A blog from Army&You’s summer 2024 edition by Sam Darlington.
Moving house is famously stressful, but add in a military relocation, and you’ve got a summer shambles.
I remember those summers filled with farewells to cherished friends and colleagues you’d worked hard to build a reputation with, whilst trying to secure schools for the kids, miles away. It’s a whirlwind of chaos, heartache and cardboard boxes.
The pre-march out inspections – hiding the burns on the carpet from the time you left your straighteners on while you calmed the kids and briefed the babysitter in your ball gown while the minibus was waiting outside containing half the regiment to take you to a mess dinner (no pressure).
Then there’s the actual move day, with strangers rummaging through your life. Kids and pets running riot and the long drive across the country to find the new and exciting patch. Arriving at the new house with all eyes on you, expecting you to know where things go, like you have been there before.
You’re exhausted and masking the uncertainty of a fresh start, with new neighbours popping in to check you out – while you feel at your worst!
It’s taken me many years, many moves and many meltdowns to realise that you need to look after yourself during all of this, and I am a trained nurse and life coach so you’d think I’d have twigged sooner!
Amidst the chaos, self-care is key. It’s okay to pause, breathe and prioritise your own well-being. Eat well, drink water, your body will thank you for it!
Make a list of five things you love to do and do them, even if it means a long soak in your ‘beautiful new bathroom’, even if you haven’t unpacked the candles yet.
We all know that military spouses are the unsung heroes in the military move. Planning, navigating, organising and supporting each move with grace and resilience. So, amidst the unpacking and settling in, take a moment to reflect on your journey and embrace the growth it brings to you. Yes, it’s tough, but you’ve done it before, and you’ll do it again. Each move brings opportunities for decluttering, self-reflection and new beginnings.
So, to all the amazing military spouses out there, you shape shifter, project manager, co-ordinator, family supporter, doer of all the things – take a well-deserved break before the next adventure begins.
Find Sam on Insta @sam_darlington_lifecoach or samdarlingtoncoaching.com