Overview

In a world of constant noise, shifting priorities, and digital distraction, what does it mean to find your footing, to ground? Drawing from 25 years of firefighting experience, Kelly McCoy offers timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges with intention and presence. Through stories from the fireground, personal reflections, and practical meditations, ""Ground"" serves as both compass and anchor for young men and women seeking direction in an unsteady world. Each chapter combines firefighter discipline with contemplative practice, covering essential territory: resilience, authentic relationships, meaningful work, digital boundaries, economic simplicity, and the pursuit of deeper wisdom. Written primarily for men and women in their twenties and thirties but accessible to all, this book teaches what firefighters learn through experience, that true stability comes not from avoiding life's fires, but from developing the mental and spiritual foundations to face them with courage, clarity, and calm. These same principles apply whether you're facing a burning building or a difficult career decision. For anyone seeking to build a life of purpose and meaning amid uncertainty, ""Ground"" provides both the foundation and the blueprint.

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Reviews

""Ground is beautifully written and deeply resonant, the kind of gentle wisdom that can guide you through every stage of life. If you're seeking peace or a compass for your journey, this is the book you need."" - Kendall Taylor, Firefighter & Non-Profit Leader ""For young people navigating the sound and fury of modern life, Ground is a pivotal guidebook. Using a compass forged from lived experience, Kelly McCoy leads us through mazes of uncertainty and into the light of grace and resilience."" - Zeke Holm, English & Philosophy Graduate, Camp Youth Leader, Catalina Island, CA ""Ground: A Firefighter's Philosophy for Living is a thoughtful, deeply personal guide to navigating life with stability, presence, and purpose. With anecdotes from high-stakes rescues and reflections on building emotional and mental resilience, the book becomes more than a memoir and transforms into a manual for grounded living... true strength comes not from avoiding life's flames, but from standing firm in the midst of them."" - K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review ""Ground is not a quick read; it is meant to be reflected upon and revisited. It will appeal to first responders, veterans, and anyone drawn to honest reflections on resilience, purpose, and healing. It's ideal for those navigating grief, stress, or spiritual searching, and especially meaningful to parents, educators, and men exploring identity and strength."" - Carol Thompson, Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review ""Ground: A Firefighter's Philosophy for Living is a clear and, forgive the pun, grounded work that offers plenty of wisdom rooted in author Kelly McCoy's life experiences... this book feels like an honest conversation that puts its highest value on authenticity. Recommended."" - Asher Syed, Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review ""Ground holds a treasure trove of wisdom! Writing for an audience of young adults, McCoy includes tips for successful living that, at 78, I intend to use."" - Marilyn Pilkey, Oread Friends, Lawrence, Kansas

Author Information

Kelly McCoy spent 25 years in the fire service before transitioning to higher education as a faculty member and director. His work with fire science and outdoor adventure students in Montana and study of human resilience through major universities informs his unique perspective that blends practical wisdom with contemplative practice. He speaks on resilience and navigating life's challenges, and is also the author of ""Endure: A Memoir of Grief, Resilience, and Love."" Kelly lives in the Midwest with his family, finding joy in nature, reading, and gathering with those he loves.

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