Why More Military Spouses Should Blog About Their Travels Posted on December 2, 2023August 14, 2024 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Why More Military Spouses Should Blog It still surprises me that many of my civilian friends don’t understand military life. They don’t understand ranks, the constant moving, or the military’s role when they aren’t training as badass killers. They’ve never been on a military installation, been assigned living quarters, or speak fluent acronyms. And even though they may never understand a military spouse, we have more common ground than you think. One day, we’ll be civilian spouses, too. And that’s just one reason why more military spouses should blog. Why More Military Spouses Should Blog Complying with OPSEC I dabble in many things but admit to being an expert in only one— me. I also write online about my experiences as a military spouse, wife, and mother. However, many of my experiences are not that unique. Type your email… Subscribe Join 4,684 other subscribers Wanderful Membership Connects Female Travel Bloggers Many of the above are Latin to new military spouses, too. Set aside a moment when the military speaks a foreign language— an acronym PCS, UAB, CONUS, etc… The only one you need to be concerned about is OPSEC. What is OPSEC OPSEC is operational security and means making sure you don’t say anything that could jeopardize anyone’s safety— uniquely my own. I don’t share information about my husband’s job or movements. And when we travel, I never share where I am until after I’ve left. Otherwise, blog about what you know. 17 Tips for Attending a Blogging Conference A Unique Perspective Military spouses have been the subject of many books and even a few television shows. Does anyone remember Army Wives? How to decorate your military home when you move every two to three years. Tell Your Own Story Journal Online Unlike the portrayal of Army Wives in Hollywood, my story is uniquely mine. Through my internet diary, I can share the unfiltered narrative of my experiences—the good, the bad, and the ugly—as I perceive them. Military spouses should blog because this platform allows us to authentically document our journey and connect with others on a more personal level. I’m an INdependent Too often, military spouses are labeled dependents. For healthcare purposes or access to the Commissary or gym, that’s fine. But we’re no more dependent than any other married woman. The notion that milspouses are leeches, ungrateful, or incompetent is plain bullshit. Many of us hold full-time jobs, and we all have our minds, hopes, fears, and goals. We raise our kids, go to school, and support our spouses who are far from family and sometimes by ourselves during deployments. Military spouses should blog to share these truths and break stereotypes. Just so you know, I did not say alone. We’re never alone. My husband is always close by in my heart, if not in proximity. Driving Solo Across Canada: Rochester to Grand Rapids For Extra Income Don’t start a blog for the money. Starting a blog shouldn’t solely be about financial gains. Although my blog needs to provide more income to support me, it does cover maintenance fees, technical support, and upgrades. Some months are more lucrative than others, but the true reward comes from pursuing my passion and purpose, surpassing all expectations. The blog connects me to a supportive community that remains constant even as my address changes. Blog As a Creative Outlet I am a storyteller first—not the one my sister called me growing up, lol. I love to write about travel, but you might be an artist, poet, chef, gardener, or cat lover. Military spouses should blog because the blogosphere has room for everybody with a passion. And if I’ve learned anything, you are never the only one. Stress Relief I’m currently in the Quad Cities– where 4 cities converge on the Illinois and Iowa state lines. Enough said. I never wanted to come here. And although I rarely rant, I feel somewhat vindicated when others think and share my pain. However, for maximum stress relief, I prefer wine, lol. Although the Rock Island Arsenal wasn’t on my list of places I really wanted to go, I will find cool things to see and do– I always do. I enjoyed discovering interesting stuff and hopefully my readers will appreciate and find comfort in what I discover too. To Establish a Routine Establishing a routine is a crucial element to my survival for almost 30 years as a military spouse. A routine helps normalize the peaks and valleys of this lifestyle. And for the previous ten years, my morning routine has always included meditation, making the bed, and writing for this blog. I hope you enjoy it, let me know if you have a blog or are thinking about starting one. Put a link to it in the comments below. For Family and Friends Far, Far Away I started this blog when we moved to Europe because it was the easiest way to share our experiences and connect with friends and family back home. And you know what? Even though we’re not in Europe anymore, the blog continues to be a great way to keep everyone in the loop about our adventures and daily life. To Connect with Other Military Spouses There are many of us military spouses out here, but it doesn’t always feel like it because the military is like the real 1%. I consider myself blessed because some of my closest friends found their way to me through my blog. Others have become more than friends; they’re now my coffee, wine, or hiking buddies—especially essential when the Army decides to send you to unexpected places like Kansas. To Keep Job-Related Skills Fresh Engaging in blogging goes beyond just acquiring practical skills like time management, budgeting, and effective writing; it also nurtures a heightened sense of creativity and digital literacy. These qualities don’t just come in handy for blogging but can be real assets in different professional environments around the world, making you adaptable and ready for the challenges of the global workplace. Highlight Causes We Care About Starting a blog can be a powerful way to share your experiences, insights, and research about raising a child with autism or ADHD, providing valuable support and information to others navigating similar challenges. What you decide to write about might be helpful to someone else. All Military Spouses Are Not Women While I’ve only connected with two or three male military spouses, it’s important to recognize that there are approximately 100,000 men supporting their partners in all five branches of the military. Though a minority within the military spouse