Join Mike & Friends TONIGHT for "When You Feel Empty!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Join our Volunteer, Army Combat Medic Veteran, & Music Writer/Producer Mike Williams TONIGHT for "Mike Check" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "When You Feel Empty!"

Join Mike & Friends TONIGHT for a discussion about National "When You Feel Empty!" When a Veteran feels empty inside (numb, hollow, disconnected) we will focus on being compassionate, and using some practical steps to reconnect (safety to body to people to purpose), without shame.

“Feeling empty isn’t weakness—it’s your system asking for care. Take one breath, reach one person, do one small thing… and let your way back begin.”

When You Feel Empty Inside

A veteran-focused field guide for the moments you feel numb, hollow, or disconnected.

First: a quick safety check

If the emptiness comes with thoughts of ending your life, or you feel like you might not be safe tonight, reach out right now:

· Call or text 988 (U.S.) and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.

· If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are safe but hollow or numb, the goal is not to “snap out of it.” It is to reconnect your body, your people, and your purpose in small, repeatable moves.

1) Name it like a status report (no drama, just facts)

Try: “I’m in a low-power state.” Then rate these from 0 to 10:

· Energy

· Connection

· Hope

This is just a baseline so you can notice even small shifts over time.

2) Get back into your body (2–5 minutes)

Emptiness often means disconnection from sensation. You do not think your way out; you signal safety to the nervous system.

Pick one reset and do it for a couple of minutes:

· Box breathing: inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 (4 rounds).

· Physiological sigh: inhale through the nose, top it off with a quick second inhale, then a long slow exhale (3 times).

· Grounding scan: feel feet, calves, thighs, seat, hands (about 30 seconds each).

If your body settles even 5%, that counts.

3) Use the “one small action” rule (motivation is offline)

When you feel empty, your “why” circuit is down. Use tiny orders to restore basic systems:

· Drink water.

· Eat something with protein.

· Shower or wash your face.

· Take a 10-minute walk.

· Step outside for sunlight and fresh air.

You are not fixing your whole life in one move. You are rebooting.

4) Contact: don’t isolate in silence

Isolation is gasoline on emptiness. Do not wait to feel social. Do one reach-out.

Copy/paste text you can send:

“Hey brother/sister — I’m not doing great today. Not in danger, just empty. Can you talk for 10 minutes?”

If you do not have that person, consider a veteran-connected touchpoint:

· A local VFW or American Legion event (even if you just sit and listen).

· A peer group (Vet Centers often offer groups).

· A chaplain (often good at steady, human conversation without pressure).

5) Put meaning back in with a micro-mission (15–30 minutes)

A lot of veterans do better with purpose and structure, not vague “self-care.” Pick one micro-mission:

· Clean one small area (desk, sink, truck).

· Write a 3-line AAR: what happened, what I felt, one next step.

· Do one concrete help to someone else (message a buddy, encourage someone, run a small errand).

Micro-missions rebuild identity when feelings are flat.

6) If emptiness persists, treat it like an injury (not a flaw)

If this emptiness is present most days for two weeks or more, or it is getting worse, bring in backup:

· Primary care or mental health support (VA or community).

· A Vet Center (often an easier entry point for many veterans).

· Evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT, and trauma-focused options when relevant).

· Rule out physical drivers: sleep apnea, thyroid issues, hormone issues, medication effects, alcohol use, chronic pain.

A simple 24-hour plan (works when you can’t think)

Tonight:

· Water and food.

· Shower.

· 10-minute walk.

· One text or call to a human.

Tomorrow:

· Schedule one appointment or show up to one veteran-connected touchpoint.

This week:

· Pick one routine to repeat daily (breath + walk + reach-out).

What You Might Be Missing (Rounding Out the Discussion)

1) A clear definition of “empty”

Empty can look like numbness, disconnection, no joy, going through the motions, or feeling like a ghost in your own life.

2) Common triggers (so it doesn’t feel random)

· Transition or loss of mission

· Anniversaries, holidays, grief, and life changes

· Chronic pain, poor sleep, or burnout

· Isolation or drifting away from your people

· Alcohol or other coping habits that start running the show

· Trauma reminders or stress piling up

3) Red flags and thresholds

These are signs it’s time to bring in support sooner rather than later:

· It’s getting worse, or it’s present most days for 2+ weeks

· You’re struggling to function at work or at home

· Alcohol or substance use is increasing

· You’re withdrawing from everyone

· Thoughts of self-harm, or you don’t feel safe (call/text 988, press 1)

4) A simple IF/THEN plan (field-ready)

Keep it simple and repeatable:

· IF I’m not safe THEN I call/text 988 (press 1), go to the ER, or call 911.

· IF I’m safe but numb THEN I do: breath + grounding + one small action + one reach-out.

· IF it persists THEN I schedule support (VA, Vet Center, community clinician).

5) Scripts: what to say (for the veteran and the buddy)

For you:

“I’m not in danger. I’m just empty and could use 10 minutes. Can you talk?”

For the buddy:

“I’m here with you. Are you safe right now? Do you want company, or do you want a plan?”

6) Longer-term recovery pillars (not just crisis response)

A simple framework that supports real recovery:

· Body: sleep, movement, pain care, nutrition

· Mind: skills and support (CBT/ACT), journaling or AAR

· People: routine contact, groups, and trusted community

· Purpose: micro-missions that rebuild meaning over time

7) Resource menu (not just crisis)

· Vet Center counseling and groups

· VA mental health or primary care

· Peer support groups and veteran organizations

· Chaplain or spiritual support (optional, no pressure)

8) A closing anchor (one line you can repeat)

One breath. One step. One voice.

Reason for Feeling Empty

Note: This guide is informational and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. If you are in danger or unsure, use 988 (press 1) or local emergency services.

TONIGHT Mike Williams shares a Song

"When you Feel Empty"

When the hollow hits—

that numb, quiet space—

don’t call it weakness.

Call it what it is:

A low-power state.

A tired system

trying to protect you.

Start simple. No shame.

Check the facts:

How’s my energy?

How connected do I feel?

s hope even a whisper?

If you feel unsafe—

if thoughts get sharp—

reach out now: 988, press 1.

Let someone stand watch with you.

If you’re safe but empty,

come back to your body.

Breathe in a steady square:

in… hold… out… hold…

Or take three deep sighs

nd let the exhale be long.

Feel your feet on the ground.

Hands. Legs. Chest.

If you soften even a little,

that counts.

Then do one small thing—

because motivation may be offline:

Drink water.

Eat something with protein.

Shower.

Walk ten minutes.

Step into sunlight.

And don’t isolate in silence.

Send a simple text:

“Hey brother/sister—

I’m not in danger. I’m just empty.

Can you talk for 10 minutes?”

Ten minutes can change a night.

Then choose a micro-mission:

clean one small space,

write a 3-line AAR,

help one person in one concrete way.

If the emptiness stays

most days for two weeks or more,

treat it like an injury—

get support, and check sleep, pain, meds, and stress.

Tonight: water, food, shower, short walk, one human.

Tomorrow: one appointment or one veteran touchpoint.

This week: one routine—breathe, walk, reach out.

You are not empty of worth.

You’re just running low.

One breath. One step. One voice—

until your song returns.

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mike Check" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Friday (TONIGHT), January 9, 2026, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83145057228

Thank you,

Mike Williams,

Army Combat Medic Veteran, Music Writer/Producer, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)

"Honor & Respect Always — Warriors for Life!"