I’m all for having goals during deployment – whether it’s to start a new hobby, eat healthier or run a half-marathon (my personal goal!). But not until after the first week.

There’s too many emotions/stress/anxiety that first week. Do try to stay on track, but don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t happen. My co-workers know that I watch what I eat and try to stay healthy, but I told them the first week my honey was gone was a freebie. After that week, they were completely allowed – and expected – to call me out if they saw me doing something I normally wouldn’t do.

In all honestly, the first week my honey was gone, I was asleep by 8 p.m. and totally craving carbs. That’s my “comfort” zone. That’s where I go/what I do when I’m feeling anxious or nervous or worried. (All feelings that come up when you’re waiting for the “I have arrived” call.) It’s totally normal.

The first week is definitely “survivor” week. You’re not really living; you’re surviving. You’re not thriving; you’re surviving. You’re going through the motions. Even with all the technology, I was terrified I’d miss a call from him. If I could have, I would have sat and stared at my phone, willing it to ring. But, I couldn’t. I had to work. I had to do laundry. I had to cook.

In fact, the day I got the “I’m here” call, I had debated whether or not to go to the grocery store. (Quite silly to think of when my phone had been permanently attached since I last saw him.) I remember standing in my living room debating. What if I go and I don’t have service? Well, he’ll leave a message if he calls. If you DON’T go, you’re gonna starve.

Of course, I got the call while grocery shopping. Would I rather have had a quiet place to talk to him? Yes. But I was just thrilled to hear his voice. It really didn’t matter where I was. And I then still had food for the week.

Give yourself some slack the first week – or two. But then, it’s time to get down to business.