“For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.” ~John Steinbeck, The Pearl
The strength of a military family is it’s resilience to adapt to new environments and work through change on all levels, macro and micro. New schools, new challenges, separations, unfamiliarity with the environment and culture are examples of what a family in the military will experience. Make no mistake, the family serves together, however there is goodness in a little trauma bonding as a familial unit.
The Obstacle is the Path
Jordan Peterson, psychologist and author, stated children need a small amount of induced trauma throughout their lives to understand they are not entitled to anything in this world. Now before you go out and drop your kids off in a forest and have them navigate their ways home, let me explain.
What my wife, Claudia, and I have noticed with our children is they understand what it means to be a good-mannered guest. They both have attended schools and participated in activities in different states within the U.S. and different countries, while we were stationed in Europe. They know what it’s like to not speak the language and to not be able to play with the other kids at the playground, because they were shy or because the other kids didn’t offer the opportunity.
The obstacle in the way becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.” ~Ryan Holiday
Struggle is part of the process. All the fitness influenced t-shirts with catchphrases like, “Iron Sharpens Iron”, or “Pain is Temporary”, have truth to them. My family and I have been stationed at Fort Liberty for more than a year now and we have a number of memories, good and bad, that continue to push us in the direction of success.
Our original plans to take over the real estate in the greater Fayetteville area dissipated due to an unforeseen inflation in the market. Additionally, I hit some interesting low points as a professional communicator in my profession. These realities, even when they kick your ass, are great motivators to get you moving to the you you can be in the near or distant future. Even as a jiu-jitsu player I’m looking forward to see where the game takes me in the next chapter.
Series Finale
This new fiscal year is bringing the series of finality to my transition to retirement. I took my last fitness test and qualified with my weapon for the last time in my military career last week. The reality is every day that passes is the last one in this series. The upcoming seasons and holidays will be the last time my family and I celebrate them while I wear the uniform. It’s a surreal feeling and it takes everything in me now-a-days to keep my head in the game. The gold watch is so close, but yet so far away.
The featured image of this reflections is a snapshot of the souvenirs I collected while in my current assignment. A leader of mine told me a few months ago, “remember to preserve your reputation.” I understand the message, and I’m glad that work ethic and team loyalty are characteristics drilled into me at a young age. I’m often not the smartest person in the room, but I make up for it with my willingness to take on the lion’s share of the burden and do what my team needs me to do.
My mother once told me, ‘Nothing can destroy iron, only its own rust can. Likewise, nothing can destroy you, only your own mindset can.'” ~Peter Dinklage
In my last reflection, I discussed my experience supporting the All American Chorus at America’s Got Talent as they made it all the way to the finals. Due to the hard work my team put in supporting the Chorus throughout this amazing opportunity, my team and I were recognized with challenge coins and Four-Star Notes of Appreciation from the Secretary of the Army – these items are showcased in the feature photo of this reflection.
On the Horizon
I’m excited to report that I received a Letter of Acceptance from Five Pillars Realty Group, located in Fayetteville, NC, for an Individual Internship facilitated through the DoD Career Skills Program. Beginning this upcoming April, I will have the opportunity to attend an eight-week program where I will learn systems and processes firsthand from the Five Pillars team-members. Claudia and I learned about this company through a networking social they host, monthly, called Pints and Properties.
During the Pints and Properties professional development socials, local real estate professionals gather to discuss lessons learned and best practices they have found with other industry practitioners. This has been a great venue for Claudia and I to field questions specific to our real estate portfolio to other real estate practitioners. They have also hosted several events showcasing real estate consultants providing free seminars, which were a huge value added to our educations. If you are a real estate player in the Fayetteville area, be sure to check out this event, you will not be disappointed. I’m truly looking forward to sharpening my skills as a real estate professional in the coming months.
Happy Halloween!
To all my friends and family members getting ready to hit the streets and Trick-or-Treat around the neighborhood, I wish you a safe and enjoyable experience. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because it seems like it goes on for weeks. It’s a privilege to see my kids grow up and take more and more ownership of Halloween activities. Be sure to check the candy before your little ones dive in and thank you to everyone in advance for your hard work in decorating and handing out candy to our boils and ghouls. Until next reflection my peeps. One Team, One Family!
~Doc