Ten Things I’ve Learned Being a Military Spouse

I know many of these items can be translated to a civilian lifestyle as well, but without the military I don’t know that I would ever have learned these things…

1.  I’ve learned to like myself and enjoy alone time.  In the past, I was so connected to everyone that I never had a chance to breath on my own.  The military has given me several opportunities to get to know myself, my thoughts, fears, etc..  I lean on myself to keep a positive attitude and not other people.

2.  Support comes from my faith in God.  Everything else falls in behind.  As long as my focus and trust is in God, then the frequent situations that arise can be met with calm instead of hysterics.

3.  The Mission always comes first.  No matter what the circumstances are at home, the military will always come first.  This was, perhaps, the hardest lesson I’ve learned thus far.

4.  I am strong enough to do it on my own.

5.  Family is a relative term.  I will always be tied to my blood relatives, have a special bond with them that cannot be broken.  I have, however, forged a whole new family that I share the same unbreakable bond with.  No one can understand our situations better than another military spouse.  I would be nowhere without my military family.

6.  Life cannot be lived in fear.  The Husband and I are very passionate about our country.  In times of fear, I focus on the bigger picture of what’s going on in the world and I wait for peace to fill my heart.  Worry will not change the outcome of any situation.

7.  Military families are the only people in the United States that defend Democracy but do not practice democracy.

8.  Savor every moment because you are not promised tomorrow.  

9.  During a deployment, 6 months can feel like 2 years.  When he’s home… a 3 day weekend can be gone in the blink of an eye.  Time is a strange sensation. 

10.  Laugh at every opportunity.  Love with all my heart.  Be positive.  Smile even if I don’t feel like it.  Always, always, always say, “I love you.”