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“Resolutions” – The MILSO Edition

I was not always a fan of New Years Resolutions, but it seems that every year around mid December, I get out my pad of paper and pen and start brainstorming.

The disappointing part is that usually, they are all over by the end of January – or the middle… let’s be honest. So since it is the middle of Jan…lets regroup and reevaluate how this works.

However, as a military spouse, I have found that my New Year Resolutions have evolved and shifted over time. Sure, there is always the standard goals: lose the 15 lbs. that seem to hang on, save up for a vacation, read one book a month. I am sure you have many of the same ones on your list.

This last year was a tough one for me when it came to resolutions. So this year, I want to shift my focus. And I am encouraging you to do the same. This year, have the resolution to live your best military life yet. To start loving and conquering military life even when it’s not so grand.

One way to do this is to focus on more of a “Bucket List” instead of specific goals. Shifting your focus from HUGE resolutions to more manageable goals can help you better obtain them. Here are some ideas to get your started!

Take Your Care Packages Up a Notch. 

Consider sending a care package around an awesome theme or using these unique military care package ideas in order to send one a month! Even small boxes are better than nothing!

Simplify Your Schedule

Make a list of your monthly tasks in your schedule. Then determine which of those had a positive affect and which did not. Anything that didn’t bring happiness, push you towards your bigger goals, or simply caused more heartache than good should not continue. More is not always better. Slow down and simplify and focus on the most important things.

Up Your Self-Care Routine

“You Cannot Pour From An Empty Cup”. We hear this but do we really understand it? Having a regular self-care routine helps us to fill our souls and makes us feel more human again. When we are recharged, then we are better able to do what we need in this military life. Be sure to go check out the different ways to incorporate self-care into your schedule!

Plan the Next Step in Your Career

Do you want to finish your degree? Make change career paths? Or get that extra certification or promotion? Set your goal and break it down into steps. And if you are looking for remote opportunities, there are some great options for work in many skill sets.

Create a Rocking Monthly Budget

Military life is stressful enough without financial issues in the way. Consider cleaning up you finances, creating a budget and sticking to it. Making a budget that works is 100 percent possible.

Develop a New Strategy to Successfully Solo- Parent.

Parenting alone gets lonely in military life, but there are several great strategies to help you work through it. From schedules and routines to relying on your tribe – figure out the one-two ways to help you solo-parent with any upcoming deployment.

Create Realistic Expectations for Reintegration. 

Homecoming isn’t always rainbow and unicorns, in spite of our excitement and anticipation. However there are ways to plan and prepare for the return of your SO to ease the bumps in reintegration.

Take Inventory of Legal documents.

Keep the legal stuff up to date and stay on top of it to keep the military stress at bay when crisis hits. Trust me, you do not want to be without a POA when signing the mortgage documents while your spouse is in another country.

Commit to Taking Regular Date Nights

The military marriage isn’t always an easy relationship to navigate. Nurture your marriage a little extra this year. Whether once a month or once a week, regular date nights can help you refocus and recharge. Currently going through a deployment? Use that Date Night schedule for yourself!

Make Plans for Friends and Family to Visit. 

Living far from family is challenging. It can be hard to go see them, especially with frequent moves and deployments messing up your plans. Instead, see if you can get them to come to you! I have found it to be far more economical for me to fly my parents to come see me rather than to pay for myself and my four children (plus travel alone!) to see them.

Seek out Little Adventures in Your Local Area. 

There is always something to enjoy and appreciate no matter where you live. Check out some bucket lists of your current duty station and pick 2-3 different places you wish to explore!

Find a Way to Improve Relationship Communication. 

Good communication is a major key to every successful relationship. Make a goal to set aside time to really have a long and genuine uninterpreted conversation at least once a week. Or maybe consider checking in while laying in bed before falling asleep. Discuss the highs and the lows and express using honest communication.

Treat Yourself to Regular Girls’ Nights Out. 

Building friendships is so important to your emotional health as a military spouse. Make it a priority to grow and maintain your tribe. Some ideas include Bunco night, movie nights, book clubs, and more!

Discover a Hobby That You Love. 

Investing in yourself is so important.Find time to enjoy a new hobby. And it doesn’t have to be big or expensive. I have found that I really enjoy puzzles and so about $10 a month is all it takes to get a new puzzle to enjoy.

Write and Send Thank-you Card

GRATITUDE! Although military life can be hard and has a way of really putting out the punches, there is always something to be grateful for. Consider buying a stack of thank you cards (you can find them cheap at the dollar store) and sending out one a week (to anyone!) for the entire year. It will shift your focus and mind on the good and really help you ROCK the whole year.

You Don’t Have To Wait

Thankfully, a military spouse doesn’t have to wait for January 1st to make a new resolution or bucket list. We have chances all throughout the year to recreate ourselves, redefine ourselves, and improve ourselves. Consider these other times when you can make new resolutions.

  • Deployment
  • Reintegration
  • PCS
  • Returning to Civilian Life
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Hi! Welcome to Mrs. Navy Mama.

I’m Noralee- a military wife of over 10 years, mother of three (soon to be 4) under 5, and lover of southern comfort food, my planner and chocolate. Military life is hard, no question.

Mrs. Navy Mama is a place where new military girlfriends, fiancees, or spouses can get tips and an honest perspective about military challenges.