The Weight Veterans Carry When I was in the Marines, we learned to push our bodies and minds to the limit. We carried heavy packs, marched for miles, and stayed sharp in all conditions. We were always “on.” Even after I came home, that sense of alertness never left. The noise in my head often felt louder than anything else. Over time, I discovered something simple but powerful: stepping outside could help quiet that noise. It wasn’t instant, and it didn’t erase everything, but when I slowed