Sometimes your marriage is the last thing on the list to get attention. I know. I get it.
There were times when my focus and attention was on the needs of our children, maintaining a home, a full schedule, and trying to keep the wheels of life turning smoothly. Bill’s focus was his military career, finishing college, and then climbing the ladder in the corporate world.
Before I knew I was moving, my calendar was full of things to do: meetings, volunteer activities, soccer games, and coffee meet-ups with the gals. I would get to the end of the day, review what I had up tomorrow, and think “I am way too busy.”
Then, I found out we were moving.
A major life change, like a PCS, can sometimes send us into an emotional tailspin. Without the anchors that familiarity brings, our lack of control and a sense of not belonging can produce feelings of the blues or depression.
Here comes summer; here comes a PCS! You’ve probably made your to-do list to tackle the tasks, and you can pack and unpack blindfolded. For the most part, a move is not only predictable but expected, and you know all the right things to do to make it as smooth as possible for you and your family.
Many moves ago, my husband, our infant daughter, and I moved back to the United States after an overseas posting. It was not my choice, and I was not happy. I went into it with my arms crossed and my eyes closed.
At night I dreamed about my old house, my old neighborhood, and the good friends I left behind. I emailed my “old” friends every week. When I met someone in my new community, I couldn’t help but tell them all about the great life I had before.
You and your family are settling in after a PCS. If the kids are in school, you may find yourself with hours to fill in a town where no one knows you and you’re still learning your way around. If your kids are schooling remotely or you’re homeschooling, you have less time for yourself, but you know you still need to take action to begin to feel at home in your new surroundings. Involve your kids in this process!
While you may be tempted to stay within the security of your four walls, you know that will only add to your loneliness and delay the process of helping this feel more like home.
Mission: Milspouse is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904
