Ask a Military Spouse was created to ensure that all questions submitted are not only answered, but shared with other spouses. I can’t tell you how many spouses have contacted me to thank me for posting these answers. If you are not sure about something, you never know if you will find your answer here. All questions that I receive from my readers are important. So for those of you who submitted a question this month, have no fear! I will be featuring your answers within the next couple of weeks. If you would like to see your question answered on “Ask a Military Spouse” send me your questions to angela@angelacaban.com, along with your name and branch of service. Happy Reading and I look forward to hearing from you!

Erika F. (Navy): Is it normal to feel like no one appreciates the lifestyle that we are living? Especially my husband, at times just does not understand how I am feeling. I have given up so much to be his wife and feel so emotionally alone.

Erika, I would like to say that the feelings that you are having are completely normal. Every wife goes through a stage or period in her relationship where she could not hear a “thank you” enough. Sometimes this can be harder for the spouse because, do they really know what we go through? Does anyone really know what we endure, unless they are physically going through it? Just know that what you are feeling will eventually go away, it is these moments that make us stronger and able to endure almost anything. Also remember that not everyone is built for this life, the fact that you have been living this life for over 5 years makes you extraordinary.

Good luck and always remember you are not alone in this journey. Make friends, volunteer and join support groups. This with the support from friends and family will slowly help you to be at peace with your life and yourself.

Bethany G. (Army): We just recently moved to Fort Polk and I am absolutely over my head! I do not know where to start in regards to getting my house organized. Do you have any tips or perhaps any relaxation techniques I could use. I know it is a bit silly, but I cannot seem to get my head screwed on straight to get anything done.

 

Bethany, This question has come to the right person, as I am overly organized! I know being in the middle of a PCS can be very stressful already to begin with, but the first thing to remember is to go in with a positive attitude and think of just how smoothly things will run once complete. Have you thought of making a list? As old fashioned and corny this may sound, making a list of all the important tasks to accomplish can really get you on the right track. Organizing yourself by room may be a bit easier. Place all your boxes in each room they belong in and just simply unpack one room at a time. If you scatter yourself, you will surely get flustered.

Be sure to read my article “Operation Organization”, this has some useful tips that may help as well. Once you have taken some organized steps, you will see just how more relaxed you will start feeling. Let me know how it goes!

 

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