Jon Gordon an author and motivational speaker has been a tremendous propellor in my life. I would refer to him as a propellor because not only did he inspire me to get this program moving but he also taught me how to do it with a positive attitude. He helped me realize the lesson his character Joy from The Energy Bus so aptly taught, “Sometimes we have to see what we don’t want, to know what we do want.”
Many of our military service members, particularly those who have served in war, come home having a clear picture of what they don’t want. Unfortunately, without strong support, love, and intention often they do not know how to propel themselves in the direction of what they do want. Life just feels out of order and messy. The difficult piece is that there is really no one to blame. Experiences have landed you in this place and this messiness is a part of each family member’s life. Not one family member is exempt from recognizing the changes. A husband or wife, son or daughter, mom or dad, sister or brother, aunt or uncle has walked back into life at home and time has passed. All of you have experienced different things some traumatic, some life changing, some mundane, some necessary, etc. The one common factor is that change has happened to each of you. Now it is necessary to reach out and embrace one another. You see it has been my experience that it is so much better to move forward with the people you love. It is not always easy as a matter of fact some days it feels nearly impossible. But, remember to start with what you have in common. Rebuild the things that you loved. Be intentional, spending time together. Find an activity to share that you all love and add one thing at a time. Realizing that it will be a process, you must attack it like a marathon. Start slowly, know that it will take much time, effort, and that you will get tired along the way. Remember that there will come a point where it will feel easier to quit than to move forward. However, keep moving, don’t stop. Remember how great the celebration is at the finish line. Embrace each other. Link arms and propel yourself toward a healthy relationship with one another.
Jon Gordon writes, “Every crisis offers an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser to reach deep within and discover a better you that will create a better outcome.” It is my hope that you don’t stop striving for a better relationship with one another.