Embarking on the journey of ‘Married to the Military’ has been both an exciting and daunting experience for me. As a Navy wife, I have become somewhat of a pro in balancing personal aspirations with the ever-changing demands of military life. My passion for storytelling and supporting the military community has driven me to create a space where I can share uplifting stories and offer tokens of appreciation to those in similar situations. The launch of our online store, featuring military-themed keepsakes, homeware, apparel, and ornaments, marks a significant step forward in not only achieving my goals but also supporting military families. This venture, however, did not come without its share of fears and self-doubt.
During a podcast interview for ‘Married to the Military’ with RAF vet wife and Performance & Development Coach, Donna Restall, we discussed fears and doubts that people have in making changes in their lives and pursuing their dreams. One thing that really stuck with me from that conversation was about the importance of letting your values guide your decisions and actions. In times of uncertainty, staying true to what matters most can provide clarity and direction. Donna emphasised that when we align our goals with our core values, we are more motivated and committed to pursuing them, even when faced with obstacles. Values act as a compass, helping us navigate through life's complexities and maintain focus on what genuinely fulfills us. By allowing our values to be the driving force in achieving our goals, we find greater purpose and satisfaction in our accomplishments.
This advice really struck a chord with me. I knew what I wanted to do but I’m terrified of other people’s negative opinions about it – the voices in my head tell me that I’m going to fail, no one will be interested, people think I’m stupid etc. By being authentic to myself and following my own values, I’ve been able to adopt a mindset that is focused on my passion and purpose rather than the fear of failure. It has helped me to drown out those negative voices and stay true to myself.
During the interview, we also discussed breaking overwhelming goals down into small, achievable tasks. This advice has been instrumental in navigating the pressures of entrepreneurship and military life. Some days, I may only do ten minutes of online research, whilst other days, I might design a new product, and on a productive day, I might develop a section of the website or plan a few weeks of social media content. But no matter what, and no matter how small, each day I take a step towards achieving my goal.
The ‘Married to the Military’ podcast continues to be a platform for sharing stories that touch the heart and provide guidance. I recommend it to anyone who feels stuck or apprehensive about change. Listening to the experiences of fellow military spouses, like Donna, has reinforced the power of community and encouragement. These voices remind us that, even in the face of adversity, we possess the strength to pursue our dreams.
In addition to my podcast, I have also found support and inspiration through various online communities for military spouses. These groups provide a safe space for us to share our experiences, seek advice, and lift each other up during difficult times. Through these connections, I have been able to build relationships with other entrepreneurial military spouses who understand the unique challenges we face and can offer valuable insights and support.
One of the most rewarding aspects of starting this business has been the opportunity to give back to the military community. With every purchase made on my online store, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Naval Children’s Charity and Hero Paws. The Naval Children’s Charity have provided a service and support for myself and my son in times of need and I’m forever grateful. Hero Paws is a charity close to my heart because they rehabilitate and rehome service dogs. I just love animals and I have two rescue pets so it’s an absolute honour to be able to support this incredible charity.
As I continue on this journey, I am constantly learning and growing. I am grateful for the experiences that being a military spouse has brought into my life and I am excited to see where it will take me next. Goodness knows I’ve leaned on the military spouse community in times of need, and they’ve never let me down. Whether it's through my podcast, my business, or simply connecting with other military spouses, I am dedicated to giving back by supporting and empowering this amazing community.
So, if you're a military spouse reading this, know that you are not alone and your voice matters. Keep pushing forward and never give up on your aspirations because we are capable of achieving wonderful things in all aspects of our lives.
Useful Links:
Married to the Military Podcast Episode with Donna
Married to the Military Podcast on Spotify
Married to the Military Podcast on Apple