While Military life comes with some amazing moments and celebrations it certainly has its challenges and some days it can be hard to see the good. 

Just go for it

Last year, my teenager and I were able to fly across the country to watch the launch of a satellite program my husband works on. It was the first one that fit into her school and dance schedule, originally because it was over a holiday break.

We had flights booked and as we were flying out, the launch date changed. We decided to just roll with it. Initially, my teen was less than thrilled to miss school and dance. I get it. Having homework and reading to stay on top of and trying to make a go of it on your own is hard. Missing rehearsals is challenging. 

But I knew this opportunity wouldn’t likely present itself again. 

Embrace the opportunity

After arriving, the launch date changed again — and again. We rebooked flights for the third time (or was it fourth?) I became increasingly worried that another delay might jeopardize us being able to stay and watch at all. Even with independent study, five days of school is a lot for a high schooler to deal with. 

As we were sitting by the pool while she did homework, I asked my daughter if she was excited to see the launch. And that’s when my teenager said something that really put it into perspective. 

“Yeah, I’m really excited. It’s nice to be here for Dad after all the dance shows and school stuff where Dad has been there for me. I’m really excited to be there to celebrate what he’s been working so hard on these past few years.”

Whoa. She was right, and my worries about missing school, missing dance, and having to shift everything around again melted away. This was a big moment to celebrate. 

Celebrate the small moments

Not every moment is going to be an earth-shaking (quite literally!) rocket launch but finding the magic in small moments is just as important as the big ones. 

In our 20 years of marriage, we’ve realized that it’s important to celebrate all moments, big and small. As my Dad continues to remind me, life is not a dress rehearsal, so we need to appreciate today and all of those small moments. 

Make moments feel like big moments 

Something my husband and I have done for a number of years now is that we keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge at all times. 

It might come out because we’re celebrating making it through a crazy work week or a meeting with our bosses that we absolutely crushed. We may toast exciting news like completed projects or announcements. And sometimes, it’s just a random Tuesday that needs to feel like a celebration. 

Most of life’s moments are worth celebrating in one way or another. So regardless if it’s a huge milestone that is easy to identify, or just another one of the countless tiny successes that are so easy to overlook, make sure and celebrate with your family, friends, and military family.

Chances are you’ll look back fondly on all of life’s celebrations and be even more grateful for those moments, AND who you got to celebrate with.

*For more from Sheila, check out her M:M Author Page.