One of the hardest things a person can do is to be a is military spouse, but it is rarely acknowledged. How come? Well, that's because we tend to live in the shadow of our spouse most of the time. Behind most military men or women their is a spouse that lives a life with their service member that no one else sees. Firsthand, we know the little things that bother them, we know all about their duties and their jobs, we know the sacrifices, but most of all, we know the pain. As a military spouse, I have faced the greatest challenges so far. My spouse and I have been living long distance for two years now. We together have had to deal with so much as a couple because of the distance. I as a military spouse have had to deal with many challenges that most people may not even see as an issue until you don’t have it or you are in my shoes. Sleepless nights because you feel so alone, awaiting hours for a phone call, stressing about when you will see them again, having all your love stuffed into a box. There are no date nights or big events with your partner. The stress of a long day is not relieved by their presence. Oh, and those gut wrenching goodbyes, and having to drive away and watch them wave you bye until next time, only to separate again. That is the challenge I have had to overcome, and to this day I continue to be challenged by it, because it doesn't get any easier. It will never get any easier because it’s constantly a guessing game of when you will get to see them and how long will you be able to see them. If there is one thing I’ve learned about being a military spouse, it’s to never take anything for granted. We have both been taught through this experience to cherish every moment because we are not promised tomorrow. It would be easier in the long run to just walk away but everyday I make the choice to stand up next to my hero like he chose to do for our country. Choosing to love my military spouse wasn’t the hard part, it’s the distance that we must face everyday that is the hard part. Also the constant worry is hard. The sacrifices are hard. But loving him is the easiest thing i've done. Military spouses may not be the one wearing the uniform but they too serve and sacrifice alongside of their serve members.

I practice self care by doing many things that can affect my life physically and mentally. I like to prioritize my daily life to get things done! I try to stay as positive as I can and push out all the negatives I can to help my mental health. I like to keep a journal of what I do and how I feel throughout the day to help me get through the next day! I do many skin care and hair stuff because it doesn’t only help me physically, but also mentally. I feel that if I look good and know that I’m trying, it helps me physically. I think it’s important for people to take priority in everything they do to succeed! Succeeding in life is what counts! In order to succeed you have to do what benefits you and your health. Taking care of your body, both mentally and physically keeps you feeling happy and being happy is what helps people keep going.

Something I’ve always said is “everything happens for a reason” and I live by that. Things are going to happen that may not sit well with you but how you handle them, is what truly matters. Even good things will happen that may cause you to feel guilt but once again how you handle it, is what truly matters. Every one perceives things differently so everyone will handle each situation differently. I’ve had to overcome many obstacles in my life such as, hurricanes, relationships, depression, hardships and so much more. Staying positive was something I struggled with for a very long time. I was in a very dark place that I thought I would never get out of. Once I realized it was how I viewed things, is once I realized I needed to do some fixing. I learned that not everything that happens is in my control. I accepted the fact that everything happens for a reason so how you proceed to go about your life after each situation is what matters. It’s not good to dwell forever. It’s okay to dwell a little that’s the human in everyone but you can’t dwell and ponder forever. Forgive and forget. Agree to disagree. Learn how to cope and deal with things on your own and what benefits YOU as a person.

I am a loyal friend. I’m “a real one” they would say. I will take your secrets to the grave. I will write, call, show up, and check in on you. Sometimes, it might take me a while but sooner or later, I force myself to pick up that phone, and to show up to things regardless of how fatigued I am. I am someone that everyone can count one. I’m a very dependable person. I’ve been told I’m a very trustworthy friend and I would like to think I am a very trust worthy friend myself. I’m very truthful when people ask me for advice, without telling them what to do. I give them options. I never let my own problems get in the way of mine and someone’s friendship. I’m the one friend that will help you carry the weight on your shoulders just so you don’t have to do it alone!

Meet Lily the best partner in the world. You May see a dog but I see way more. She’s like a best friend but more! She is always there, the second I leave the house she will follow me to the door and will sit and wait till I return. The moment I open the door she’s there. She is the one that makes my day. She has been there for me on my good and bad days. Although she doesn’t talk very much she does listen pretty well.

Everyone of all ages are needed. Being useful is a reinforcement that they are needed. Find ways to make your senior feel useful and needed. A great fear among the elderly is that of becoming a burden. Feeling like a contributing member of the household helps to alleviate that fear. Find ways to make them feel wanted. Ask seniors for help with tasks appropriate for their abilities. Ask for help to fold laundry. They can even clip coupons and make grocery or shopping lists, or have them tell you the latest stories on the news. Ask for help to prep food for cooking. Ask for their company while running errands. They were once there for us and going over and beyond for us so let’s do the same! Also, encourage Physical Activity. Try to encourage some regular physical activity. Walking, physical therapy exercises, even clapping hands to music all stimulate blood flow, relieve stress and anxiety, and encourage heart health. Exercise also improves the quality of sleep, builds stamina, and can relieve depression. We need to keep them on their feet, we need to make them feel happy and good about what they are doing. In conclusion make you elderlies feel needed and wanted. They have done so much for us. They have done and seen things that we probably couldn’t imagine. One day that will be us and we would want to same care that we once provided.