Joining the military changed the trajectory of my life. I can’t imagine my life without my military service because everything about the military has led me to where I am today. It is how I met my husband. How I was able to see the world. And the doors that have opened the past few years have all been connected to my military service. And I’m so thankful for my experience. Here are six things that the military gave me that I continue to use in my life today.

The Power to Jump

When I joined the military I was shy and unsure of myself. And though I’m still quiet and sometimes take time to process information when I respond. My response is one of confidence. I can make a decision based on the information I have and push forward with a solution. It was the confidence to jump in that led me to start my blog, write a book, and launch a podcast. I didn’t know what would happen, but I knew I had to take the first step and see what would happen.

Job Skills

While my degree is in Civil Engineering and that was my job while in the service, I learned so much about being a leader, managing projects, and making the best decisions with the information at hand. All the tools I learned through my military experience have helped me as I have gone from office worker to entrepreneur and mom. The training the military gives you can open so many doors when you leave the military behind and the best part is those skills transcend the actual job you are doing. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.

See the World

Before I joined the military, I had only flown in a plane once and I had never left the country. And although going to Afghanistan for my first international trip probably wasn’t the way I would have chosen to do it. The experience changed my life. I can’t look at the world the same. And since Afghanistan, I have been to continue to travel and see more of the world.  I have connected with distant relatives in Norway and Canada. And can’t wait to continue to explore and discover the world.

Build Your Network

The coolest part about the military hands down is the people that you meet. The military puts people from all over the country in the same place and forces you to work together and rely on each other. Your co-workers become friends who become like family. It is amazing. But even after you leave the military the connection between you and another veteran is an instant bond of connection. Not only will you have the connection, but they will be your biggest cheerleaders pushing you forward.

Change Your Perspective

Going to a third world country, seeing war, meeting people who don’t think like you. It is bound to change your perspective on how you view life. I grew up in a small town and didn’t know people who were different from me. Then I joined the military and met people from all over and learned different perspectives. Then I deployed to Afghanistan with members of the South Carolina National Guard. I ate nan and spam for the first time in the same year. And my mind was opened to a whole new world.

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Empowerment

Now I am empowered to open the doors for the women to follow me in my footsteps. At one time I thought my life purpose was to serve in the military and maybe give the ultimate sacrifice. But I came home and survived. And I am able to continue serving through my blog and podcast. Reaching out to young women looking to change their lives. It is an amazing gift.

If you are considering joining the military you can expect your life to change. And these are some of the ways you begin to see how your life will change.