About

Steve (Jose) Bettner

Hi, I’m Steve. This is my story of self-reflection, reinvention, and the real-life journey of rediscovering what it means to Live Like José—to live simply, with purpose, and in alignment with what truly matters.

I’m a proud father of four incredible kids, now ages 13 to 29, who continue to inspire me with their adventurous spirits and hearts for life. We’ve wandered the globe together, from the shores of Guam to the backroads of the South. Wherever we go, we chase connection, not chaos.

Born at West Point and raised as an Army brat, I caught the travel bug early. Childhood in Germany gave me a love for culture and history, while teenage years in Daytona Beach gave me my first true love—the ocean. That love led me to forge my own path, becoming a sailor in the U.S. Navy instead of following my family’s Army roots.

Over a decade in the Navy took me across the country and into the heart of service, with stations in Athens, GA, Pascagoula, MS, Groton, CT, Kings Bay, GA, Atlanta, and Guam. I deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the 82nd Airborne and 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Those experiences, alongside the timeless story of The Mexican Fisherman, deeply shaped my understanding of life, priorities, and peace.

But life doesn’t stick to a script.

In the years that followed, I faced loss, heartbreak, and unexpected change—divorce after 20+ years of marriage, job upheaval, relocation, homeschooling, grief, and the chaos that comes with starting over after 50. It wasn’t easy. But in that mess, I found something deeper.

I found faith again—real, grounding, life-giving faith in Jesus.
I found love again—honest, unexpected, and healing.
I found myself again—stripped down, honest, and finally whole.

This blog is my open journal, my compass, and my celebration of what it means to live fully—through family, faith, friendship, food, and the freedom to build something new no matter where you’ve been.

Welcome to my story. Let’s Live Like José. Together.