PCSing Pregnant: A Pep Talk
As wonderful as military life can be, it sure does throw you for a major loop every now and then. In my (short) experience, this usually happens during a deployment or a pregnancy. Currently, for me, it’s the latter. And I’m in need of a major pep talk.
Problem #1
We’re more than halfway through the Captain’s Career Course and have heard very little about a possible timeframe for receiving our next assignment.
Problem #2
The day of graduation, I’ll be exactly 36 weeks pregnant with baby number 2. Baby number 1 will be 16 months old.
I probably don’t need to say much more to get my point across.
With the raging hormones, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t given myself numerous headaches trying to think of possible Plans A-Z for possible Scenarios 1-10. Each time, I’ve had to talk myself off the edge and realize that everything is going to be okay.
Today is no different.
The timing of this assignment and the need for a pep talk couldn’t have been more perfect, so I decided to write this one down and share all the positive thoughts to those out there needing some today:
The Pep Talk
So, we’re here again, huh? I know it’s hard to avoid getting here each time, but… You. Can. Do. It.
The number one thing you need to remember is to communicate. Communicate with your service member. Communicate with your friends. Communicate with your network. They’re all there to support you and they’ve all been in your shoes. Take comfort in knowing that communicating is one of your strongest attribute, and trust yourself.
The moving process may not always be reliable, but trust that you’re going to know how to fix any problems that may arise.
Plan for the worst.
Hope for the best.
Set goals, but be realistic.
Make plans, but be flexible.
Ask questions, and take notes.
Keep your expectations low, so when things work out better than you expected, it’ll give you strength and motivation to keep moving forward.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or admit if you don’t understand something. Be sure to forward all confirmation emails to your traveling party, take pictures of valuable items and documents, and update all your insurance policies and emergency contacts.
When you start to get anxious, step away from the situation and do whatever you need to do to refocus.
Remember that no one is against you, no one is judging you, and no one is expecting you to have all the answers. Bring whatever you need to feel comfortable and give you peace of mind during travel, even if it’s more than you probably will ever need. Better safe than sorry.
Go at your own pace and remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. But also don’t forget to extend that same courtesy to everyone in your traveling party, to include the babies and dogs.
Focus on the adventure. Enjoy the scenery. Look forward to the new memories that are about to come. Reach out to new people in the area and make plans to meet.
Prep those music playlists. Download a new book. Buy your favorite snacks. Order your guilty pleasures at the drive-thru.
Whatever you choose to do, stay positive and let it go. Choose your words carefully and always make up before getting back on the road. Kiss each other goodnight and hug each other in the morning. Forget what happened the day before and choose to make this day better.
Most importantly, stay excited! Moving gives you and your family new opportunities to grow closer and stronger. You will get to learn together, through the good and the bad, and it will make future moves that much easier.
