Life in the Military- Spouse Edition

Life in the Military- Spouse Edition
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Hey there! We are Ashley & Stephanie! Together, we have teamed up to open up about our experiences being military spouses. We will be chatting weekly about all things military; the good, the bad, and the ugly from the spouses perspective. Together we have many years of experience in and out of the military. We want to break the silence of what this life is really like. We want to give encouragement to those living this lifestyle and shed light to those on the outside. Welcome into our circle!

  1. 05/29/2024

    37- Soldier, Spouse, Single Mom: Checking all the Military Boxes

    Today, We talk with our friend Danie about the experiences of a military spouse and active duty member, including deployments, sacrifices, and the challenges of being a single parent. It also delves into the support and camaraderie within the military community, as well as the impact of injuries sustained during service. Danie shares her journey as a female veteran, discussing her experiences with mental health, the challenges of being a female in the military, and the importance of finding purpose and perseverance. She emphasizes the healing power of talking about her experiences and the support of her tribe. Danie's transformation and resilience are evident in her journey from dark moments to finding her calling in mental health. She encourages listeners to reach out for help and support, emphasizing the importance of mental health. Takeaways: The challenges and experiences of being a military spouse and active duty member. The impact of deployments and sacrifices on family life. The importance of support and camaraderie within the military community. The long-term effects of injuries sustained during military service. The transition from active duty to civilian life and the challenges it presents. The healing power of talking about experiences and the support of a tribe are crucial for mental health. Danie's journey from dark moments to finding her calling in mental health is a testament to resilience and perseverance. Encouragement for listeners to reach out for help and support, emphasizing the importance of mental health advocacy and finding purpose. The challenges of being a female in the military and the need for better support and understanding for female veterans. The importance of finding peace, removing chaos, and embracing the quiet for self-care and mental well-being.

  2. 05/22/2024

    Episode 36- Breaking the Stigma: Military Spouse Unicorn

    In this episode, Stephanie and Ashley interview Marty, a military spouse without children. They discuss the unique perspective of not conforming to the traditional military spouse stereotypes and the pressures that come with it. Marty shares her experiences of maintaining her identity and pursuing her passions alongside the military lifestyle. They also talk about the importance of setting boundaries, avoiding drama, and building strong friendships based on mutual connection rather than obligation. Takeaways Not conforming to traditional military spouse stereotypes can bring its own set of pressures and judgments. It is important to maintain your own identity and pursue your passions alongside the military lifestyle. Setting boundaries and avoiding drama can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling military spouse experience. Building strong friendships based on mutual connection rather than obligation can create a supportive community. Having a partner who supports and understands your need for personal space and time can strengthen the relationship.

  3. 05/15/2024

    35- A Mother's Love

    In this episode, We discuss the importance of our moms in supporting us as military spouses. We reflect on the sacrifices our moms have made and the challenges they have faced in navigating the military lifestyle. We express gratitude for our moms' wisdom, support, and unconditional love. The conversation highlights the unique perspective of moms who have to watch their children go through the hardships of military life. We encourage our listeners to appreciate and thank their own moms for their unwavering support. Takeaways Moms play a crucial role in supporting military spouses and providing emotional strength. Moms have to navigate their own feelings while supporting their children through the challenges of military life. Expressing gratitude and appreciation to moms for their support is important. Moms offer wisdom and guidance that helps military spouses navigate the difficulties of the military lifestyle.

  4. 05/08/2024

    34-Life in the Military- Dual Military Spouse Edition

    Today, we interview Sam, a military spouse who is also in the military herself. We discuss the unique challenges and experiences of being in a dual military relationship. We talk about the difficulties of deployments and the shift in roles when one person is away. We also discuss the importance of communication and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy relationship. Sam shares her perspective on the pride and selflessness that comes with serving in the military. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and rewards of being in a dual military relationship. Takeaways: Being in a dual military relationship comes with unique challenges and experiences. Deployments can be difficult for both the person leaving and the one staying at home. Communication and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship.

