Life’s a journey we were never meant to walk alone…we all need friends along the way!

You’ll hear this at the beginning of every episode of the Journeywomen podcast. Hunter Beless (follow her personal instagram here!) is founder and host of this encouraging resource for women to find community where they might not have any, while learning how to conquer life’s challenges and struggles that we all face.

Hunter brings relatable humans on the show to speak about topics from fitness to prayer, from fear to identity. Not only do I always learn something new about myself and my own life journey, but I feel like I make a new friend in every single episode. When I moved to a new place and felt lost without friends or community, this podcast was that for me!

Even better, Hunter is a military spouse and momma to two adorable little milkids. She GETS this life and she is able to see the wonderful in the crazy. Follow Journeywomen on insta here.

In light of Memorial Day, the newest Journeywomen podcast episode is all about navigating military life. Hunter hangs out with Megan Arnold who has been a military spouse for 19 years and stood by her husband, Bo, through 9 deployments.

“Hardships reveal where our heart’s are. They are testing grounds, a proving ground, for what are my idols right now.”

They talk about surviving this transient lifestyle, dealing with unmet expectations, and staying connected to our spouses despite the distances so often faced.

“I have to be willing to not expect anything from my husband in conversation.”

“I try not to think so much about what I’m missing out on, but look forward to what I have coming home to me eventually.”

I was so impacted by the conversation about focusing on what you can be to new people you meet rather than what other people can do for you. They say it’s like walking into a room full of people (or a new duty station full of new people!) and instead of saying, “Hello! I’M here, you’re welcome!” we listen and see how we can best serve others.

“There is blessing that occurs by getting inside other people’s lives. When you understand more of someone’s life your impression of them may change with time and effort.”

They also address the civilian world and help both sides learn how we can build relationship together and be stronger for it.

Some of the best questions Megan answered were:

• What motivates you to continue pursuing real friendships even though you know you’ll be leaving them soon?
• Can you befriend other women whom you might not naturally be drawn to?
• How do you and your spouse pursue oneness when you’re separate in proximity? Emotionally and Physically?
• What are some of the unforeseen blessings of the military lifestyle?

They cover so much more; this is just a taste!

One thing Hunter asks every guest is what their three simple joys are. From Target to Iced Coffee to tea on the front porch, so many simple things can bring us joy if we choose to see the good. So, comment below with your 3 simple joys to encourage each other today!

And while you’re going about your day, subscribe to the Journeywomen podcast on iTunes, grab some headphones, and listen to this episode on military life. You won’t regret it.

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