Judy Davis's Blog, page 8

3 Situations Where You Should NEVER Play The Military Card by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

Acronyms aren’t the only thing we need to learn when we become a military family. From deployment to frequent TDY assignments there are strategies that help us manage the home front when our spouses are gone. There are tips and tricks we learn for moving and re-integration. And sometimes even the best thought out plan ends in disaster.

I’m a believer in concepts like “it takes a village” and “I get by with a little help from my friends”, but I’m also someone who encourages and lives by a few unwritten rules when it comes to being a military family.

I will preface this with saying that there are times when life just hands you lemons and we get in over our heads. I’m not talking about those times or to those people who find themselves in a pickle through no fault of their own. And I do think that there are moments when it’s acceptable to play the Military card. But all too often members of our community use the fact that they are military times when it’s completely unacceptable. As always take what you need and leave the rest ;)!

Here we go:

3 Situations Where You Should NEVER Play The “Military” Card

As an excuse for  your child

There is honor in being a military kid, and whether they should be called BRATs or CHAMPs isn’t a debate I choose to participate in. However when your child doesn’t have respect for you or those around you, interrupts during the National Anthem and is running around unattended in a public place we have a problem.I get that you are tired of being the equivalent of a single parent, I understand that your child may be having a difficult time adjusting to a new duty station or deployment and I’ve been there through many a tantrums in a grocery store. That is NOT what I’m talking about. EVERY kid has an off day, or a period of time where they have difficulty and those situations are exempt from this discussion.What I’m talking about is the lack of simple discipline and teaching your child how not to be a spoiled, rotten and obnoxious brat.Put down your cell phone and pay attention to your kids. Model behaviors you want them to have and address their needs. And if it becomes too much get some help and support. No one said parenting was easy and being part of the military community does make it more challenging, but it’s not an excuse. PLEASE stop using the military life as the only reason for your child’s bratty behavior because trust me it’s not.
To clean up a mess you created

There is nothing that frustrates me more than seeing a military family who made some irresponsible choices begging for someone to fix or help them out of their current crisis “because they fight for our country”.Your children probably wouldn’t be hungry or need diapers if you hadn’t spent most of your paycheck on alcohol, that “must have” Kate Spade purse or that new big screen tv. And while we are talking about it, no one else bought the car you can’t afford… you did that all on your own without thinking through how it would affect your ability to make ends meet.Here is a newsflash, ACS, the civilian community, charitable organizations and local food banks don’t owe you anything. In fact they are there because they want to help out when service members are faced with unexpected and overwhelming situations that put a hardship on their family. They are not there to supplement your irresponsible behavior or provide you with freebies and handouts just because you serve.Please understand that every time you cry for help for something that is a result of your poor choices you are taking from those families who have a real need.
For an Unrealistic/Self Imposed Entitlement

Who doesn’t like a discount or a perk every now and again? I know I do, and I see nothing wrong with asking if a merchant offers a military discount. What I have a HUGE problem with is the attitude that often results if the said discount isn’t what some in our community feel is fair or up to snuff.No one owes us a discount or perk at all. In fact the only thing you are entitled to as a military family are the benefits provided to you  by the DoD.So IF a merchant chooses to give a discount, or an organization is generous enough to sponsor an event or activity for your child, be grateful for whatever it is. They have a right to decide who, when and how much they are willing and able to give and they don’t owe you ANYTHING.

I wish I didn’t have to witness these attitudes and behaviors, but day in and day out I hear members of our community complain about what they aren’t getting, how hard things are. They believe they are owed something because they serve and often have an attitude of entitlement. We are better than that.

Let’s stop playing the military card and start taking responsibility for our lives and shine the light on our community in a positive way.

 

— Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, and military lifestyle blogger as well as the co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com. Her books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her website is filled with tips, inspiration and resources. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

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Boldly Go Where You’ve Never Gone Before by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

The idea of being a person that goes “Where No Man Has Gone Before” is intriguing. I think it goes back to sitting around the small television screen with all my siblings eating popcorn and wondering if the crew would survive the latest mission. I still laugh when I think of Mr. Spock’s pointy ears or the blue nymph giggling the name Dr. Smith as she floats outside the spaceship…..oh wait the blue nymph was from an episode of the T.V. Show Lost in Space…I always mix those two!

