I’m gearing up for another PCS, and while I could write an entire blog about the challenges that come with moving (and trust me, I will in the future), this post is all about finding the silver lining in the chaos of a PCS.
Each move to a new duty station brings the unique opportunity to start fresh, and I’ve found that every PCS has helped me grow in ways I never expected. It’s not just about packing up your belongings and heading to a new location… it’s a chance to reinvent yourself.
When you PCS, you get to decide what stays behind, and not just in terms of physical belongings, but also in your life. It’s a time to let go of the habits, routines, and even mindsets that no longer serve you, and to embrace the possibilities of a clean slate.
The process of moving to a completely different place has its challenges, but it’s also a powerful opportunity for transformation. Each move has shaped me into a stronger, more adaptable version of myself, and that’s something worth celebrating.
I was worried about moving my business and everything that comes with it, but it’s turning out to be a blessing in disguise because it’s forcing me to simplify the areas that have been causing me the most stress and refocus on what truly matters.
I own a small business called SweetEllaBella, a unique boutique that combines handmade and wholesale items, all inspired by a love for nature. The thought of handling the paperwork involved in my business, such as my LLC, taxes, wholesale accounts, and deciding whether to dissolve my LLC in Virginia and establish a new one in Kansas or switch back to a sole proprietorship, was overwhelming. I wasn’t sure when or how to tackle everything, and honestly, I was dreading it.
But after a helpful conversation with my tax advisor, who happens to live in Texas because, as a military spouse, you end up with “a person” in almost every state, I feel much better about it all. The process, while daunting at first, has turned into an opportunity to rethink and simplify my business. This revamp is exactly what SweetEllaBella needs right now, and with the knowledge I’ve gained, I can see how streamlining things will set my business on a better path moving forward.
The thought of having to overhaul everything in my business initially caused a lot of anxiety. The idea of switching up systems, reworking processes, and letting go of what I had built felt overwhelming. But now, I see it as exactly what I needed was a chance to trim the fat, so to speak, and make the necessary changes to help my business thrive. It’s an opportunity to identify and let go of the things that no longer serve my business, including the things that waste time and inefficiencies that have been holding me back.
Change is rarely comfortable, but it’s often the catalyst for growth. Facing these challenges head on has shown me how vital it is to embrace the discomfort and use it as a steppingstone toward something better. Simplifying my business and focusing on what truly matters will not only allow it to grow in the direction I’ve always envisioned but will also give me the clarity and energy to invest in the areas that matter most. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones, it happens when we face the hard things, make the tough decisions, and allow change to transform us into something better. This isn’t just a business adjustment; it’s a personal reminder that the uncomfortable moments often lead to the most significant progress.
Releasing old belongings that weigh you down creates space not just in your home but in your life for new opportunities and a lighter, more intentional way of living.
Getting rid of things is not just practical for moving; it is also a gift to your mental wellbeing. Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes to pack and less stress on moving day, but it goes deeper than that. Clutter in your home can create a sense of chaos and overwhelm, making it harder to focus and feel at peace. By letting go of the items you no longer need or love, you are not just clearing physical space; you are clearing mental space too. A decluttered home fosters a clearer mind, helping you feel more organized, balanced, and ready to embrace the new chapter ahead.
There are a few articles here in military mom collective that help with cleaning things out.
A PCS move is the perfect time to simplify habits and routines that no longer serve you.
A PCS move offers the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your daily habits and routines. As you pack up your life and prepare for a fresh start, it’s a chance to let go of patterns that may no longer align with your goals or bring you joy. Whether it’s a routine that feels more like a burden than a benefit or habits that drain your time and energy, this transitional period allows you to simplify and focus on what truly matters. By shedding these outdated practices, you can create space for healthier, more intentional routines that better serve you in your new chapter.
Here are a few that come to mind…
Putting Everyone Else First
While supporting your spouse and family is important, constantly neglecting your own needs and self care can lead to burnout and prevent personal growth. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Overcommitting
Taking on too many responsibilities, such as volunteering, social obligations, or family duties, can leave little time for self-improvement or pursuing personal passions. I am very guilty of this one…
Clinging to Comfort Zones
Avoiding new experiences, opportunities, or relationships in fear of change or rejection can limit personal and professional growth.
Relying Solely on Social Media for Connection
While it’s an easy way to stay connected, relying too much on social media for interaction can lead to isolation in real life and missed opportunities.
Adopting a “Martyr Mentality”
Feeling like you always have to “tough it out” and carry the load alone can prevent you from seeking help or delegating tasks when needed.
Procrastinating on Personal Goals
Constantly putting off personal aspirations due to the unpredictable military lifestyle can create a pattern of stagnation.
Focusing Solely on the Military Lifestyle
Becoming so immersed in military culture that you neglect building an identity or life outside of it can limit growth and adaptability when transitions come, such as retirement or PCS moves. You are more than a military spouse
Over planning and Over controlling
Trying to control every detail of an unpredictable lifestyle can lead to unnecessary stress and frustration when plans inevitably change.
Neglecting Financial Literacy
Relying on a stable military paycheck without building financial independence or savings for the future can limit long term growth and security.
Avoiding Asking for Help
Thinking you have to handle everything yourself or hesitating to seek help from the community can hinder growth and leave you feeling unsupported.
A life that feels lighter, more intentional, and better aligned with your current priorities. The PCS process is so much more than just moving boxes; it’s about moving forward. With each transition, you have the power to redefine who you are and how you want to live. So, embrace the discomfort, let go of what no longer serves you, and step boldly into the next chapter. Change may be challenging, but it also brings the gift of transformation—a chance to become not only a better version of yourself but also a more fulfilled and intentional one.
