Why I have come to appreciate this hectic lifestyle.

From the outside looking in, it may seem that having a military upbringing is more of a curse rather than a blessing. The difference between military life and civilian life is staggering. The idea of moving every couple years, living in foreign places, and living a very strict life isn’t all that pleasant. Which is completely understandable, but what most don’t know is that growing up this way has brought me many opportunities. I wouldn’t trade my childhood for anything, and as the older I become the more I appreciate my distinct lifestyle.

This particular lifestyle has taught me a lot and has given me experiences that only some can dream of. My unique upbringing has taught me humility and appreciation for all that life has to offer. Yes, we do move every 2-3 years which means we leave behind friends, family, and familiarity however, I have come to find that being a child of a service member is one of my biggest blessings. There is so much I’ve learned to appreciate, so here are a few examples:

1. Travel

Anyone who has a want to explore new cultures, food or places can appreciate this aspect of military life. At first, you’ll experience slight culture shock, but after you settle into your new duty station you begin to feel at home. You must seize the opportunity to explore a foreign place and take in a new culture. Without my father's service to his country I would have never had the opportunity to live in a foreign country such as Japan. To experience a culture so different than my own, at such a young age, gave me a better insight of the world around me. Besides, not everyone can say they climbed Mt. Fuji and went to Tokyo Disney.

2. Food

Living in many different places means that you come across many different cuisines. Never have I ever experienced better food than when I lived in Asia and if you’re a foodie like I am then you must try authentic Asian cuisine. It’s crazy to see how ingredients are used differently around the world depending on the city or country you are in. Personally, I believe there is no better way to appreciate a new culture than to try the native food.

3. Humility

A major key to being a military kid is learning acceptance. We must be humble, and accept that we have no control over where we may end up next. I once heard the expression, “military kids bloom where they are planted.” It takes constant humility to relocate and accept that we must start over, not just once but every couple years. At first I had a tough time learning to accept my reality, though over time I have learned that humility and acceptance are very important. We leave familiarity just to become the “new kid”. As military children, we are no better than any civilian, we just come from different backgrounds. Unlike civilians we don’t grow up in one town, going to school with the same people we knew back in 2nd grade. We don’t get stability, we live a life of change and this becomes part of who we are. This teaches us to be humble and realize that our situation is only as good as we make it out to be, giving us a greater appreciation of where we came from.

4. Friends

With a hectic life such as my own, you learn to appreciate those around you. There is no way you could live a life such as this without a good couple of friends by your side to keep you sane. The best and worst part about making friends as a military child is you have friends all over the world. For example, my best friend of seven years currently resides in New York City, while I live in College Place. We are on opposite sides of the U.S. but our friendship is stronger than ever. Military kids seem to have this connection, they understand what you’re going through, because your situation is all too familiar to them. I have been blessed to have met countless people that have impacted me in some way or another.

5. Family

Having to pick up my entire life and move around the world has never made me more appreciative of my family. When you move, knowing no one, you realize that family is truly all you have. In comparison to my civilian friends, my family and I have one of the strongest bonds. My mother is literally my best friend, and I hope it stays that way. With constant change in my life, my parents and siblings are the only ones who have been there through it all. I feel that as a military child your family is your rock. They are the one thing that I appreciate the most, and even though we’re in the same situation they are my guidance and support as I grow and continue on my own journey.

These are just some of the reasons I appreciate my military upbringing. I wouldn’t change my childhood for a thing, because it has shaped me into the woman I am today. I will admit that there are times where I wish for stability, for a civilian life. Though after eighteen wonderful years I have come to terms with the life I’ve been given and I’ve accepted that the only constant thing in my life is change itself. If it wasn’t for my father's military service I wouldn’t be who I am, so above all I appreciate him and my inclusion in a military family.