As the calendar turns and a new year begins, it’s natural to feel the tug of hope and the promise of fresh beginnings. For many military spouses, the year’s start represents more than just a symbolic refresh.

It’s a chance to embrace growth and resilience, despite the ever-changing, often unpredictable rhythm of military life. Whether your spouse is deployed, transitioning to a new duty station, or working through the day-to-day grind of service, setting New Year’s resolutions can help you prioritize what truly matters.

But let’s be real—staying on track with your New Year goals can feel impossible when life throws curveballs.

And as a military spouse, curveballs are often the norm rather than the exception. That’s why it’s so important to give yourself grace and find ways to reset your priorities when things don’t go as planned.

Let me tell you about my friend Sarah, a fellow milspouse who has taught me a thing or two about staying grounded in the midst of chaos.

Sarah is the epitome of resilience. With three kids, a husband who’s frequently away on training or deployments, and a full-time job, she has every reason to feel overwhelmed. Yet Sarah approaches life with a calm determination and an incredible ability to reset when things get messy.

One of Sarah’s secrets is her Sunday tradition.

Every Sunday evening, no matter how hectic her week has been, she carves out time to reflect and reset. She starts by reviewing her calendar and jotting down her priorities for the week ahead.

Sarah calls it her “Weekly Reset Ritual.” She lights a candle, sips her favorite tea, and takes a deep breath before diving into her planner. It’s her way of acknowledging that while she might not have met all her goals the previous week, she has a fresh opportunity to refocus.

Sarah’s ritual is about more than organization; it’s a practice of faith and self-compassion.

She spends a few moments in prayer, asking for wisdom to prioritize what matters most and for the grace to let go of perfectionism. Sarah reminds herself that life is inherently messy, and falling short of goals isn’t a sign of failure—it’s just part of being human. By taking time to reset, she ensures she’s focused on her intentions rather than beating herself up for what she didn’t accomplish.

Her example has been a game-changer for me, and it might inspire you too.

As a military spouse, you’re juggling a lot: the demands of family life, the uncertainties of military schedules, and your own personal dreams. When your resolutions inevitably hit a snag, remember Sarah’s approach. Instead of giving up or spiraling into frustration, take a step back. Give yourself the gift of a reset.

Here are three action steps to help you embrace the power of resetting your priorities:

1. Create Your Own Reset Ritual Find a time each week to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what’s ahead. Maybe it’s Sunday evening like Sarah, or perhaps a quiet moment during your lunch break. Use this time to review your goals, update your to-do list, and set realistic intentions for the week. Incorporate elements that bring you peace, whether it’s prayer, journaling, or simply sitting in silence.
2. Anchor Your Resolutions in Faith and Tradition Your faith can be a powerful motivator as you strive to stay on track. Reflect on how your goals align with your values and beliefs. Consider incorporating scripture or affirmations into your reset ritual. For example, you might meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Traditions, whether they’re family rituals or personal practices, can also provide a comforting sense of stability amidst the uncertainty of military life.
3. Embrace Grace Over Perfection It’s easy to feel like you’ve failed when you don’t meet your goals. But Sarah’s story is a reminder that perfection isn’t the point. Progress is. If you missed your workouts, didn’t stick to your budget, or fell short in another area, resist the urge to dwell on it. Instead, acknowledge what you did accomplish and focus on what’s next. Grace is a gift you can give yourself, and it’s one of the most powerful tools for staying resilient.

As you step into this new year, know that you’re not alone.

The military spouse community is filled with incredible individuals like Sarah who are navigating the ups and downs of this unique life with courage and faith. Let this year be an opportunity to not only set goals but to build rhythms and traditions that keep you grounded.

And when life inevitably gets messy, remember that you can always reset, refocus, and keep moving forward—one week at a time.

Chaplain (MAJ) Joseph R. Mason, of Salem, OR serves as the Deputy Division Chaplain for 4th Infantry Division, and is stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He entered the Army in 2002 through Officer Candidate School, receiving a commission in the Ordnance Corps.

He  is married to his wife of 21 years, Candace. Together they have four children: Wyatt (18), Owen (16), Ruby (13), and Chloe Joy (8). 

Go to The Chaplain’s Corner to read more posts like this!