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 Diane’s feature.
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“…[B]eing intentional about your personal wellness can be the best thing you can do for yourself when living this nomad life.”
Diane is a Navy wife, mom of two, and an entrepreneur. Through the years as military spouse, she has tried everything from cooking to crafting to help fuel her sense of self.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY AS A MILITARY SPOUSE.
I met my husband at church in the summer of 2006, immediately told him I didn’t date military, and we got engaged the following spring. He was in the early phase of his training as a Naval Aviator. We’ve been ping-ponging across the country ever since, having completed six moves thus far.
IF YOU ARE A HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPERT, TELL US ABOUT IT AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY.
I’m far from any kind of wellness expert, however, I’m a huge proponent, openly discussing issues that military spouses so often endure and how being intentional about your personal wellness can be the best thing you can do for yourself when living this nomad life.
WHAT IS ONE PERSONAL HABIT THAT CONTRIBUTES TO YOUR SUCCESS?
I set a plan in place that I couldn’t escape from. Before moving to our current duty station, I looked into personal trainers. Before we arrived, I had my first training session already scheduled. There were no excuses. No putting it off until we were settled. That takes too long. It’s exactly what I needed and I never miss a workout unless I’m incredibly ill or out of town.
WHAT WAS A LOW MOMENT WHEN YOUR HEALTH SUFFERED THE MOST AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
I’ve battled depression most of my life and have certainly endured bouts of depression throughout our 12-year journey in the Navy, but I hit a wall a few years ago that just about broke me. I got help from several incredible medical professionals who genuinely wanted to crack the code on finding the best combination of medications and therapies to help prevent the cycle of extremes I was in. It resulted in the development of my Sanity Plan, something that has saved me from myself several times now.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF SELF-CARE?
I love to play with my kids in the pool every afternoon in the summer. Swimming is a great way for all of us to burn off some steam and do something we all enjoy.
WHAT IS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE COMMUNITY?
Honestly, InDependent! I’ve discovered so many incredible resources through y’all that I love sharing.
IF YOU COULD RECOMEND ONE RESOURCE TO MILITARY SPOUSES, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert continues to be a book that I return to, it speaks to my soul. While I know so many people don’t necessarily think of themselves as creative, her manner of addressing fear in your life is truly phenomenal. As military spouses, we so often fear the unknown and it’s a constant struggle to juggle the constant change and who you are throughout the journey.
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ABOUT DIANE HELMER
Diane is a Navy wife, mom of two munchkins, native Texan, and creative entrepreneur. As a military spouse, she’s perused many different creative endeavors through the years to help fuel her sense of self. From cooking to crafting, Diane can make just about anything.
CONNECT WITH Diane
Facebook: Nomadic Nation Shop | Instagram: @thenomadicnationshop | Email: Nomadic Nation Shop
