← The Waiting Warriors Podcast
Dec 12, 2023 · 41 min
In this episode, two military spouses Michelle Bowler and Shannon Leyko, talk about the importance of embracing individual normality and not conforming to societal standards in one's personal journey, especially in the military community. A crucial topic is discussed where the speaker shares a personal story of experiencing grief and the importance of taking time to heal and grieve. The conversation then shifts to welcoming the journey of motherhood, adopting, and raising children as a military spouse. They also touch on topics like relationships, careers, fitness, living as military spouses, and more. A key theme in this conversation is learning and relearning that normalcy varies for different people and that's okay. In the end, embracing your individual journey and having control over your life is what truly matters. Get Shannon's Book Here: https://amzn.to/3Ri0Jwi https://www.theexpertbeginner.com/ Connect with Shannon: https://www.instagram.com/shannonleyko/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== Chapters: 00:00 Welcome Back to the Waiting Warriors Podcast 00:14 The Journey of Healing and Reconnecting 01:40 Introducing Guest Shannon Leyko 01:49 Shannon's Life as an Author and Mother 02:22 The Unique Story of Shannon's Family 03:31 The Inspiration Behind Shannon's Book 05:02 Shannon's Personal Journey as a Military Spouse and Lessons 06:40 The Impact of Moving to Alaska Because of the Military 12:01 The Importance of Living in the Moment As A Military Spouse 15:02 The Role of Relationships in Military Spouse Life 18:28 Adoption and Cultural Differences 20:17 Embracing Our Weirdness and Building Relationships as a Military Spouse 20:38 The Struggle of Making New Friends as a Military Spouse 21:29 Overcoming the Awkwardness of New Relationships Between Military Spouses 22:22 The Misconception of Being 'Behind' in Life for Military Spouse 22:43 The Power of Realizing 'Normal' Difficulties of Military Spouse Life 23:27 The Importance of Taking Control of Your Military Spouse Life 24:28 The Struggles and Triumphs of Balancing Motherhood and Career 24:37 The Power of Taking Control and Making Friends 25:25 The Importance of Inviting Yourself and Taking Initiative as a Military Spouse 29:29 The Journey of Losing Weight While Balancing Life 32:15 The Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Military Spouse 36:34 The Importance of Creating Your Own Normal as a Military Spouse 37:04 The Importance of Celebrating Everyday Life 38:01 The Power of Gratitude and Celebrating Small Wins 41:00 The Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Military Spouse