Anyway, back to my point….maybe some of the Treckies have it right when they challenge us to carve new paths and boldly go, but I often wondered if we really needed to go to outer space in order to have an adventure? Honestly, I feel that going “where no man has gone before” was a little to daring for me. I mean other people have gone places I’ve never been, so can’t I just boldly go where Judy has never been and achieve the same effect?

Maybe this week, for me an adventure is as simple as finding a more scenic route to the office. Perhaps next week my idea of something new is a bit more daring, but finding the thing that is more exciting,  enjoyable and challenging depends on what it is I’m looking for in that particular moment of my life…Doesn’t it?

Just like for Captain Kirk and his crew, our lives take on a whole new purpose and meaning when we dare to do things differently and go places we never have before.  It is when I’m up for taking the chance to explore the unknown that new possibilities open up for me. it’s as if I let myself take that first unsteady step, I’m able to go in a direction that I’VE never been not necessarily where no one has ever been.

So I guess the point I’m trying to make is that boldly going is personal. It’s about taking the time to be different, trying something new and taking the chance to capitalize on the moments that we have no idea how they will end! It’s about you and what you want in your life. Not what others want or what others think you should want, just you going places you’ve never been.

So join me in stop playing it safe because what you long for is out there in a place you have never been. And as Spock would say “That should prove interesting” and wouldn’t that be fun!

 

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, and military lifestyle blogger as well as the co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com. Her books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her website is filled with tips, inspiration and resources. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

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Bloggers, Thought Leaders and Influencers: It’s Time to Step Up by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

This is as much a note to myself as a call to my fellow bloggers, speakers and influencers…

IT’s TIME TO STEP UP

IT’s TIME TO LEAD

As someone with a following that shares stories to inspire, support and educate I can’t help but feel that in some way I’ve failed my readers and the online community as a whole. OK maybe not failed, but certainly missed an opportunity with regard to social media. In fact I know I’m not alone.

The point I’m making isn’t with regard to a particular message, way of doing business or even a certain level of success, it’s about the fact that we as a group, the bloggers, thought leaders and influencers, haven’t done a good job of making our platforms a safe and welcoming place to interact. You may say that’s not our job, but I challenge you and wonder who’s responsibility is it if not ours? Aren’t we the people who pave the way, create change and educate on that very playground?

Our lives are impacted so strongly by social media that we as leaders of that community have a certain responsibility to it and the people who frequent it. Together, because of our vast reach, we can absolutely make an impact and should do just that. We can provide lasting change where it matters most – in the daily lives of our communities and by the nature of what we do have an obligation to step up.

The Problem As I See It:

In a day where technology rules, gratification is instantaneous and communication is hit or miss surfing has become more than obtaining information, it’s become a way of life. It’s expanded our circles and allowed us to meet and connect with so many more people than ever before, but sadly many people feel lonelier and more disconnected than ever. People are hungry for connection and inspiration and now frequent the internet because it’s easier and less of a hassle than going out on the town.  From internet dating to connecting with family and friends it’s a whole new kind of social life. And we as the “gate-keepers” provide the playground with our blog posts, social media shares and community conversations.  We have built the place for them to come, but forgot one important component. We never provided the rules or guidelines. The problem isn’t that people are seeking connection through social media but that they have no experience to draw from and they don’t know what to expect.

Much like high school without the teachers, counselors or principal, you have the cool kids, the victims, the burn outs, the introverts and the band geeks  all who want to be king of the castle. There are no boundaries, no standards of conduct or dress codes and the result is disappointment, unfulfilled expectations and feelings of betrayal, exclusion and anger. Couple that with the illusion that everyone has a perfect life, perfect children and perfect relationships and you have a recipe for loneliness, depression and judgment.

Social media has left our kids believing that if things aren’t perfect they are flawed or something is wrong with them, it’s left our parents feeling disconnected and invaluable because they can’t keep up with the latest platform and given bullying the perfect hiding place. As a society we have never been more stressed out, depressed and unhappy, we have lost our sense of community and even become our own worst enemies.

Consider this: According to the Associated Press researchers found the rate for suicide increased 2.4 percent in 2014. This is the highest it’s been in more than 25 years and even though we are more connected than ever before our quality of life is steadily decreasing.  We need to shift the tide and create real interaction and connection because that is what people want and need. We need to be true leaders and lead by example. I believe someone needs to step up and clean up the mess before it festers and if not those who create and maintain the space then who?

