Read on Twitter
Texting with a friend last night & my run this morning made me think about the seasons of life and something a LT asked me a few years ago when I was a Bn Cdr. 1/
The LT asked me “Other than PT, do you have any hobbies?” It made me think and realize I had a hobby when I was a LT & CPT, but, without making a deliberate decision, I had put the hobby aside as the responsibilities of duty & family had increased. 2/
As a LT & CPT I played golf every other week. I loved it. Still do. However, about the time I was promoted to MAJ and PCS’d to CGSC, we had three daughters under 4. Without realizing it, we had entered a new season of life. 3/
In the years I was a MAJ & LTC the demands of duty were intense and our children were young. My hobby took a back burner. It was a subconscious prioritization I made. I’d do it again. 4/
Truth the told, being able to focus on our marriage took a bit of a back burner too. When your kids are really young it seems, probably rightfully so, every action and conversation revolves around them. 5/
Don’t get me wrong, we still did stay at home date nights every 6 weeks or so, but the demands of duty and raising small children were our priority. 6/
Our children are older now, high school, and it seems we’ve entered the next season of our lives. Shelley & I are back to being able to focus on each other & our marriage, and I have a hobby again. 7/
Shelley & I both enjoy PT and a glass of wine. Taking time each weekend for both are our favorite things to do. In fact, I’m typing this in my front yard, sitting next to Shelley, and drinking a glass of white wine. 8/
Over the passed few weeks Shelley has been undergoing radiation for breast cancer and is a bit tired. So our runs together are now walks where we talk about all the things. Speaking of walks...we’ve also added a dog to our family. 9/
Charlie is a German Shorthaired Pointer and she has brought us much joy. She walks with Shelley in the mornings; our girls love her; and reading about, talking about, and training her to be a gun dog are my new hobby. The first one I’ve been able to dedicate time to in years. 10/
I like this season we’re in. I liked the last season and the one before that one too... they were just different. I equate our seasons to the ages of our children and the jobs I had. I suppose that is the same for everyone. 11/
To close, I’ll say embrace whatever season you’re in. If you’re not enjoying it or a few parts of it, keep your head up and keep moving forward. It’s only a season. The next one will be here before you know it. 12/12
