#thisiswhataveteranlookslike

[worldofmelody]

This July I retired from the military. My last months felt like a mad dash to the end. Retiring while overseas during COVID made it extra interesting. A lot of uncertainty added to my stress. The dust settled and I officially started my next chapter in Kuwait. As I shed my military skin during the "transition phase." I often ask myself, what do I want to leave behind? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ...for more, see blog post, link in bio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 by @no_luggage THU WEDEKIND ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #mentalhealth #military #productivity #clearmind #declutter #timemanagement #retirement #newbeginning #melodyhmitchell #newchapter #kuwait #madrid #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #optionb #leanin #leaninkuwait #lireagram #themindedit #blogpost #spain #veteran @leanin @leaninkuwait @soroptomistkuwait #manageyourmind @manageyourmind #soroptimistkuwait #clearingclutter ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sent via @planoly #planoly (at Kuwait City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGUkoGts0hh/?igshid=gvqm0s0pbenl

[venusinorbit]

Happy Veterans Day to my favorite vets @the_paula_pea and @miamidownanddirty ✨🇺🇸✨ pic taken at #ConeyArtWalls with art by @nychos in the background. I’d like to take a moment to honor military veterans like Dave and Paula who sacrificed a lot so we can keep our American ideals alive. Did you know that according to the Council of Foreign Relations, our military is quite diverse, with 43% of men and 56% of women are Hispanic or a racial minority and one in five enlisted members and officers are women, reflecting the diversity we see in the U.S. society today? Send some love to a veteran today! 💕💖💕 #veterans #veteransday #military #airforce #thisiswhataveteranlookslike (at Coney Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqFeVaJB3Eg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=i4awjrylljh7

[worldofmelody]

This July I retired from the military. My last months felt like a mad dash to the end. Retiring while overseas during COVID made it extra interesting. A lot of uncertainty added to my stress. The dust settled and I officially started my next chapter in Kuwait. As I shed my military skin during the "transition phase." I often ask myself, what do I want to leave behind? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ...for more, see blog post, link in bio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 by @no_luggage THU WEDEKIND ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #mentalhealth #military #productivity #clearmind #declutter #timemanagement #retirement #newbeginning #melodyhmitchell #newchapter #kuwait #madrid #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #optionb #leanin #leaninkuwait #lireagram #themindedit #blogpost #spain #veteran @leanin @leaninkuwait @soroptomistkuwait #manageyourmind @manageyourmind #soroptimistkuwait #clearingclutter ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sent via @planoly #planoly (at Kuwait City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGUkoGts0hh/?igshid=gvqm0s0pbenl

[worldofmelody]

"Congratulations on your approved retirement effective 07/01/2020." With this notification, it is real, retirement is happening! After joining the United States Air Force in 2000, I hit 20 years in 2020. Time flies when you are having fun... I am grateful for all of my experiences, the people I’ve met, and all that has shaped me into the person I am today. I am officially on the steps to my future. I knew I wanted to retire, but it was tough to decide exactly when. The last decision was between extending another year and retiring in 2021 or launching in 2020. There were pros and cons to both paths, ultimately I decided to take the less safe path and go for the next chapter in life. Why prolong the decision? Now within less than a year of my departure window...I feel exhilaration and a side of terror. Stepping into uncharted territory and pushing myself out of the comfort zone of the only career I have ever known. What is next?! Stay tuned, you and I will see! Additional thoughts on preparation, intuition, and being open don't fit here so check out my blog to read more. Link in bio. #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #iserve 📸 by @noluggage THU WEDEKIND Photographer - She’s amazing! We took these photos in #Madrid #Spain May 2019 #militarylife #retirement #militarylifestyle #veteran #veteransday #planningforthefuture #militarywomen #usaf #usairforce #future #womenempowerment #leanin #shitisgettingreal #chapters #steps #onthebrink #agoodlife #itsbeenreal #springinspain #noluggage #thuwedekind #elretiropark #leaninregram @leaninorg @leaninkuwait (at Madrid, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uFfz_B0PU/?igshid=umxykwr4cdtk

[worldofmelody]

Bucket list item soon to be checked...How I Made My Own Black Passport. On 27 April 19 in Kuwait, check out @tedxauk for details. Tickets are selling fast! This is one of those daydreams I dared to share in a @leaninkuwait meeting. I went last year and @beesgogreen77 & @dramatherapykuwait inspired me to want to do the same #canbewhatyoucansee. I’m so excited! Now back to preparing... #tedxtalks #leanin #leaninkuwait @leaninorg #tedxauk @usembassyq8 @usairforce #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #myblackpassport #circlesistersupport #dreamscometrue (at Kuwait) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwU2sqShZlQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1osknvk1wl0pa

[worldofmelody]

Today marks 19 years from raising my right hand and joining the Air Force. It has been an amazing journey and I’m grateful to my young self for joining by intuition. I recall first meeting my fellow ROTC brethren, instantly I felt connected by the sense of service and camaraderie. When I entered the @issue force /military I knew I found my tribe because I met the most remarkable people all over the world. We are part of the 1%, it’s not for everyone, but I’m forever thankful this calling was for me. Had no idea I would stay this long and love it so much. Since most of our pictures are in storage, the oldest pic I could find was from November 2002, it paired well with last year’s #USMCball pic so here is my #16yearchallenge 😜 #mypeople #mytribe #airforce #military #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #veteran #militarywomen #airforcewomen #messdress #leanin #leaninmilitary #leanindod @leaninkuwait #leaninkuwait #timeflies #adventure #womenveteran https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs4edUnhhiz/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11mwzn5tmykhp

[worldofmelody]

Happy Veterans Day. I stand with my brothers and sisters in arms - going on 19 years! To those who served and those in service, I salute you. I’m grateful to be a part of the 1% that serve. #veteransday #veteran #onepercent #thankyou #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #iserve #airforcewomen #sistersinarms #military #womensupportingwomen #followyourdreams #militarywoman #usafwof #militaryadventures #servicebeforeself #airman #usaf #usairforce #airforce #sistersinservice #militarylife #thisiswhatafeministlookslike #weservetoo #leanin #leanindod #leaninmilitary #leaninveteran #dod #womensupportingwomen https://www.instagram.com/p/BqDOTPth0w5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hq8f78sjwidi

[worldofmelody]

Off to the ball! Yes, we’re late! 😜 #kuwaittime #happybirthdaymarines #marineball2018 #usemmbassykuwait #intotherainwego #thisiswhataveteranlookslike #airforcewomen #militaryball #military #alldressedup #likeaboss #kuwaitlife https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp9x0tHBs30/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ap5hbj5y445x

[worldofmelody]

Have a Ghastly Halloween!!! I’ve always said instead of a #restingbitchface a have a #restingiwillkillyouface #grrrlpower #whyismile #happyhalloween #funwithfilters #halloween2018 #thisiswhataveteranlookslike https://www.instagram.com/p/BpmiatWhFtA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d7f7z6gxser5