Finding Community and Purpose: A Guide for Military Families

Military life is unpredictable, challenging, and often unsettling. Yet, amid the chaos, there can be clarity, belonging, and a sense of purpose. If you are part of a military family, here's how you can embrace this unique lifestyle while maintaining your sense of self and community.

The Importance of Community

Military spouses and families often find themselves moving from one place to another, leaving behind familiar faces and comforts. The key to thriving in this lifestyle is finding and building a community.

- Create or Join a Community: If you can't find the community you need, create it. Whether it's a simple group of fellow spouses or a larger organized entity, having a support system is crucial. Organizations like Deployed Love and AAG (American Workers Across the Globe) provide excellent platforms for connecting with other military families and spouses.

- Get Involved: Volunteering can be an incredible tool for both personal growth and contribution to the community. If you're stationed overseas or in a location with limited job opportunities, consider volunteering with groups like AAG, which not only helps you stay connected but also helps maintain your professional skills.

Preserving Your Identity

Amidst the rhythm of deployments and relocations, preserving your identity is essential. Here’s how:

- Nurture Your Interests: Hold onto the activities you love, whether reading, crafting, or exploring new cultures. Keep these joys alive as they help balance the demands of military life.

- Stay Engaged Professionally: Utilize the resources available to military spouses. Organizations like MSAN, Military OneSource, AWAG, and the Fisher House offer courses and scholarships to help you advance or maintain your skills.

Navigating Stressful Seasons

Stressful times are inevitable, but there are ways to navigate through them with grace:

- Ground Yourself: Connecting with nature, engaging in physical activities, or simply taking time to breathe can help ground you during difficult times. 

- Find Your Support: Sometimes it's beneficial to have a confidant outside of your immediate military community who can offer a different perspective and understanding.

Empowerment Through Connection

The journey through military life is ultimately about connection - with yourself, your family, and others who understand the unique challenges of this path.

- Virtual Communities and Resources: The upcoming AWAG virtual seminar on January 22nd offers a perfect opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with others. This seminar is open to anyone, providing insights and tools to help you navigate your journey.

- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of available resources and opportunities, like MYCAA for educational pursuits. Engage with networks both virtual and physical to ensure you feel supported.

As you navigate the ups and downs of military life, remember that you are not alone. Reach out, connect, and find solace in knowing there are countless others on this path, ready to support and cheer you on. Whether you're stateside or overseas, you can build a life that feels connected, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.

Invite others to join you in the journey, as community is built through shared experiences and mutual support. Let’s lace up and face this adventure together.

Resources for Professional Military Spouses:

- Deployed Love: Join or support events aimed at military community engagement. www.deployedlove.org

- AWAG: Explore seminars and workshops focused on personal and professional growth.(https://www.awagleadership.org/)

- MSAN: Engage in leadership and development courses online. https://www.militaryspouseadvocacynetwork.org/

- Military OneSource: Discover an array of tools and services available to military families. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

- Fisher House Foundation: Look into scholarships for education and career advancement. https://www.fisherhouse.org/

Your journey is unique, and while it may have its challenges, there are myriad ways to find joy, community, and purpose. Embrace this life with open arms and an open heart.