I’ve said before that I have the military to thank for everything that I am AND everything I’m not. That goes for my junior years in high school and college ROTC, basic training and AIT, my years in service, and my years as an Army girlfriend and wife. I even daresay that I hope to learn more as a military mom too, someday. I LOVE THE MILITARY LIFE.

Some might say I’m naive–not the right word–but I’m “taken” for sure, enamored with the overarching principle of selfless service that embodies today’s all volunteer military. They and their families are the best.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned From the Military…

93. “Attitude Adjustments”
Attitude adjustments are free.
Hating life? Ask a fellow service member, family member or retiree what they love(d) most about military life. See if it doesn’t get you thinking on fond memories or valuable lessons learned. Sure, you can share what’s got you down, but make sure to share what picks you up.

23. Finding out what you’re capable of
Be All You Can Be.
I have tested myself to my wit’s end physically, mentally, and spiritually in this life. So far every difficulty I encountered I have overcome. Not just of my own accord but also from observing and trying out things others model as they “be all they can be.” There are so many positive examples who have stepped up when it was their turn or even when it’s just another day.

902. Experiencing incredible personal growth, over and over and over again
Quitting is not an option.
Amputees are running races. Exceptional families work together to care for one another. Care givers give and give because they care. Retirees volunteer to support today’s troops because they know while the lessons are hard fought they are worth learning.

960.Perspective
Scan your lane.
I heard this saying for the first time recently. “Comparison will kill your joy.” I have one perspective, and even though we have lived the same “military life” in theory, my husband has a different perspective. I had different life experiences up to and including the ones I’ve had since meeting my military family. It’s good to share these perspectives with others. But to say “I’ve been there and I’ve done that: you can too” without taking into account other’s differences is like comparing horseshoes to hand grenades.

107. “If it ain’t raining, we ain’t training.”
Train as you fight.
In reality, it’s the things like the unexpected—weather and otherwise—that make training “real.” When you embark on a mission you need good communication, good connections, and a good contingency plan. These things can be practiced in everyday life. Take family readiness groups (FRG) for one example. Oftentimes they are “turned on” for the fight, but I’ve learned that you have to know each other before you need each other. And that goes for how you’re going to communicate, how you’re going to connect to resources, and what do you do when it all “hits the fan.”
What’s good for an FRG is also good for your immediate family.

What are some lessons learned that you were taught “in the military” as a member and/or as a spouse?