2) You may find yourself incredibly passionate about issues that face this country, especially political, when you never were before.

I’ll admit, I never was a politically passionate individual. I was never in the ‘Young Republicans or Democrats’ groups that populates so many high schools and universities. As a people-pleaser, I often tend to shy away from polarizing arguments, instead concentrating on a story that will make people laugh, a moment of brevity.

But when I married someone in the military, every law, every bill, everything that passed on the floor of Congress really seemed to matter, because I could see directly how it was affecting me, my family, my friends and my peers in the military world.

I love it. It has given me a new drive toward life and makes me feel like more of a participant in our government and our country. No longer do I sit back and follow the masses, but I head out and call my Congressman or woman, participate in marches, I am vocal and I am PASSIONATE. I research bills and laws and interact with those who are directly affected.

At first, my civilian friends thought I’d gone off the deep end. Some probably still do. As a people-pleaser, this isn’t always easy. But, don’t shirk away from voicing your opinion- it matters.

You’ll never know how many people you can inspire if you keep silent.