As 2025 winds down, I find myself reflecting on another incredible season with the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Military Spouse Writing Program. It’s the perfect time to pause, look back, and appreciate all the growth this past year has brought. From moving overseas to diving into topics far beyond my comfort zone, this journey has stretched me in ways I never expected.

Making a Difference

As a returning writer to the Military Spouse Writing Program, stepping into my second year felt both familiar and completely new. I knew what the program offered: support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. This year, however, I wanted to come back with a different perspective.

The moment we received orders to move overseas, I knew life was about to change drastically yet again. While I was truly excited to be in Europe, a wave of emotions washed over me as we began packing our entire lives into boxes: I was overwhelmed. And that’s why I wanted to continue with the program.

Over the years, writing has proven to be a powerful outlet for processing emotions in uncertain times. What truly motivated me to return, though, was knowing my stories could help someone else on the other side of the screen.

During my first year with the Military Spouse Writing Program, I learned how comforting it can be to read a story that mirrors your own, especially when feeling lonely, isolated, or stressed. I wanted to continue in hopes of being a source of connection for other military spouses who might be navigating similar doubts or transitions.

In my second year, I wanted to write with purpose and offer value, because I believe that our stories and experiences in this military life truly matter.

Diving Deeper

I remember last year’s biggest highlight for me was the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) workshop. This year, I returned with more knowledge and experience, but it was even more valuable when the team took us behind the scenes, delving into the deeper layers of SEO and the vital role strategy plays. For my own travel blog, these were priceless insights I immediately wanted to put into practice.

Then came the photography session. As an amateur photographer myself, I couldn’t wait to learn from the experts. From the artistry of pure creative composition to technical skills, I came out of that workshop more inspired than ever before.

Beyond the skill-based practice, though, the most significant growth this year was in my confidence as a writer. Without the need to “prove” myself, I could take more risks. I allowed myself to write about topics that I previously shied away from. Pushing past the surface-level ideas, I wanted to dive deeper into thoughts and emotions, even if they felt heavy. This year, I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness — it’s a bridge to connect.

Taking More Risks

Looking back, the standout moments came from the assignments that pushed me furthest outside my comfort zone. To explore these topics fully, I had to sit down with military members and their families and have some incredibly raw, honest conversations. I am immensely grateful to everyone who shared their personal stories of loss, sacrifice, and resilience with me.

One piece I was proud to cover was a topic not often discussed: building community and connection for single military members overseas. It is completely outside anything I have experienced, so I had to dive deeper to share other people’s stories — ones I truly believe are worth telling. Hearing service members open up about loneliness and the challenges they face without a built-in support system was eye-opening. Their honesty and vulnerability were real and powerful.

As a result, the biggest standout moment for me this year was learning that the most meaningful writing doesn’t always come from within your own experiences. Sometimes, it comes from your willingness to learn, listen, and step into someone else’s story with respect and empathy. That lesson will continue to guide me on my writing journey.

From a Writer to a Storyteller

On a personal level, the Military Spouse Writing Program gave me a space to process a major transition in our lives as a military family: moving overseas. While sharing some of these challenges in my writing, I was able to reflect, stay grounded, and be more mindful of our experience. It reminded me that what is truly important is being together and spending quality time as a family, a value that has been at the core of our family since the day we said “I do.”

Beyond personal growth, this year brought a new layer of real advancement in my confidence as a writer. I became a lot more intentional, aiming not just to be a writer but a storyteller. I wanted to learn not only how to approach sensitive subjects, but also how to deliver them with empathy and respect so that others in the military community feel seen and connected. This is a skill I am eager to continue working on far beyond this program.

Learn More About ASYMCA’s Support for Military Families

The Military Spouse Writing Program is just one of many ways the ASYMCA empowers and uplifts military families through connection, personal growth, and support. From childcare services to food assistance and youth development programs, the ASYMCA works year-round to strengthen military life at every stage.

Curious about how you can benefit from or support programs like this?

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