If Only Life Was As Easy As Boot Camp

I remember boot camp like it was yesterday. I remember every push-up and every squat thrust. I remember every step of every run. I remember every drop of spit that flew out of my company commander's mouth as he was screaming words that I cannot write here at me. I remember starting to become hyper-aware of my surroundings because of the paranoia I had from some red rope coming out of nowhere and handing me my behind for only God knows what reason.  

I am now 28 years removed from those days in Orlando. I had a great time in while in the Navy, and life has had it's up and down since then, but here is the bottom line, just like boot camp, in hindsight, it wasn't as bad as though it was. Life, as you are transitioning might seem like boot camp; the confusion, the uncertainty, the adjustment to a new way of speaking, a new way of dressing, so many changes that are pulling in you in so many different directions.  I'm not even going to bring up the challenges of trying to find a job or going back to school.

The point of this is, in hindsight, you will realize that during this time of transition, just like boot camp, will be full of challenges, mistakes, and most importantly, growth. You will struggle, seek advice, and be taught new skills which you will in turn master. You will get words of wisdom from those who have gone before, and you will get some venom from those who chose not to put in the work to make their transition successful. At the end of the day, when you look in the rearview mirror, you will have some pretty good memories from this time. Make sure that you take a little bit of time to enjoy the process. Boot camp wasn't that bad, and neither is transitioning.