Chriss Smith Jr.

Patriotism doesn’t require everyone to agree. For Trident Mindset’s Chriss Smith Jr., it means contribution, honesty and a willingness to serve something greater than yourself. At America’s 250-year mark, patriotism is an easy word to say and a harder one to define. For Chriss Smith Jr., a former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Trident Mindset, being a patriotic American does not require blind agreement or a perfect country.

Staying present outdoors is getting harder in a world trained to reach for the phone before the moment has even settled. Hunters know the ritual: the early alarm, the cold sit, the wind check, the long wait and finally the shot. Photos, texts and posts all have their place, but when documenting the hunt outranks living it, something important slips away. The woods still teach patience, gratitude and presence, but only if we slow down long enough to listen.

The Trident Mindset Offers Tips On Tackling Holiday-Season Sadness The holiday season can feel particularly lonely. The quiet solitude that's often a source of peace during a hunt or a fishing trip can amplify feelings of isolation when others are celebrating with family. The lack of outdoor activities, combined with shorter days and colder weather, can lead to feelings of restlessness and sadness known as , which is linked to reduced sunlight.