If you’ve received overseas orders, your mind is probably going in about five different directions.
You’re realizing you’re moving far away. Across an ocean.
You’re realizing it’s an unfamiliar place. Like, really unfamiliar.
You’re thinking of all the steps it takes to get moving. So. Many. Steps.
And you’re likely afraid of the unknown. Because, who isn’t?
But I’m here to tell you one simple thing: Don’t be afraid.
Whenever Valentine’s Day rolls around each year, it’s when most people take the time to show some major love to their partner. Be it with flowers, chocolates, jewelry, or other major purchases, you’re likely to see plenty of people in the check-out line buying last-minute gifts to show appreciation.
But these big gifts aren’t really necessary. And we don’t need to limit the celebration of our relationships for a few days out of the year.
When married to a service member, you may sometimes feel like you take a backseat in military life. You put a lot of your own energy behind your service member spouse, encouraging, planning, packing, and moving, among other things. You celebrate the promotions, the graduations, getting that perfect duty station… But sometimes, as a spouse, you find yourself wanting more. You may find yourself asking, is it my turn yet?
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone not only helped you answer a “why not” question, but helped you achieve even one small step toward that goal?
The New Year acts as a turning point for a lot of us. We make resolutions and vow to do something better—diet, exercise, self-improvement, employment or educational goals, and more.
But while we’re working on achieving something new once we turn the calendar over, many of us heap worry and concerns on ourselves that we cannot control. We overburden our hearts and our minds, with guilt, negativity, expectations (sometimes unrealistic or out of our control), or worries or pain about our past.
How much are you carrying around inside your head that you will never have the power to change?
Living overseas offers plenty of new opportunities for Americans: food, traditions, cultural events, and more. It’s probably the best part about the experience and why I urge people to accept an OCONUS posting if one is offered.
During my first year living in Bavaria, a heavily Catholic state in Germany, I learned about the various Catholic holidays that don’t carry as much weight in the United States. I celebrated my first Fasching, the German version of Carnival or Mardi Gras, complete with a parade prior to the lenten season. I’ve attended my fair share of Volksfests and other fests popular in Germany.
It always feels nice to be celebrated, so if you’re looking for a little appreciation for your service member this Veterans Day, take advantage of some discounts at restaurants and in stores.
We, and some of our pals, have done the hard work of hunting them down so you don’t have to! Be sure to bring your military ID to partake in the discount. Be advised that some of the deals are for service members only, so ask if you aren’t sure!
Mission: Milspouse is a
501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
EIN Number: 88-1604492
hello@missionmilspouse.org
P.O. Box 641341
El Paso, TX 79904