  5. 04/25/2024

    33 | Different Perspective: Life of a Military Child

    Today, we interview our daughters again about their experiences as military children. The daughters share their perspectives on growing up in a military family and how it has shaped their lives. We also reflect on our parenting decisions and wonder if we provided enough love and support. The conversation includes funny and memorable moments from their travels and moves, highlighting the unique experiences of military children. Being a military kid has its ups and downs, but it offers unique experiences and opportunities to see the world. Military kids learn to be respectful and adaptable, and they hold themselves to a higher standard. They may face challenges like deployments and frequent moves, but they also develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Military kids appreciate the privilege of traveling and experiencing different cultures. They have a different perspective on life compared to civilian kids and often have a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by service members. Overall, military kids are strong, courageous, and adaptable. Takeaways: Parents may question their parenting decisions and wonder if they provided enough love and support to their children. Military children have unique and memorable experiences from their travels and moves. Creating fun and positive experiences during moves can help children adjust to new environments. The hosts and their daughters share funny and heartwarming memories from their time as a military family. Being a military kid offers unique experiences and opportunities to see the world. Military kids learn to be respectful and adaptable. They hold themselves to a higher standard and have a different perspective on life. Military kids develop resilience and problem-solving skills. They appreciate the privilege of traveling and experiencing different cultures. Military kids have a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by service members.

  6. 04/17/2024

    Episode 32- resiliency: egg or golf ball

    In this episode, Stephanie and Ashley discuss the concept of resiliency, using the analogy of an egg and a golf ball. They explore how military kids and spouses navigate the challenges of military life and how they can maintain their resilience. They emphasize the importance of communication, listening, and providing support to each other. The conversation highlights the unique experiences and strengths of military families and offers insights on how to help children and spouses bounce back from difficult situations Takeaways Resiliency is a key trait for military kids and spouses to navigate the challenges of military life. Communication and listening are crucial in providing support to each other. Physical touch, such as hugs, can make a significant difference in maintaining resilience. Military families have unique experiences and strengths that help them bounce back from difficult situations. Understanding and validating children's emotions can help them develop resilience. Being a team and working together as parents is essential in supporting children's emotional needs.

  7. 04/11/2024

    episode 31- how to support our military kids

    In this episode, Stephanie Polcyn and Ash discuss how to support children during military transitions, deployments, and changes. They emphasize the importance of understanding children's emotions and conveying support as parents. They share their own experiences and offer advice on flexibility, communication, and managing expectations. They highlight the significance of allowing children to express their emotions and providing them with a sense of belonging in the family unit. The hosts also discuss the challenges of deployments and the resilience that can be developed through these experiences. Takeaways Understanding children's emotions and providing support is crucial during military transitions and deployments. Flexibility and managing expectations are key in helping children navigate these challenging times. Open and honest communication with children about the situation can help them process their emotions and feel a sense of belonging. Allowing children to express their emotions and validating their feelings is important for their emotional well-being. Deployments can be difficult, but they can also foster resilience and growth in both children and parents.

  8. 04/03/2024

    episode 30- our reactions to our kids

    In this episode, Stephanie and Ashley discuss the reactions they received from their children after last week's episode. They talk about how their kids have big feelings, thoughts, and ideas about the military lifestyle, and how it affects them. Stephanie shares her observations of her daughter's stoic but agreeable reaction, while Ashley talks about her daughter's verbal expressions. They discuss the importance of creating a space for kids to feel understood and not alone. They also touch on the topic of secondary trauma and the challenges of communication within military families. Takeaways Children of military families have big feelings, thoughts, and ideas about the military lifestyle, and it's important to create a space for them to express themselves. Observing children's reactions during conversations can provide valuable insights into their emotions and experiences. Secondary trauma can affect children in military families, and it's important to be aware of their struggles and provide support. Open and honest communication within military families can help build stronger relationships and understanding. The episode sparked conversations among parents and children, opening up dialogue and creating a sense of community.

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About

Hey there! We are Ashley & Stephanie! Together, we have teamed up to open up about our experiences being military spouses. We will be chatting weekly about all things military; the good, the bad, and the ugly from the spouses perspective. Together we have many years of experience in and out of the military. We want to break the silence of what this life is really like. We want to give encouragement to those living this lifestyle and shed light to those on the outside. Welcome into our circle!

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