Reflections on Transitions
Regarding my transition journey, a friend and mentor of mine pointed out my lack of sharing. I must admit, he was right, and I have been falling short in that aspect. To provide an update for those who may have missed my previous messages, I recently retired after 25 years of service to our country. The decision was a difficult one and it took me a couple of years to come to terms with it. As I write this, I believe it was the right decision, but life is unpredictable and who knows what the future may hold in terms of emotions.
As a family, we have learned a few things during these last few months of transition:
Transitioning affects everyone in the family, and each person experiences different emotions, thoughts, and feelings. While you may think that the path is clear, communication is crucial, and everyone needs to talk things out.
The person you are today is not the same as who you will be tomorrow. There is no magical moment when you suddenly become a civilian and everything changes. Your old habits, mindsets, and actions will persist. However, every day presents an opportunity to embrace your new reality. To do so, you must understand that you have room to grow, and that's okay. It's a process, so take it easy.
Life moves slower outside of the military, but that doesn't mean it's dull. It's just different, and you need to manage your expectations. The days of being sent to foreign lands at a moment's notice or receiving 2 A.M. phone calls about soldiers causing trouble are gone. When you are with your family, enjoy the absence of distractions. They have been without your undivided attention for years, and it can be a shock to everyone when you leave your phone behind for an entire day to spend time together.
Transitioning takes time, and that's a beautiful thing. You don't have to do everything today. You have the rest of your life to enjoy, and if you want to make the most of it, you must come to terms with the fact that a part of you is gone. You're going to replace it with something new and exciting. You can dwell on the loss or recognize that it's part of your story, and you've learned a lot in the process. Your service is not over; it's just different now, and you can make a positive impact in a new arena using the skills you've honed over the last few decades of difficult experiences.
Next week, I will share some thoughts on transitioning into new job roles.
I hope this adds value to your life,
~Mike
