I’m sure we’ve all had those times when we wonder, “Why do I live this lifestyle?” It’s difficult, and sometimes I just want to throw my hands up in the air and say, I’m done! I don’t want to do this anymore! Will you please get me out?! Then, I have days where I love the lifestyle and all the unique experiences I have because of the military.

I’m going to share with you the top five reasons I love being a military spouse:

1. The military community

Have you ever met another spouse and had an instant connection with them? After a recent trip home to Iowa, I was on a plane back to San Antonio and sat next to a fellow military spouse. We began immediately talking about our life and all the places we’ve lived. She also jumped in and helped me with my 22 month old who wanted off that airplane. You never have to explain anything to a military friend because they’ve been there; they understand it.

2. Appreciation for my service member

The military has taught me to hug and kiss my spouse every night because you don’t know when that chance is going to come again. You don’t know how much you love something until it isn’t around for a while. When my husband was on his second deployment, I missed him so much. I didn’t miss the Dr. Pepper cans lying around anymore, but it made me realize the Dr. Pepper cans don’t matter as long as I have my husband home and with me.

3. Stability

Even with all the craziness that has been going on, I know my husband will have a job tomorrow. If I need to take my child to the hospital, I have health insurance. Even though he works long hours, I’m grateful he can provide for our family, and I don’t have to worry about him losing his job. We are lucky enough to not have to worry about money and not stress about financials. The military taught us how to budget and mange our money, and I’m forever thankful for it.

4. Moving

Oh, the places you will go! I would have never left Iowa to live somewhere else, and thank goodness I did because I have met some pretty terrific people. I loved living in Fort Lewis and seeing Mount Rainer when it wasn’t cloudy. I loved living at Fort Campbell and hearing the helicopters fly over every 30 minutes. I liked living at Fort Bliss and eating at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse! I’ve enjoyed being here at Fort Sam Houston and being at such an amazing hospital. Don’t get me wrong, I dread the packers breaking every piece of furniture and my children crying because they are leaving their friends. But, it’s never good-bye; it’s always see you later.

5. Military programs

I cannot speak enough about all the military programs available to support us and help us grow as military spouses. Army Family Team Building made me the spouse I am today. They taught me everything I know about the Army. They made me confident enough to share my story and experiences with other military spouses. The Army Resiliency Program taught me to find my inner self and how I react to different situations. The Exceptional Family Member Program makes sure my special-needs daughter is always taken care of. Mobilization and Deployment helped my family prepare for my husband to leave. Family Advocacy’s New Parent Support Program helped me with my first daughter. I was away from home and didn’t have a mom to run to if I had questions, but they stepped in and helped me. Take advantage of these programs as they may not always be here.

So, next time you’re sitting there thinking about all the reasons you’re done with the lifestyle, think of some reasons why you love it. It always brings a smile to my face and gets me thinking positively again.

In the comments, share with us some of your reasons you love being a military spouse.