Cultural Change

Sometimes, it’s hard adjusting back into civilian life. A returning Vet needs to re-acclimate himself/herself with remembering how the civilian life is different than service life, the job hunts begin, possibly going back to school, connecting with civilian friends who don’t realize what the veteran went through while in service, living life in a different (often somewhat more relaxed) environment possibly with a family, or possibly alone. Sometimes, the vet isn’t ready to talk about his/her experiences to someone in his/her “new” culture, perhaps because of the endured experiences or because the civilian has a difficulty in understanding the military lifestyle (especially if the person was never in the military) Another vet would at least have an idea of what it was all about in the “old” life.

 

Changing cultures is difficult for everyone. Much is added and much is given up. If we add the adaptation to a new life by someone who also has to get used to a new disabling condition, the feeling of aloneness and difficulty in that cultural change can be intensified. As a human, we all need someone who can identify with us, understand “where we’re coming from”, or have shared some of our cultural experiences from that “previous” life.

 

Change isn’t easy. Change can take a while to accomplish. Change takes effort, and can sometimes be challenging. However, with someone who understands, that time frame could be lessened and the road made easier. We can take up this challenge if we want to make the cultural change a reality. We can succeed.

 

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Fitting in Again Blog

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

So often, we don’t see a change in ourselves when we come back home – from boot camp, an extended time away from our (family) home, deployment, or a final time after leaving the service to our country. However, there is a change. Others see it outwardly in the things we do or say. Sometimes they see an inward change through our attitudes, thought processes, or behaviors. We didn’t realize how fast we have grown into the person we had become. Sometimes we think that others have changed (not us). Could it be that changes have occurred in all of us (them and us)? Coming to terms with changes is not always easy. We might feel like we’re trying to be a “square peg being fit into a round hole.” Conversations that came easier before are not always so now.

 

There are times you really don’t want to talk about your experiences. There are other times you do – but only with someone who understands. Conversations become filtered. Things that you thought were relevant before might not be as relevant now.

 

You’re not alone. There are many brothers and sisters out there that still have your back. Seek your “family” connections and networks. We at Hidden In Life would be honored to help if you would want someone there to help in your transition challenges. 

 

Contact me for your free consultation by visiting my contact page. Message me today to find out how I can help you.