Even though some people’s orders have been delayed because of the pandemic, others are still moving or pcsing.
While it is a good thing military families can move on to the next step, it can be difficult when you are doing so during this time.
While you normally could be looking forward to getting to know your new community and for your kids to start at a new school to make friends, you feel like all of that might be on hold.
You want to get out and explore but how much can you really do right now? How can you figure out how to bloom where you are stationed if you can’t do what you normally do to get to know a new place?
Even if you aren’t new to your current duty station you may be feeling a bit restricted.
Your friend circle could have moved earlier this year and while you assumed you would get right back out there to make some new friends, COVID hit.
You may be awaiting orders to move somewhere new but they are delayed and you want to figure out how to enjoy the next six months at a place you are not too excited about.
Blooming where you are stationed doesn’t always come easy. Some places will be easier to love than others. But there is probably something good about anywhere you have to live, even if you have to hunt for it.
What can you do?
So what can you do? What is open and where do you feel comfortable exploring? This is going to differ for everyone and will depend on where you live.
Still…see what you can do. Use safety measures and make sure to follow the local regulations.
Accept the temporary setup
Okay I know it is hard but you might need to just accept things are not going to be the way you were hoping they would be. I know this is so hard because in some ways it feels like this is going to last forever.
Your kids might not be able to get out there and make new friends right away, but could they have a weekly Zoom call with friends they already know?
You won’t be able to introduce yourself to the moms in line at school pick up but can you say hi to a neighbor or talk over the fence on a regular basis?
You might not be able to attend all the fun events that normally go on in your community but you might be able to attend a social distancing event of some kind. Our local community still has a farmer’s market going on and there are other options to get out and explore part of the community.
Explore online
There is so much going on online these days. From virtual events to Bible Studies. From book clubs, to even concerts.
Check and see what your local communities might be doing and join an online event. This might feel different and weird but it could be a good way to learn about what is happening in your new community and you might even find ways to connect with others.
2020 is the worst but don’t let this year stop you from figuring out how to bloom where you are currently stationed. It might take some work but in the end, it will make life a little easier right now. And hopefully, 2021 will be an amazing year to see everything and explore the way you really want to.
[…] They also might not have kids. I could see feeling that way if you didn’t have kids, maybe. But between the post and the local communities, there is always something going on. And they keep adding more and more things to do. Of course, during COVID, many things are limited. […]