A Month of Gratitude, Day 16 - The Smart Sailor

Monday, December 16, 2013
There are a lot of benefits to young people coming of age in the Armed Forces. You're forced into a cultural norm that may be foreign to you. The structured environment frees you to spend your energy on other things. It teaches the discipline that's required for all successful adults, where you do the things that need to be done, whether you want to do them or not.

And it provides a clean break from your birth family, an opportunity to find your own way without the influence of those who raised you.

Over the last several years, I have watched from afar as my son, the Smart Sailor, has continued his journey of personal growth while serving in the U.S. Navy. Gone is the slouchy, sullen boy who made bad choices and lacked even the rudiments of discipline in his daily life. Instead he's been working on becoming the person he wants to be, the person he thinks is worthy of respect. He's working out what his priorities should be, and how he wants to live his life.

Today I'm grateful that my son has the desire to engage in introspection, and the sensitivity to understand that if you don't like yourself or your life, then you're the one who needs to change.

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well-said! All three of my sons were in the military. I know what you're talking about!

RETA@ http://evenhaazer.blogspot.com