So to those of us that choose to be the story tellers, the thought leaders and the connectors, I say it’s time to

STEP UP AND LEAD
Here’ how to Become The Solution and Help Bring Our Society Together Through Social Media Using These 3 Simple Steps:

Be authentic – online and off

Stop pretending! Whether it’s online or off authenticity in our online community leaders is critical for a healthy and happy society. I get the whole fake it til you make it mindset, but that doesn’t mean lie to your followers in an effort to prove you’re worthy. A true leader is transparent and authentic and your readers will follow suit when they see that it is safe to do so.  Win-win right!?No one has a perfect life or is happy ALL of the time, so when your posts project that, you are in essence telling your readership that it isn’t ok to share the parts of their lives that aren’t perfect. The result is a culture of extremes and an environment ripe for judging, bullying and targeted attacks. Be the expert AND be real – find that balance as technology becomes an even bigger part of our lives and encourage authenticity in your flock.
Interact, Demonstrate and Take a Stand!

It is through human interaction that we truly experience joy, and supportive connectivity and positive interaction is key to solving the issues that are going on online and contributing to the loneliness and sadness many people feel. Through our connections and our followers, we have the ability to influence and educate. Just like we had to learn the playground rules from those who came before us, society needs leaders to demonstrate how to play nicely online. Someone needs to establish and hold the boundaries and that someone needs to be the online leaders that are influencing our communities at their roots.By example we can demonstrate how to interact and support one another, how to stop cyber bullying in its tracks and how to connect with others online in a way that is enriching. We don’t have to accept comments that are degrading just so our analytics show engagement, and for goodness sake if you see hateful behavior don’t just ignore it.We as leaders set the tone and our followers look to us to see what is acceptable behavior. And shame on any of us who has looked the other way for sake of numbers and reach. We have a responsibility to clean up the mess that has begun to fester and take a stand for what can be an incredible place for us all to learn, grow and interact. I imagine that much of the spamming, bullying and hateful interaction would diminish if together we chose to
Spark and Inspire Kindness and Understanding

A safe environment encourages the most interaction, and we as a group need to spark kindness, understanding and tolerance across every aspect of our profiles & platforms. I get that there will always be ugly people, but we don’t have to be connected to them in any way shape or form.Focus on creating quality informative content that people need (not just that you can make a quick buck or spikes your analytics ) and encourage your followers. SHOW them how to be helpful and respectful with one another and engage with those who are “playing nice with others”.  Work alongside your followers to snuff out the bully’s and losers and we all win.

As a collective, we have the ear of multiple generations, socio-economic groups as well as corporate and political leaders. We represent every race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and socio-economic group. We are military and civilian parents, children, siblings, business owners and community leaders with every life experience imaginable. And we have power to change the tides and bring kindness and hope to the internet community and back to a society that desperately needs it.

I invite you to work to create an intricate web of information that inspires thought and facilitates better communication. I challenge you to take on the responsibility of doing more than just growing your business and to use your platforms to make change. Influence others in a way that will tap into the need for real connection and become a social voice of interaction that promotes an environment that isn’t hurtful.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject and encourage you to share any steps you have

for creating a supportive online community in the comments below!

 

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, and military lifestyle blogger as well as the co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com. Her books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her website is filled with tips, inspiration and resources. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

 

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Can Technology Be A Cure For The Common Cold? By Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

As the cough lingers I can say that this years spring cold is one for the record books. It started as they always do, that unmistakable tickle in the back of your throat that makes you go hmmm…but here it is almost 3 weeks later and I’m still not 100%. Without going into the gory details, I’ve been making a dent in “my spot” on our couch buried in Kleenex and enough medicine to take down a baby elephant literally coughing up my left lung for far too long. Over the years I’ve heard that somewhere research is going on looking for the cure for the common cold, but I will say once again the cure is not coming soon enough for this gal.

