What Skwally Really Means

Depending on how you know me, you might call me Mike or Jason. But there's another name—one that's followed me since I was nineteen, standing behind the keyboard counter at Guitar Center.

Skwally.

A nickname that started as a playful twist on my last name, Pascual. It was obnoxious at first, I'll admit. But over time, it stuck. Customers would ask for me by that name. Managers called it over the intercom. Eventually, it became something else entirely—a badge of identity, a signature I marked my tools with. A name that represented my creative side, the part of me that always wanted to build, express, and refine.

And now, I'm bringing it back with purpose.

The Weight Behind the Name

When I first wore that name, I was just a kid trying to figure out life. I had twin sons and a baby on the way. I was newly married, newly responsible, and learning to navigate the real world in real time.

I wanted to make a living as a creative. I had the hunger, the passion, the vision. But like many of us, I never caught my break. Life demanded practicality, and I answered. I pivoted into IT, built a successful career, provided for my family, made good money. From the outside, I had it all figured out.

But inside, something never felt settled. I dabbled in music, tried promoting, took creative swings—but nothing quite took off. Each failed attempt fed that quiet, heavy voice inside my head: "You're not cut out for this. You're late. You're done."

Then, in 2021, after losing my job, that voice grew louder. I was unhealthy, depressed, and directionless. It was a low point—but one that sparked something different in me. I didn't make any dramatic changes. I didn't overhaul my life overnight.

I started small—exercise. Then diet. Then structure. Then work. Then service. Incremental changes. One layer at a time.

And somewhere in that slow rebuild, I remembered who Skwally was.

A Name Reclaimed

Today, Skwally doesn't just remind me of where I've been—it represents where I'm headed. It's not about revisiting old dreams. It's about showing up now, as I am, with what I've learned, and giving myself permission to go for it again.

That's what this blog is.

It's not about positioning myself as some expert or influencer. It's about writing from the trenches—sharing what I've learned, lived, and love.

I'm here to write about the things I appreciate deeply:

• Performance machines built with purpose.

• Timepieces crafted with intention.

• The strength that's earned through discipline.

• The quiet pride in a well-curated wardrobe.

• The mindset that carries a man through hardship.

But more importantly, I'm here to remind you—you already get it.

You already have taste because you've done the work on yourself.

You've built a strong body, sharpened your mind, refined your spirit.

You're not chasing identity—you're living it.

An Invitation, Not an Instruction

Skwally isn't here to tell you to become more refined.

It's here to show you that you already are, and to help you lean into that—whether through something you've always loved or something new you'll come to appreciate.

Maybe you'll discover something unexpected here—a new interest, a fresh perspective, or even a higher standard to hold yourself to. Maybe it just reaffirms what you already know: there's beauty in mastery, joy in self-discipline, and meaning in building a life with intention.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to stay connected.

Read, reflect, share. And if you feel moved—join the newsletter. I'll send content, insights, and more straight to your inbox. No noise. Just substance.

This Is Just the Beginning

Skwally is a second wind, a sharpened voice, a personal flag planted in the ground that says:

"I'm still here. I still care. And I still have more to give."

And if you're reading this, maybe you do too.

Welcome to the journey.

– Skwally (Michael Jason Pascual)