So You’re a New MilSpouse…

Let me be one of the first to welcome you to this lifestyle. Welcome to an incredible journey full of adventure and memories. Welcome to a new family full of support and love. You, my new sister, brother, and friend, are now a part of such an amazing community.

What is next, you ask?

Sure you have gained this entire new family, and it might feel as if you are a part of an entire new world. You have probably spent hours doing internet searches looking for information, and it is likely you feel overwhelmed by everything you have read about. My best advice, the piece of information I wish someone would have said to me those many years ago, “Take everything one day and one step at a time.”

There is no shame in saying you do not have your life figured out! Many of us are still learning as we go. The ability to be flexible in everything you do will be your greatest strength. Each day will bring a new adventure, and with each adventure will come new experiences.

Remember What You are Capable Of

This might seem like one of the hardest times of your life. Your spouse might be gone for training, you might be thrown into a new environment, and you might be moving across the country or maybe even the world. You, my new friend, are not alone. Take a deep breath. Now, as you exhale, remember that you are strong! You are capable! You are amazing!

We might never know what is next on our journey. Part of the excitement of this lifestyle is the unexpected adventures we embark on. There are so many different seasons in life, and this new season is just that, new. I know it seems overwhelming at first, but I promise the climb to the top of the mountain is worth it. Put yourself first and give yourself time to breath. Surround yourself with positivity.

Ask Questions!

As a new spouse, I learned rather quickly to ask any question I could think of. By asking questions, I learned so much about my new lifestyle. I learned to remain true to who I am, and this allowed me to make lifelong friendships with fellow spouses across the world. You are a person, and you are important. The stress of change does not have to define who you are!

Welcome to this new journey. Welcome to a new family. This new adventure you are starting is wonderful, and we are all so glad you are here! If you have questions or would like to share your journey as a new military spouse with me please feel free to email me at kgreninger@milspouseadvocacynetwork.org.