After leaving the military, Veterans sometimes need to reconnect with their families and friends, finding their way back home after years in the military.
And the best way to do that is to spend time together – to find that solid ground and build on relationships. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy, but time away from appointments, work, and other duties is time to be together. Starting small can help decrease any stress or pressure, so you can enjoy the time together.
Go outside
Exploring the outside is a great way to spend time together. Take a walk around the block, go to a local park for a short walk and a picnic.
Slow down, look at the flowers, the scenery — and just enjoy being together.
If you’d rather take a bicycle, go on an after-work bike ride around the neighborhood. Consider a trip to a local restaurant on your bikes. Getting outside can settle your mind; spending time together can create special memories to ease the harder days.
Learn about your new state
While military members move frequently, Veterans are creating permanent homes – some for the first time in decades.
It’s time to explore some of the new state or new town you call home. Or — if you’ve lived there before — rediscover some of your favorite places.
Visit local museums that specialize in art or history. Go to the zoo. Take the day in small doses, spend an hour or two, then relax at home.
Game nights
For those on a budget, togetherness doesn’t have to equal spending a lot of money. Stay home and plan a family game night or a fun movie night. Make it a tradition: Decide who’s in charge of the snacks and the games and rotate it so everyone gets a chance to plan the activity. Make it a monthly occasion – no phones or screens allowed!
Cooking or baking together
Food is a great way to bring people together. Try out a new recipe each month, host a theme night, or plan a bake-off competition. It can be as involved and intricate as each individual wants it to be: Pizza Night, Taco Night or a family feast straight out of Lord of the Rings. (yes, this is a thing; recipes are online.)
Give Back – together
Find a cause everyone loves and then volunteer as a group. Love animals? Walk dogs at a local shelter. Want to help the less fortunate? Volunteer at a food pantry. Want to help other Veterans? Contact your local nonprofit focused on Veterans and offer your skills. Together, you and your friends and family can make a difference. Even if it’s just cleaning up a hiking trail or helping out a neighbor.
Hit the Road
Explore the state’s local festivals and events. Take a drive outside your city or town, visit the beach, the mountains or the countryside. Just a casual drive together can make fun family memories.
Arts and Crafts
Create special memories and lasting keepsakes for those times when you are apart. Create memory albums, decorate your home with seasonal crafts or set up your own “paint and sip” party to create a masterpiece to hang on the wall. Even something easy or silly could be a way to break the tension.
Spending time together is vital to strengthening the ties that bind families and friends together when the going gets rough. Sometimes just simple activities – movie nights, painting adventures, or road trips – can help during times of depression.
Remember, Next Chapter is here when things seem rocky for Veterans, military members, their families, and their friends. We create a support system to help people cope during difficult days. So, reach out – and let’s make your Next Chapter, the best one yet.