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Summer PCS'ing

Summer brings a lot of things with it...sun, heat, BBQs, pool time, outdoor adventures, vacation and, for those of us in the military, PCSs.  Granted, since we aren't your typical military family - as a Guard family, PCSs haven't been a traditional part of our lives in quite a while.  The last time we had to PCS was nearly a decade ago when I still had a MySpace account and Facebook was just opening up to those of us who didn't have a .edu email account.

So, when my family recently had to do a PCS, things were a little different.  Not only was I able to find information on the base website, but I was able to ask questions to other milspouses through numerous Facebook pages and groups.  Where to send kids to school?  How is base housing?  What is there to do in the area?  And, where do you get your hair done?  But, there's still one question that's hard to ask over social media and still a very relevant question for anyone moving - even outside of PCSs...

Will you be my family's friend?

Making friends over summer vacation is tough.  It's tough for kids who aren't yet involved in local schools or extracurricular activities, and it's tough for adults who are busy trying to unpack belongings and set up a new life - no matter how temporary it may be.  Summer is the time when a lot of people take vacation, so new neighbors aren't always home.  And, we've lost a bit of the hospitality that I grew up with.  I can't tell you the last time that I either received or gave a housewarming present or treat to a new neighbor.

Too often, we become concerned over the busyness of our own lives.  We often think that our plate of friends is full, so we don't need to add any more...no matter if the plate is based on online friendships or in reality.  Too often, we just assume that we'll say "hi" tomorrow...and then 'tomorrow' never comes.

But, what happens when we set aside our own insecurities, busyness and discomfort to make new friends?  Often times, we grow our network of people that we can call on - even if just to ask for a cup of sugar.  Or, you could find yourself facing the person who will become the newest rock in your new home's foundation.

So, for those of you who are in the midst of transition in your lives and/or location, I encourage you to take a leap of faith and introduce yourself to the people around you - whether you've just moved to a new location or you've been there for ages.  Step outside - literally.  You can simply bring the gift of a smile on your face and a handshake to say, "It's nice to meet you."




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