On Friday evening I said farewell to an incredible group of Stroller Warriors® friends— people who poured joy into my cup for 23 months. I wish I had more time with them! So many tears rolled down my cheeks, and many sweaty hugs were exchanged before we parted ways.
My daughter asked, “Why are you crying, are you sad? No, I was not sad. In fact, my heart overflowed with love and gratitude for the opportunity to form deep-rooted friendships with individuals that continuously inspire me through their dedication, unique stories, and journeys— in running and military world. These friends all continue to cultivate a growth mindset within the military spouse community, especially within the Stroller Warriors community.
Running is a vulnerable sport— as runners, we spend countless hours sharing miles with our running friends all while engaging in heartfelt and meaningful conversations. We share aspects of our lives that we would not normally share in a typical setting, then multiplied by 100 because we military spouses make friends at a speedy pace.
My daughter asked, “Why are you crying, are you sad? No, I was not sad. In fact, my heart overflowed with love and gratitude for the opportunity to form deep-rooted friendships with individuals that continuously inspire me through their dedication, unique stories, and journeys— in running and military world. These friends all continue to cultivate a growth mindset within the military spouse community, especially within the Stroller Warriors community.
Running is a vulnerable sport— as runners, we spend countless hours sharing miles with our running friends all while engaging in heartfelt and meaningful conversations. We share aspects of our lives that we would not normally share in a typical setting, then multiplied by 100 because we military spouses make friends at a speedy pace.
For me, it is the miles shared on the pavement— running, jogging, or walking with my Stroller Warriors friends that allowed me to open my heart, and to be vulnerable both physically and emotionally. During my very last run of hill repeats in the heat and humidity, I wanted to stop, but my Strollers Warriors friend kept me motivated and stuck by my side until we completed the run. Physically, I achieved my running goal, while I emotionally broke through a wall of self-doubt and nervousness about the upcoming changes with PCS. The shared conversation and teamwork element with my Stroller Warriors friend is what propelled me forward and helped me realize that “I’ve got this”— not only during my run, but also as I move onto the next military chapter.
I have found that one amazing characteristic unique to Stroller Warriors is the constant and overflowing amount of love that carries from one chapter to the next. The bond with Stroller Warriors friends from previous chapters remains strong. We are an organization that is one of a kind— supporting the military spouse community through the sport of running and encouraging each other to find strength through their vulnerabilities. This is a brilliant method that fosters growth despite the continuously changing environment experienced in military life! I encourage everyone to look up Stroller Warriors chapter when they PCS to the next duty station. Trust me, it will be worth it!
I have found that one amazing characteristic unique to Stroller Warriors is the constant and overflowing amount of love that carries from one chapter to the next. The bond with Stroller Warriors friends from previous chapters remains strong. We are an organization that is one of a kind— supporting the military spouse community through the sport of running and encouraging each other to find strength through their vulnerabilities. This is a brilliant method that fosters growth despite the continuously changing environment experienced in military life! I encourage everyone to look up Stroller Warriors chapter when they PCS to the next duty station. Trust me, it will be worth it!
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