The Wellness Spotlight series highlights military spouses and their real world health and wellness journeys in a Facebook live series. Below is an excerpt of Christin’s feature.
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“You will never find me acting like it’s selfish to take care of yourself.”
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A MILITARY SPOUSE?
My military journey started in 2010 when I met my husband in our hometown. We attended the same high school (several years apart), but never met until he returned from a deployment and I was conveniently home for the 4th of July and at the same bar. I was running the Children’s Department of a public library system in upstate South Carolina when we married, so as most military spouses, I left the job to start a new chapter. I have my masters degree in Library information Science (MLIS) with a focus on youth services and baby brain development. I am most passionate about early literacy and get such joy leading a baby story time at my local library here in Southern Pines. While I love public libraries, it’s the politics/budgets/schedules/meetings involved that are draining. Thankfully, the success of my wellness business affords me the income to only pop in and do story time (which I love most) and continue to grow my passion of helping others create a healthy life they love.
Becoming a military spouse changed my views on wellness and success when I realized so many of us give up professions to move with our service members. My wellness journey began about the same time as this realization. Spouses deserve to have fulfilling careers and should be able to significantly contribute to our family finances. Wanting an opportunity to change more than myself, I dove into yoga, changed my nutrition completely, started helping others do the same, and experienced a whole mind-body transformation.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED ANY HIGHS OR LOWS AS A MILITARY SPOUSE?
The lowest point I’ve experienced as a military spouse was mentally preparing myself for my husbands return from a thirteen month deployment. Sounds crazy, I know. Sending him off was so painful, but the anxiety of what life would look like upon his return proved to be the hardest experience I’ve faced. I spent that year focused on building a successful business, personal development and travel; confronting the changes that I would have to make was (and still is) a struggle. I found that as I spoke to other women who have been through a deployment, it is something so many experience, but we know little on how to prepare ourselves. I took to exercising more frequently, talking with friends and making sure I was fueling my body correctly. While I don’t believe there is any quick fix for holistic health, I’ve felt always best when my mind and body are well cared for. Personally, this means protein shakes, hot yoga, no gluten and watching my alcohol consumption. I don’t use ‘balance’ as a model for life, I continually strive for ‘alignment’.
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“I don’t use ‘balance’ as a model for life, I continually strive for ‘alignment’.”
WHAT IS ONE PERSONAL HABIT THAT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR SUCCESS?
I believe educating myself is the best thing I can do for my own wellness. I invest time in researching the science behind nutrition and listen to my body. I pay attention to ingredients and where my food is sourced. Before changing my diet, I didn’t know the difference between a simple and complex carb, but I learned and help others see the simplicity and ease of making a shift is so much fun! Wellness is just as much mental as it is physical to me which is why I will continue to invest in ‘me’ time, writing and coffee with girlfriends. Throw out “selfish” from your vocabulary and take time for “self-care”.
WHAT IS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY?
Get to know your local farmers and resources. I have loved finding the best places for fresh produce and have met some phenomenal individuals by simply exploring my town and surrounding area.
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND ONE BOOK TO MILITARY SPOUSES, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Asking a librarian to choose her favorite book is like asking a parent to chose their favorite child. An author that has helped me a lot is Brene Brown and her work on vulnerability. I did read a great book when I was on a dive trip in St. Lucia called “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero. Secrets of a Millionaire Mind is a book that has provided great insight professionally.
(Purchases using the link above will help InDependent cover administrative costs for our programs at no extra cost to you!)
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“I believe educating myself is the best thing I can do for my own wellness. I invest time in researching the science behind nutrition and listen to my body. I pay attention to ingredients and where my food is sourced.”
ABOUT CHRISTIN DAUBERT
Christin Daubert a first generation American, military spouse and small business owner. She lives in the adorable town of Southern Pines, NC with her husband and two pets. Christin is a classically trained Children’s Librarian, but found her purpose and passion as a wellness business owner helping people take back control of their health. Besides getting to know her local community, she loves to travel and will always find a hike wherever she goes.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTIN
Instagram: @christindaubert | Facebook: Christin Daubert | Web: www.christindaubert.com | Email: christindaubert@icloud.com
