in wisdom, humility, and service. Micah 6:8 teaches, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

By applying these principles, young conservative men can navigate competitive environments with confidence and honor, turning lessons from unexpected places into a foundation for lasting success.

-Mitchell Royel + Deck

Priorities: Cutting Through the Bullshit

Captured by Mitchell Royel and now playing Toastyyy by Genia, Timbaland

Captured by Mitchell Royel and now playing Toastyyy by Genia, Timbaland

Listen up,

Life’s this crazy battlefield where everyone’s fighting for meaningless trophies. Straight A’s? Varsity jacket?

Cool story, but who gives a fuck?

Real talk: Priorities are everything.

You’re sitting there, stressed about some grade or some team position, and Christ, Jesus is like, “Yo, I’ve got bigger plans for you.” We get so caught up in these temporary victories that we miss the eternal soundtrack playing in the background.

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” - Mark 8:36

Punk rock taught us that authenticity trumps achievement. Those varsity jackets? They fade. That perfect GPA? Just a number. But our spirit? our purpose? That shit is infinite.

Real MVP

We’re not here to check boxes. We’re here to:

• Love hard

• Fight for something bigger than ourselves

• Break down systems that don’t serve humanity

• Listen to the divine frequency

Christ doesn’t always care our resume. Sometimes He cares about our heart. About how we show up.

Some Things Ain’t Worth our Time

• Toxic relationships

• Meaningless validation

• Conforming to bullshit expectations

Priorities That Actually Matter

• Compassion

• Authenticity

• Spiritual growth

• Making noise that matters

Bottom line: Your life is a rebellion. Your priorities are your weapon. Use them wisely.

Peace out.

-Mitchell Royel + Deck