Welcome to the MamasteFit Blog! In a recent episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, Roxanne and I discuss our experiences as military spouses, focusing on the challenges and benefits of solo parenting, frequent deployments, and the importance of community and support systems. We share personal stories, coping techniques, and the unique aspects of being part of a military family. We also touch on mental health, the importance of having a personal creative outlet, and strategies for balancing multiple responsibilities, including homeschooling, running a business, and professional development.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more weekly workouts and educational videos! We publish one new workout video and 2-3 educational videos a week on our channel.
Embracing the Solo Parenting Adventure
Being a military spouse means accepting that much of the parenting responsibility falls on my shoulders when my husband is away—on deployments or long work trips. I’ve had to master the art of solo parenting, managing a household, juggling appointments, and keeping up with everyday tasks. When he’s not around, everything—from ensuring that my kids are fed and ready for the day, to even the little things like installing a bidet (yes, really)—lands on me.
I often describe these moments as part of the “mental load,” where each task, no matter how small, feels monumental. But over time, I’ve learned that these challenges help build my resilience and independence. Sure, there are days when I feel overwhelmed, and moments where a cry session is the only release, but I also find strength in knowing I can handle what comes my way.
Staying Connected Amidst Constant Change
One of the hardest parts of this lifestyle is dealing with the physical absence of my partner. There are times I can’t help but feel a pang of loneliness or even a touch of resentment when I miss him terribly. Yet, I’ve come to understand that his career—though it often requires him to be away—is vital for our family’s stability and security.
I’ve experienced those bittersweet moments when a brief reunion fills me with joy and relief. The time we share, although sometimes fleeting, recharges me emotionally and reminds me why I continue to power through the challenging days.
Daily Hacks That Keep Me Going
Over the years, I’ve developed some pretty creative strategies to streamline my day-to-day life:
Creating Order in the Chaos
Consolidated Routines: I’ve found that syncing my kids’ bedtimes, showers, and even meals helps create a sense of order. It might sound simple, but having an established routine gives me precious pockets of time to focus on myself or my business.
Meal Solutions and Digital Aids: Cooking every day can be a daunting task. That’s why I rely on meal delivery services to ensure that my family is well fed without adding extra stress. I also love using digital tools like ChatGPT to plan meals and even come up with fun activities for my kids—a little hack that feels like a third parent sometimes!
Outsourcing What I Can
Running MamasteFit—our brick-and-mortar gym and online platform—while managing a home isn’t easy. I’ve had to learn the art of delegation:
Building a Support Team: I’m incredibly lucky to have a team that takes care of tasks like podcast editing, graphic design, and admin work. By focusing only on the creative aspects that require my personal touch, I’ve managed to keep both my business and home life under control.
The Silver Lining: Benefits of Military Life
Despite the hectic and sometimes overwhelming nature of being a military spouse, there are some incredible benefits that keep me grounded:
Healthcare and Educational Perks: Our access to affordable healthcare and benefits like the GI Bill not only ease financial burdens but also allow me and my husband to invest in our futures. It’s a relief knowing that our children will have access to these benefits when the time comes.
Stability and Security: In a world where uncertainty is the norm, the steady paycheck that comes with military service provides a foundation that many other lifestyles simply can’t offer.
Travel Opportunities: While I’m not keen on visiting every deployment destination, I cherish those moments when we get to travel together as a family, exploring new places and cultures thanks to military perks.
Finding Strength in the Village
Living in a military community isn’t just about dealing with the hardships—it’s also about the connections and support available. Having family nearby, or even a close-knit community of fellow military spouses, makes the challenges a bit easier to bear. In my quieter moments, I remind myself that I’m not alone; every military spouse is doing their best, and together we create a village that nurtures and sustains us. While every military family’s story is unique, the shared experiences create a bond that extends beyond individual hardships. Venting, empathizing, and laughing together over the absurdities of everyday life make the tough days more bearable.
Final Thoughts
There are no sugar-coated narratives when it comes to being a military spouse. There are endless challenges, moments of vulnerability, and days when saying “no” feels like the only option to preserve our sanity. But there’s also a profound sense of purpose and pride in the sacrifices we make for our families and our country. Each day brings new lessons, and every struggle helps shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals.
If you’re a military spouse or facing similar challenges, remember to be gentle with yourself. Reach out for support when you need it, embrace innovative solutions, and celebrate the small victories along the way. I continue to grow and learn every day, and I’m honored to share my journey with you.
Thanks for reading and for being a part of this shared experience.
Prenatal Support Courses
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9h+ of Video
- Support Group
- Close Captioning
- 5 Workouts/Week
- Gym Workouts
- Self-Paced
Instructor
GINA
Workout on-demand with our prenatal fitness workout videos! Each workout is 30-40 minutes to follow along as you exercise at the same time!
- Birth Prep
- All Trimesters
- Mobility Work
Instructor
GINA
Find comfort and relief from pelvic girdle pain throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period! This program incorporates myofascial sling focused exercises to stabilize across the pelvic girdle joints.
- 3 Weeks
- On Demand Workout Videos to Follow