So like any resourceful military spouse, after almost 2 weeks and multiple ineffective doctor appointments I decided to take matters into my own hands and took to the internet. You may not think of technology as a cure for the common cold but these Tech Remedies made all the difference for me and hopefully you can use these Apps and info the next time you are looking for a cure for the common cold. [Ok maybe not an actual cure, but they definitely help lessen the misery that is the common cold :)]

WebMD Symptom Checker App.  While it’s easy to use apps like this and jump to the conclusion that you are dying from a 19th century plague that has miraculously resurfaced and found you, it can also provide a lot of information about your symptoms. A quick check helped me realize when I did need to see a doctor.
TED App. Sure you try to be productive but the reality is that when the common cold takes residence the only thing that you can do is to drink lots of fluids and rest. As an entrepreneur, rest isn’t in my vocabulary and it’s difficult to slop down and make my health and myself a priority, but streaming the inspirational and informative talks via the TED app makes being confined to my bed a little easier.
Aromatherapy App by Aromahead Institute. If you have never heard of or tried aromatherapy you are missing out, especially when it comes to alleviating and treating the symptoms of a cold.  Who am I kidding, I use aromatherapy (the use of essential oils to heal and support optimal health) for everything from stress relief to support when I’m sick and this app includes ingredients, instructions and notes on use for recipes in Green Cleaning, Cold & Flu, Pain Relief, Rest & Relaxation, Healthy Travel and Emotional Support. It rocks and I use it all the time! A note of caution, when using essential oils know that it’s important to follow recipes because they are medicinal and must be used with caution to get the optimal result!

Maybe claiming that technology is a cure for the common cold is a bit of a stretch but technology can sure make a bad situation better that’s for sure! These various apps helped me get better AND kept me away from daytime t.v. You can find these apps and more via the Mobile Living App section of the Verizon website. They do a great job of showcasing the app features and there is something for the entire family!

Whether you are a Verizon customer or not you can browse through the incredible information available there and discover apps for your business and personal life. You can also tune into the Friday #VZWBuzz twitter chat at 3pm EST and connect with a team* of tech savvy peeps who can answer questions and tune you onto the latest apps & tech available!

I hope you feel better and remember just because the doctor prescribes rest doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of it!

Share your favorite ways to deal with the common cold

in the comments below, I’d love to add to my arsenal!!

 

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, and military lifestyle blogger as well as the co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com. Her books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for military families and her website is filled with tips, inspiration and resources for military families. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

*As a member of the #VZWBuzz team I receive various devices and accessories and provide Verizon Wireless tips for military spouses. No additional compensation was given and all opinions stated are my own. As always whenever I talk about products you will get the real scoop not something someone asks me to write

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Military Kids Find New Roads and Make A Difference

May is Military Appreciation Month. It’s the month where we honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and it’s  a time to reflect and think about the impact our community has on the world.

For me when I think about this, I can’t help but notice the military children and the impact they are making. It’s Katie who won the battle with a rare form of cancer and now shares her story, Geoffrey who turned his battle with depression into an organization that empowers and the countless number of milkids who follow their parents footsteps choosing to serve our country. And then there is my daughter Heather who showed incredible resilience and strength and is now making huge strides in cancer research.

Our first duty station was a culture shock especially for Heather. She was a Junior and the school just wasn’t her cup of tea. Instead of passing the time in a place that didn’t suit her, she carved a new path for herself, doubling up and taking night classes she graduated high school and started college a year early.

She was passionate and driven in a way that not many are setting her sights on cancer research. My daughter had seen what cancer can do when my father lost his battle after a 4 year fight. It was as if those events lit a fire that causing her to find new roads as a military dependent. Now 5 years later, a graduate in cell & molecular biology, she manages the entire cancer research facility at TTU where cutting edge treatments are being tested and cures are found.

Military children learn from early on skills like resilience, hard work and determination. They know that sometimes you have to work for a cause and a mission that is so much bigger than we are as individuals. And  Heather does that day in and day out. She chose to take a situation that didn’t serve her and turn it into an opportunity, which is something our community does on a regular basis. And she is not alone.

Do you know a military kid who is kicking butt, taking names and finding new roads in military life and beyond? What about a veteran who is making an impact on the civilian community at large? How do you celebrate them and honor their service. I ‘d love to hear more and ask you to highlight their story and all they are doing.

But before I leave you today I wanted to take a moment and share about a company that also goes above and beyond for the military community. Chevrolet* is choosing to honor the military this month by highlighting how military service members and their families are constantly finding new roads during and after military service. They are committed to supporting us in a variety of ways and I’m excited to work with Chevrolet as part of the #ChevySalutes campaign.