community, the voices of these guys are strong and valuable. If you’re one of them, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect — let your presence be known! Calling all Junior Spouses In many ways, new/ junior spouses are like our civilian counterparts. Military Spouse Blogs are a vast repository of information for the uninitiated military spouses. Military spouses record their experiences because they are the most significant source of information. Milspouse blogs are a judgment-free zone to find and disseminate information, share good practices, and express ourselves— a.k .a. vent, rant, or stomp our feet. Beautiful Places As a military spouse, I’ve traveled to 3 continents, more than 80 countries, and thousands of cities– some of the most beautiful places in Asia, Europe, and North America. Like it? Pin it! This post is sponsored and/or contains affiliate links, from which I earn a commission at no extra cost to the reader. I appreciate your support and know that all the views expressed are my own. Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe! Share this:FacebookXLinkedInTwitterPinterestThreadsEmailPrintLike this:Like Loading... Related Discover more from Duffel Bag Spouse Travels Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe NOMADIC TRAVEL Content Creation and BloggingMILITARY SPOUSEwork from home
This is really an amazing blog to read. I have a lot of friends have a military spouse. I love hearing their own stories. Reply
blogging is the best way to use your vacant time wisely..coz it has much benefits as it increases our knowledge….This is an amazing blog… Reply
I completely agree! I have a few friends that are military spouses and I would love to know more about their lives! Reply
I agree with you! I think that military spouses offer a great and unique view of the world and I’d love to read more from them! My mom used to be a military spouse! Reply
So true, we have so many perspectives, interests and skillsets to write from. No two will ever look the same. Reply
It’s great to see a glimpse of your lives. And blogging is a very good use of your extra time. And you can educate us as well. Reply
It keeps me sane when I can’t work or feel discombulated– far from home or from what I feel comfortable. It also offers me a way to connect with other spouses I probably will never meet and share our experiences while encouraging others to travel or just do something new. Reply
It is consistent with such an extent that a great many people are guileless about military life. I am not a military life partner but rather I have a few family members in military. Reply
The reasons you have given are enough to make a military spouse start blogging. The fact that many of your civilian friends don’t understand military life should not deter you from doing what you love. Reply
There are an incredible amount of unique things to write about as a military spouse. I love that your advocating for more spouse to blog. Reply
What an interesting blog. I really think you made your point and I loved how there are so many good things and only one bad thing the fact that it takes time. Reply
These are all really excellent reasons! I love being able to learn about different people’s experiences and lives by spending time on their blog. It really is a great way to have the world expand and to bring others into your life, even when you’re far apart. Reply
This is great! Blogs like this will be SO helpful for those new spouses that may be feeling overwhelmed or alone – helping them to realize that there are so many others who have faced and are currently facing similar challenges. I know that the military world can be like a different planet entirely at times (I served myself) but at the end of the day, you are still spouses like the civillian world, trying to navigate life together. Your life is just a little different at times with some unique challenges! Reply
So awesome that you pointed out that not all military spouses are women. I always think about that! I would love to read a blog from the perspective of a male military spouse. It would be so awesome to read. Reply
You definitely have an interesting life story to share. I can’t imaging what it must be like to be a military wife. It’s great that you found a way of expressing your feelings by blogging. Reply
It is so true that most people are naive about military life. I have quite a few military family members so I am well aware of the sacrifice and the unknown. I think military wives should blog. It is a wonderful outlet and allows to make other people aware of military life. Reply
I so agree and obviously I blog! 🙂 I don’t always touch on military life though. Occasionally I will, but it’s also not my entire life. But I like to share my perspective on things–like not freaking out if a spouse deploys. It’ll be okay! I promise! Reply
Good reasons for military spouses to blog. It is a great way to connect with those is similar situations as well as expanding to a larger network. Reply
I have enjoyed following your blog and do think that other military spouses should blog too….. to help them stay connected and share their thoughts Reply
Blogging is great as a stress reliever and a creative outlet. Plus it’s a great way to stay in touch. My folks are fluent in acronym too 😉 Reply
I agree. I have friend who is military spouse and she never feels easy. There is so much she has to face and handle! Reply
I’ve never really thought about these before – but definitely all key reasons to blog as a military spouse. Great motivation! xx Reply
I really like reading your blog. I admire and respect you even though I know is not the same- I loved watching Army Wives ? Reply
It still surprises me that many of my civilian friends don’t understand military life. They don’t understand ranks, the constant moving or the role the military plays when they aren’t training as badass killers. They’ve never been on a military installation, been assigned living quarters or speak fluent acronym. And even though they may never understand what a military spouse is, we more common ground than you think. One day we’ll be civilian spouses too. And that’s why more military spouses should blog. Reply
I really enjoy reading your blog! You always share such insight and valuable tips. I agree that it must be a great outlet to blog as a military spouse. Reply
I love, love, love reading blogs and fellow military spouse bloggers are my absolute fav. It’s always so great to connect with military spouses on the blog-o-sphere, gleaning different perspectives on how they juggle military life. Reply