Life Lessons – Military Appreciation Month:
Christi Smith
(Rene’s note: Did you know May is National Military Appreciation Month? Well it is! You know, in the news when we talk about our troops, we typically see photos of the service member but there are a whole lot of people standing by supporting them on a personal level. For the month of May, GoodEnoughMother.com is going to be spotlighting some of the families who are doing just that! If you’d like to be a part, please email jackie@goodenoughmother.com.)
Are you happy at the moment?
Yes. I’ve been handed a few roadblocks recently, and sometimes it can be discouraging.
But man…. Life is still pretty great.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16 year old self now – what would it be?
You will lose sometimes. And that’s ok. You’re stronger than you let yourself believe and despite the ugliness you’ve seen in this world, your heart is still beautiful. Do not be ashamed of it. Let it shine.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
To ask for what I want or need. People aren’t mind readers; if I want something I need to say so. Surprisingly, once the words are “out there”, support and love are given. That’s a wonderful feeling.
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I’ve started working on my “dream project” to help military spouses improve their employment opportunities and make their lives better. It’s all about women coming together to overcome the obstacles their faced while their husbands are serving in the military. I want this dream to be successful.-Not just for me, but for the spouses and women in general.- We need to show the world we are not our circumstances. We can-and will overcome when we work together.
What’s your secret to happiness?
When you’re down, do something kind for someone else. Hold a door open for a stranger, bring a friend a cup of coffee; no kind action is too small. It will brighten your day.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Girls Night Out! It’s usually like a dinner with the group or wine at a friend’s house. They keep me sane, empower me and remind me how clumsy I am all in one night.
What’s your biggest regret?
A few years ago I had a “crazy stalker” moment with another military spouse. She would-
no joke- follow my friends home then slash their tires, key their vehicles, and while I can’t prove it, I’m pretty sure she kidnapped my dog once. Random strangers would come up to me at my kids school and say “What’s up with ____? I don’t even know her and she came up to me when you walked by and said ‘I’m going to destroy her life’.”
It was terrifying. Because of it, I retreated from my friends. Stopped volunteering, just disappeared from the world for a good 2 years.
My biggest regret is that I gave up on me out of fear from her actions. While my response was legitimate, I never should have let her have that power over me.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
That it’s ok to (respectfully) stand up for yourself and have an opinion. Even with adults. The trick is learning how to state your feelings/needs in a way that gets things accomplished.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I’m a smoker! Man do I wish I didn’t smoke! I’m the only one in my main group of friends that smokes too. It’s awful.
Aside from motherhood and marriage, what are you most proud of in your life?
Finishing my 1st of what will hopefully be 3 degrees. That’s not an easy task with 3 kids.
When were you happiest?
Now I guess…. Even at it’s worst, this is the best it’s ever been.
What ten words best describe you?
Optimistic. Kind. Genuine. Encouraging. Creative. Loyal. Understanding. Beautiful. Clumsy. Hilarious.
What’s the most important thing you want civilians (or public) to know about Military families?
We don’t need your pity; just your support.
My name is Christi. I’m 33 years old, I’ve been married to my Marine for just over 14 years now. We have 3 beautiful children ages 12,11 and 2. I am a recent college graduate (so I still love saying that!) who up till last week work as a event coordinator for a private club. We currently live in Yuma, AZ.
I’m clumsy, loud and forgetful. I’m also very stubborn. But my intentions are good, and I wake up everyday eager to take on the next “save the world” project. I’ve seen a lot of darkness in my life, but I’ve also seen a lot of love. It’s the love that makes me better, (Present tense, I’m always working on it) and keeps me trying.