Chevy has become a leader in helping service members once they transition from active duty with programs like Shifting Gears and the fact that they employ nearly 5,000 veterans with close to 45,000 current retirees who have previously served is to be commended.

If that wasn’t enough, did you know that Chevrolet even offers:

A Special Military Discount Program to the active duty and veteran communities that you can combine with most current offers to save even more.

So if you are looking for some new wheels or a job as your family transitions from active duty be sure to check them out! In the meantime connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and follow the #chevysalutes #FindNewRoads hashtags to learn more!

OH and I almost forgot, join the #chevysalutes team along with @nexgenmilso & @armywives101 for an incredible twitter chat on Wednesday May 27th at 9pm EST. We’ll be sharing some great info and awesome prizes!

I love supporting companies with a heart for the military community and hope you do too!

 

*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Chevrolet via MSB New Media. The opinions and text are all mine.

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, lifestyle blogger as well as a military life and teen suicide prevention expert. Co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com, Judy’s books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her websites are filled with tips, inspiration and resources for those looking for direction. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

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3 Tips to Overcome The Frustration of Social Media Marketing by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

Have you ever been frustrated because things aren’t having the results that you want them to? Maybe it’s that sales aren’t moving at the speed you expected? Or like in my case, I thought that a few of our recent projects would be producing higher results than they are.

My business has been making me wonder lately. Making me question our methods…making me wonder where I went wrong…AND they are making me angry because my expectations on various products and how they would see isn’t panning out as easily as we predicted. Sound familiar?

I figured that by this time things would be different. Marketing would be “working” and the ticker tape would be flowing…but while sales are happening, the overnight sensation that I expected for resources like Warning Signs and Right Side Up are slow going. So like any other entrepreneur I question what am I doing wrong. I’m sifting through the details looking for the reason that things aren’t working like I “think” that they should.

And what am I noticing? That sometimes the answer isn’t in the details. It’s in the action, or lack of action in the right places. Let me explain…

As an online business owner, I have fallen into a trap – the “technology trap” as I call it. I love the convenience of working at “all hours”. I love the ease and “busy”ness of Facebook, twitter and email. And I love the potential of reaching out to untapped markets through the internet…

But what I am realizing is that it isn’t all wonderful. This “trap” has actually created a false sense of reality. Because of the instantaneous nature of the internet, we think that sales, turnover and conversion rates should be just as instantaneous. We think that all we have to do is put it out there, and move on to our next “creation”. But that isn’t how it works.

Driving traffic, letting the “world-wide web” know you are open for business, and making the most of the “relationships” you have developed on the social networking sites all take time, consistency and EFFORT.

So how do we overcome the downside of social media marketing?

Here are 3 tips:

1. Remember technology & social networking isn’t a replacement for consistent and targeted marketing efforts. It is something that will enhance your efforts not replace them.

2. Set Realistic Expectations. Just because we live in an instant access culture, it doesn’t mean that sales will be instantaneous as well. Clients and consumers in general are much more hesitant to purchase online products from someone they don’t know and trust, and relationships take time. I’ve talked about expectations in life and how they can sabotage us and it goes for your business as well. Realistic expectations will save you a lot of stress.

3. Recognize the small gains are important and set you up for that tipping point of success. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you don’t be so quick to move on to the next best idea. Like relationships, it takes time to build your brand and customer funnel, it also takes time to fully develop a marketing strategy and rollout for a particular product/service. Set short-term goals, improve visibility and watch for increased traffic and engagement because these are all indicators that you are on the right track!

The biggest mistake I and other entrepreneurs make is that we move onto something else because we aren’t seeing an instant return on our efforts. “Success” is measured in so many more ways than the end result and we need to understand that it really doesn’t happen overnight.

Do you have any other tips you can share?

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, lifestyle blogger as well as a military life and teen suicide prevention expert. Co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com, Judy’s books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her websites are filled with tips, inspiration and resources for those looking for direction. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

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Military Life: The Struggle is Real by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

As I wait for my flight back to Missouri, I can’t help but laugh because the idea that I’m going “home” feels a bit like an oxymoron. Sure when we think about military life, home is where the heart is and you know I am a grow where you are planted kind of gal but today, in this moment, I call bullshit.

