Looking Back to Move Forward

There are times when it is helpful to look back. Particularly when you are going through a deployment, no matter where you are in the process, it can be helpful to stop and take stock of what you have accomplished.

Our deployment is coming to an end, not close enough to start shaving my legs regularly, but close. I was feeling really low last week, struggling to get through my week. This morning I had to stop myself, stop the negative thoughts and look back at what I have done over the past eleven months.

When the deployment first started I was not looking forward to annual flu shots. I even timed the visit to the clinic with one of my Mom's visits so I wouldn't have to wrestle four children alone. I was terrified and feeling alone. I remember thinking that I would never survive the deployment alone with four children. Several months later when the H1N1 vaccine became available, on a whim one afternoon we went to the clinic and all five of us got the shot. In a couple of months I'd gone from shaking in my boots to striding into the clinic without a thought.

Deployments are so tough and sometimes it is tough to step back and take stock of how far you have come. Making it a day, then a week, or a month is amazing and it is about the small steps. Small steps add up and it is important to focus on the little things and the little goals. Time will pass, as tough as it is, the year will pass as well.

Take a minute today to look at where you started and where you are today. Be proud of the little steps, big goals are accomplished one day at a time through small steps. Sometimes it helps to look back so you can move forward.