May is recognized as Military Appreciation Month. It’s a time where we celebrate different aspects of the military community, from military spouses to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, it’s a time to reflect on how amazing our military community. There is Mother’s Day. My soldier and I don’t have any kids yet, but I’m incredibly lucky to have an awesome milspouse mother on my side that also took in her first son (-in-law) a couple years ago. Last year, I talked about how thankful I am to have her in my life. I thought it would only be appropriate to share some important lessons learned.

My milspouse mom would always remind me, to:

1. Never take things for granted.

As military spouses, we know we need to cherish each day because we don’t know when things will change: Short orders, rapid deployments, long TDYs, and plenty more. As much as we want to shake our fists at Uncle Sam, it’s the career that our service members chose for themselves, so throw resentment out the door and embrace the little things that make your relationship special.

2. Never keep yourself still.

By keeping yourself still, you aren’t being physically or mentally active. Explore your duty station, and don’t forget to actually take time off for actual vacations when you can. Challenge yourself by volunteering, working, crafting, etc. Remember that the world is your oyster! My husband and I love driving around the local area to check out museums and historical sites and bike through the trails, too. I find fulfillment in my job and volunteer work on the installation. It’s a great feeling!

3. Never think you have it the worst. 

I can’t tell you how difficult the separation was with my husband when he was in Korea. It was a challenge to keep myself together, and at moments, I thought I would explode. Luckily, I kept myself grounded by remembering that what I was experiencing wasn’t the worst thing ever. It may have been difficult to get through that year, but at the end of it, he would be coming home to me. Perspective is great.

4. Never keep yourself in the dark.

When I first moved to Virginia with my husband, I was a little scared. Now, I was actually living in a military community as a spouse for the first time, and I didn’t know how to take it. Well, I was losing out by keeping myself in the dark because the military community is the best resource out there.

5. Never think the worst of yourself.

Never think you can’t do anything! Yes, it can be very difficult at times, but nothing is totally and completely impossible.

Military spouse moms out there, what lessons can you add? I want to hear!