Don’t freak out, my next military lifestyle post will have some great tidbit that comes from working through it all but for today, my struggle is real. I’m living it and if I don’t share the reality that comes with my life as a military spouse, well… then this blog is just fluff and that’s not how I roll…

For me the absolute hardest part of being a military family is the distance it puts between me, my children and my family in general. I hate that from our latest duty station, I am 3 flights away from my daughter and her family, almost 700 miles from my son and even farther from extended family. I long for days to just be with them all doing the little things.

This past weekend I went to see my daughter and her family, we had an absolute perfect visit, but as I sit here waiting to board my plane I find I’m angry. I’m frustrated that our military life makes it’s just a visit rather than being an active participant in their daily lives. I want to have sleepovers where I can get to wake up snuggled up next to my granddaughter because she snuck into my room during the wee hours of the morning. I want to take my son soup as he fights the nasty flu bug he picked up and I want to spend the day just hanging with my daughter enjoying each others company.

And most of all I want to do it more often than once every quarter, in between a TDY, or enroute to our next duty station. I want a home life that in this moment seems like a distant dream – one that let’s me be more than just a visitor.

Yes, my struggle is real because as I read this I’m faced with the fact that my ideal isn’t the reality that goes hand in hand with military life. Instead of participating, I’m left with Skype chats, phone calls and text messages – and sometimes that just isn’t enough.

On one hand I love this life and the opportunities and experiences that aren’t available anywhere else, on the other I long for the life I envisioned to have when my kids grew up. A life where I am able to participate in their lives without miles separating us knowing that an early morning snuggle or giggle fest over “daddy spiders” is only a short moment away.

 

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, lifestyle blogger as well as a military life and teen suicide prevention expert. Co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com, Judy’s books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her websites are filled with tips, inspiration and resources for those looking for direction. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

 

 

 

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#ChevySalutes Military Life: Finding New Roads As We Serve

 

Growing up “in the D” (ok really a suburb of the D) we were raised to respect the big 3 auto companies.  Everywhere you looked the familiar roads were filled with American made cars, trucks and SUV’s.

It was a city where driving is a way of life, the Uniroyal Tire is a landmark, public transportation is minimal and patriotism runs deep. Many family, friends and neighbors put food on the table by working for one of these companies and many a dinner conversation become a debate on which company had superior products.

If you talk to my sister Mary (seen with her GM Ontario based team below) there was clearly a winner in General Motors and Chevrolet and she didn’t even know about their dedication to America’s military service members or their Military Discount program. What she did know was the employees at the Michigan based GM Tech Center would gather packages and letters to send to deployed troops showing their support. For us, we had no idea the commitment went so much farther than that until we started down the road less traveled and became a military family ourselves.

GM team from Ontario Canada

Like any new path our family was challenged to find ways to adjust to our new lifestyle. We had to navigate and find our way through many obstacles but the biggest adjustment was discovering how to make ends meet on a military budget. Some of the strategies that worked for us included:

Meal planning: By having a weekly plan we were able to make the most of the sales, eliminate wasted food, capitalize on creative uses for leftovers and reduce our spending.
Pay yourselves first: Putting aside even 10% of every check in cash for a rainy day is a great way to set yourself up for success. We make sure that we save enough into this slush fund to be able to cover  insurance deductibles, a last-minute plane ticket or any unexpected emergencies. Having this back up has saved us from having to resort to high cost short-term loans that so often cripple military families.
Needs ALWAYS before wants: I can’t tell you how important this was for me. As an admitted stress shopper, the military lifestyle gave me plenty of opportunities to let off some steam with a trip to the local shoe store. But this coping strategy backfired and left me struggling to make ends meet. By choosing to always put needs before wants we were able to balance the budget and keep our long-term goals on track.
Shop smart on the bigger purchases: One of the advantages of being a military family is that there are often amazing deals that can really help you save. From VA loans on mortgages to the incredible discounts like the one offered by Chevrolet during military appreciation month you can shop smart.

No matter what your challenge along the journey thru military life, there is always a route you can take that will lead you to success and happiness. Thankfully there are lots of support systems that can help you along the way and here are just a few from GM/Chevrolet.

Did you know:

In addition to the discounts from Chevrolet, if you purchase a car thru their program, USAA members also receive an additional $750 private offer.
GM employs nearly 5,000 veterans and has close to 45,000 current retirees who have served in the military
In July of 2014, General Motors along with the U.S. Army and Raytheon Company announced the Shifting Gears Automotive Technician Training Program. The Shifting Gears program provides eligible transitioning Army soldiers with skills to become service technicians at GM dealerships after they return to civilian life.

