Gratitude. It’s a word we hear often, especially this time of year. And, it’s usually paired with some inspirational quotes or turned into a challenge to journal your thankfulness.

But, let’s be real: sometimes gratitude feels like one more thing to add to the never-ending to-do list.  

Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely grateful, and reflect upon what I’m grateful for often, but sometimes it’s not easy to see through the chaos.

Those times when the TDYs are never-ending, the Wi-Fi crashes just before an important work call, and the movers drop your brand-new grill off the truck.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff; it’s about finding those golden nuggets of joy hidden in the chaos and also knowing that sometimes the hard stuff makes for the best stories down the road. 

Grateful for Growth  

Military life has a funny way of forcing personal growth. I mean, who knew we could learn to navigate a move in just a few weeks, buy a house solo, or learn military lingo like it’s a second language? 

I’m grateful for the person this life has made me: more adaptable and braver than I ever thought possible. Sure, I still get anxious waiting for orders and last-minute changes, but now I tackle things with a detailed list and a battle plan, a backup to the plan, and a backup to the backup.  

Grateful for Connections

Let’s talk about the friendships. Military life may pull us away from family, but it gives us something incredible in return: an extended network of amazing humans who get it.  

I’m grateful for the friend who arranged for flowers to be delivered because she knew I was drowning but was too stubborn to ask for help. I’m grateful for the other friend who hand-delivered said flowers with a hug. I’m grateful for the friend who became a sister and is the best auntie and godmother to our daughter I could have asked for. 

The one who texted me a meme about Tricare just when I needed a laugh.

The neighbor who welcomed us into the community and said, “You can use us as your emergency contact.”  The one who offered to pick up my kid when I was away on business, and the one who was there when my circle of friends was just a dot. 

These people — these fellow military spouses — are the family we choose, and that’s something to be deeply thankful for.  

Grateful for the Small Wins

Military life has taught me to celebrate the little things. No line at the base pharmacy. Winning! A plane landing on time after another TDY. Victory! Finally getting housing to show up on time for a maintenance appointment? Amazing!

I’m grateful for the moments of joy that remind me this life, with all its challenges, is also pretty spectacular.

Grateful for the Love That Grounds Us

At the end of the day, gratitude always leads me back to the reason I do this: love. Love for my service member, my family, and this crazy, unpredictable life we share.  

I’m grateful for the moments of connection: a handwritten note stuffed in a suitcase, a hug after a long day, or simply sitting together on the patio, no words needed.  

Military life isn’t perfect, but neither are we — and that’s okay. Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything is great; it means choosing to see the good, even when everything feels overwhelming.

So, here’s to finding gratitude in the chaos  — and here’s to my fellow spouses, the heart of this community, making the world a little brighter, one day at a time.  

*For more posts from Sheila, visit her MM Author Page.