Stupid Holidays
Stupid Holidays-From the Military Spouse
The awesome military recruiters neglected to inform us spouses how to not go crazy when we’re left on our own. My first Christmas as a Navy wife was spent at our first duty station less than a month after we PCS’d and my husbands ship was out-oh-I also had 2 kids under the age of 3 in tow. I was left on my own to figure out how to not lose my mind, and PRETEND that all is cheery and merry during the holidays.
Well you got through Thanksgiving, now for Christmas. When your service member is away, it sucks. There is no other politically correct word for it. Seeing all of the dumb “join the military” commercials, “holiday homecoming” videos, and “remember the troops that are gone serving the country” posts bring you to tears. I know. I’ve been there-and not many get it.
No-this post isn’t to tell you to keep your head up, count your blessings, or any other crap that you don’t want to hear right now.
What I do want to say is that you’re going to make it through. Yes-it’s going to suck. Yes-you might cry. But YES-you will get through it.
My book “21 Secrets to Get you Through Deployment” (now available on Amazon-yes that is a shameless plug) covers these topics and gives you many other ideas in detail; but for the purpose of getting you through the dreadful holidays without your other half, I’ll share my top 3 tips and tricks for getting through.
Stay busy! If you have kids, get as childlike as you can. Seriously have fun. Attend every single corny holiday event you can find. It will help to at least keep the kids busy,.
Team up with a friend who is alone as well. You guys can keep each other company and encourage each other to fake it till you make it or willow in your misery-your choice.
Take care of yourself. This may sound a little nuts, but soon you will understand what I mean if you don’t already. When your spouse is gone, it’s hard to drag yourself out of bed-let alone shower, get dressed nice, and cook for yourself. But make sure you keep yourself up-you’ll feel better about yourself.
Pat yourself on the back. When your spouse serves, you serve too. People tend to forget all the sacrifices YOU also make for the country. So…learn to be your own encourager. You’re going to make it through-even though it’s going to suck.
If you want to learn more about my secret tips and tricks to getting through your times of separation, you can grab my book, "21 Secrets to Get you Through Deployment".
PURCHASE MY BOOK ON AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Get-you-Through-Deployment/dp/151884006X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450296086&sr=8-1&keywords=21+secrets+to+get+you+through+deployment