And if that wasn’t enough, starting today through May 17th you can win some incredible cash prizes by posting pictures and videos to Instagram using hashtags #ChevySalutes AND #FindNewRoads showing us how you and your military family are finding new roads each and every day

Don’t forget to connect with Chevrolet on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and follow the #chevysalutes #FindNewRoads hashtags or visit ChevySalutes.com to learn more about Chevrolet’s military discount program during Military Appreciation Month!

 

~This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Chevrolet via MSB New Media. The opinions and text are all mine.

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, lifestyle blogger as well as a military life and teen suicide prevention expert. Co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com, Judy’s books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for families and her websites are filled with tips, inspiration and resources for those looking for direction. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

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New Beginnings in Military Life by Hope Griffin

As many of you know I have been immersed with my son in the writing of our Living thru Crisis memoir. It is a project that is difficult  and important all at the same time. We are telling the story of our family’s journey through my son’s depression, addiction and suicide attempts in a raw, real and heartfelt way.

I’m so grateful that friends like Hope Griffin have been able to share their words of wisdom with me and my readers, and today’s guest post doesn’t disappoint.

New Beginnings in Military Life by Hope Griffin

Military life is ripe with the opportunity to start fresh, to begin again, to pick yourself up dust yourself off and move forward. We have not had the opportunity to move often. To some of you opportunity may seem strange but when we joined the Army what excited me the most was the opportunity to see the world, or at least the US for me and the kids. Somehow, 7+ years in, we are still at our first duty station.

I love the adventure of moving: new people, new local attractions, new scenery, new culture. It’s fun to explore. We are at a point now that I can tell you what business took up a location three hand offs ago. I know where the best piñatas are in town, the best margaritas, and the best street tacos. I’ve found my tribe of civilians and have planted myself firmly in the community. It’s a strange feeling. This is the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere consecutively.

We’ve entered PCS season which means notifications on my fb wall of others leaving, kids saying goodbye to friends, and tears that will be shed. But it also means new beginnings. It means new faces, new neighbors, new future friends. It’s an opportunity to learn more stories, open my heart to new friends, share my life with others that I would not have had the opportunity to otherwise. When a house empties of a forever friend it leaves room for another to enter.

New beginnings don’t have to bring dread. New beginnings are the opportunity to grow, to love more, to care more, and to allow new people in while never forgetting those who have moved on.

~~

Fort Bliss Military Spouse of the Year 2015 and AUSA General of the Army Omar N. Bradley Fort Bliss Family of the Year Hope N. Griffin writes about her experience as a military spouse. Hope has an MABS from Dallas Theological Seminary. She writes for various online magazines and blogs, both fiction and non. Hope currently serves as the Dir. of Family Ministries at First Presbyterian in El Paso, TX. Her free time is spent loving on her children, volunteering, and drinking coffee on the back porch with her soldier.

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Using Mobile Apps to Ease Depression and Anxiety by Judy Davis, The Direction Diva

Depression and Anxiety are conditions that many deal with to varying degrees at different times in their lives. From mild to sever, situational to manic, depression and anxiety can be an issue that all of us may have to deal with day in and day out.

In past posts I’ve talked about how to tell if you are almost depressed and have shared about my son’s battle with depression and addiction on Living thru Crisis. When I ran across a blog post a few weeks ago called 81 Awesome Resources When You Can’t Afford a Therapist I was surprised at how many resources there were available free or for a nominal fee. (see below for some of my favorites depression and anxiety apps)

What blew me away was the impact technology has had on behavioral/mental health treatment. From the use of video conferencing for medicine management (a solution to a shortage of Psychiatrists) to various websites, apps and social media  the management of symptoms using technology is helping the medical community treat and support those dealing with mental and behavioral health issues.

I personally love to use my smart phone (an HTC One M9 given to me as a member of the VZWBuzz team*) for apps like Breath2Relax and Happify to keep me balanced and thinking positively.  It’s speed, ease of use and incredible on the go accessibility makes it simple to keep an open and positive mindset.

