Navigating Life After Service: How Life Coaching Can Support Veterans In Transition
Empowering Veterans: Life Beyond Service
Returning to civilian life poses challenges both mentally and physically for men and women who have served in combat zones," shares Morfett Flores, a combat veteran who has experienced these challenges firsthand. This transition, often a period of significant change, requires adjustments in mindset and lifestyle. It's a journey I know all too well; I was one step away from being a statistic of the 22 a day veterans who take their own lives.
6-Week Program for Military Veterans
Mogressive Coaching offers a unique 6-week program tailored specifically for military veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
"I didn’t have a new mission in life after the Army, I was side-stepping, guessing at life, and was doing what everyone told me I should be doing. This program is a true reflection of the person who I am, and I’ve built the tools, techniques, approaches, & mindset to conquer anything life throws at you, confidently”
I reflect on my own journey. The program focuses on personal development areas like self-awareness, confidence, leadership, emotional intelligence, and resiliency. It's designed to provide veterans with the tools and mindset needed to navigate life’s challenges post-service effectively.
The Struggle of Reintegration
For many veterans, like Sergeant Morfett Flores, realizing that "war wasn’t the peak of my life" comes with its own set of challenges. This abrupt shift from a highly structured environment to a world that seems disorganized and isolating can be disorienting, leading to a sense of loss and confusion. It's a quiet battle we rarely talk about, the kind that almost had me become part of the 22 a day.
Mental Health Concerns
The mental toll of this transition can be severe. "In the public’s eyes, we are all heroes... but in reality, it’s the public who haven’t accepted or understood the mindset of a veteran," Flores remarks. Many veterans return with unseen scars, struggling with inner demons that society often misunderstands or ignores. This lack of understanding can exacerbate feelings of isolation, contributing to tragically high rates of veteran suicides.
Life Coaching as a Beacon
Here's where life coaching can play a crucial role. It offers a guiding light to those grappling with these transitions, providing empathy and understanding often missing in other programs. As someone who's been on the brink, I understand these struggles intimately. Mogressive Coaching differs from the support offered by the VA because it's grounded in personal experience — I've mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually navigated this life and come out on top.
Veteran's Voice:
"I suffered and accepted I was going to be a piece of shit working a shitty job hating life during my transition period,"
shares Lopez, a combat veteran and friend of Flores. Many veterans struggle with feelings of inadequacy and loss of purpose, making the transition not just a physical but a deeply emotional journey. This was a reality I nearly succumbed to, understanding those same thoughts and feelings that lead to the quiet battle we face. Rest in peace Lopez. Till Valhalla.
The Need for Comprehensive Support
Programs like the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) provide some support but often fall short of addressing the broader life skills needed for successful reintegration. Life coaching fills these gaps with personalized support, helping veterans rediscover their purpose and value beyond military service. It quiets the noise and frees the soul in ways that other programs can't replicate.
Understanding and Patience
As Flores states, "we must try to be sensitive to [veterans'] needs". A life coach specializing in veteran transitions can offer the understanding and patience needed, helping veterans navigate the complexities of their new civilian life. It's not just about finding a job or a place to live; it's about relearning how to live, interact, and find joy in a world that feels fundamentally different.
I Need Your Support $$$
For veterans facing this critical transition, remember, you're not alone. Embrace the journey with the help of life coaching. If you know a veteran, or if you are a struggling veteran yourself, reach out. Send them my way or forward them this article. I'm here to help all veterans, combat/non-combat. I understand how stressful life after the military can be and am dedicated to offering my support in making this transition as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
A referral fee $$$ will be sent your way for every enrolling client!
Essay Written by Morfett Flores