Technology can really help fill in the gaps to mental health care and here are some of my favorite mobile Apps to use on the go: 

Mental Health Apps (Full list available Here)


ACT Coach

ACT Coach teaches users how to tolerate negative thoughts and feelings by virtually guiding them through awareness exercises and giving tips on how to ditch self-doubt. With an extra focus on mindfulness, this app also provides a log to track your progress. (Free; iOS)

Breathe2Relax

Sometimes, all we need to de-stress is take a few deep breaths. Created by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, this app teaches users how to do diaphragmatic breathing. Features include educational videos on the stress response, logs to record stress levels, and customizable guided breathing sessions. (Free; iOS and Android)

Depression CBT Self-Help Guide

Need help managing the blues? Monitor dips in your mood, learn about clinical depression and treatments, try guided relaxation techniques, and learn strategies to challenge negative thinking with this app. It’s all just a few taps and swipes away. (Free; Android)

eCBT calm

Implementing some of the many strategies of cognitive behavioral therapy, this app helps users assess their stress levels, practice mindfulness and relaxation skills, and connect their thoughts to feelings and behaviors. The end result is more calm in your everyday life and more awareness of your actions and emotions. ($0.99; iOS)

Happify

Want to kick negative thoughts, nix worry, and dial down stress? The array of engaging games, activity suggestions, and gratitude prompts makes Happify a useful shortcut to a good mood. Designed with input from 18 health and happiness experts, Happify’s positive mood-training program is psychologist approved. Even cooler? Its website links to bonus videos that are sure to make you smile. (Free; iOS)

How Are You

Tracking your moods can help you fight the blues and teach you to tune into positive things. That’s the premise behind this app. But as a bonus, it also allows you to compare your mood with worldwide averages, see which emotions you feel the most, and export your mood tracking data so you can share it with a mental health professional or trusted friend. ($9.99-$12.99; iOS and Android)

MindShift

This straightforward stress management tool helps users re-think what’s stressing them out through a variety of on-screen prompts. At the same time, the app encourages new ways to take charge of anxiety and tune into body signals. (Free; iOS and Andriod)

PTSD Coach

If you suffer from PTSD symptoms, this 24-hour tool that’s linked directly with support services is a valuable thing to download. Available as an app or on the Web, PTSD Coach lets users select the specific issue they want to deal with (from anxiety and anger to insomnia and alienation), and then gives them guidance on how to lift their mood, shift their mindset, and reduce stress. (Free; iOS and Android)

SAM

How do you know what’s pushing you over the edge and reel yourself back in? SAM’s approach is to monitor anxious thoughts, track behavior over time, and use guided self-help exercises to discourage stress. SAM takes it to the next level by offering a “Social Cloud” feature that allows users to confidentially share their progress with an online community for added support. (Free; iOS and Android)

Stop, Breathe, Think!

Got five minutes? That’s enough time to cultivate mindfulness, which can improve your mood, lower stress, and help you feel more compassion toward yourself and the world. Skeptical? Well, consider that mindfulness and happiness tend to go hand-in-hand. And as added incentive, this app can also improve your focus. (Free; iOS and Android)

Stress and Anxiety Companion

Sure, we know that releasing negative thoughts, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in mindful awareness is good for our wellbeing. But that doesn’t mean we actually do it. This app can help make the process a lot easier by guiding you through proven techniques to reduce those off-kilter thoughts and emotions while cultivating a much more present mindset. Additional features allow you to identify anxiety triggers to make sure they don’t catch you off guard. ($4.99; iOS)

Worry Watch

We all get anxious only to realize later our anxieties were overblown or irrational. The idea behind Worry Watch is to nip these moments in the bud. This app enables users to track what kick starts their anxiety, note trends in their feelings, observe when the outcomes were harmless, and keep tabs on insights to stop future freakouts. To lower your anxiety even further, Worry Watch is password protected—so whatever you divulge in the diary feature is safe and sound. ($1.99; iOS)

~~~

 — Judy Davis, the Direction Diva is a motivational speaker, author, and military lifestyle blogger as well as the co-founder of LivingThruCrisis.com. Her books Right Side Up  and Warning Signs: Is Your Teen at Risk are go to resources for military families and her website is filled with tips, inspiration and resources for those looking for direction. Connect with Judy at TheDirectionDiva.com

*As a member of the #VZWBuzz team I receive various devices and accessories and provide Verizon Wireless tips for military spouses. No additional compensation was given and all opinions stated are my own. As always whenever I talk about products you will get the real scoop not something someone asks me to write

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