Being a military spouse can be pretty tough at times. You’re sometimes far from where you call home and surrounded by different people every few years. Things can get tough, and sometimes, it’s hard to keep an optimistic perspective on everything. My daughter is 2, and she has opened me up to seeing things differently than I did prior to having her in my life. I love seeing the world through her eyes. I’ve realized there’s a lot to learn about life from a 2-year-old. I know that sounds a little off, but it’s true.

Here are some lessons that I’ve learned from my 2-year-old that I think can apply to understanding, navigating, and succeeding in military spouse life:

1. Repeatedly asking for something will not get you what you want…or will it?

I’ve learned that sometimes persistence does pay off. Sometimes you have to go after things like a 2-year-old going after that cupcake on the counter. Military life comes with trials and tribulations, and it’s really important to keep your eye on the prize. If you want something bad enough, then you have to be willing to go after it. You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to achieve your goals. If there is a position or award that you want, stay focused and you can achieve your goals.

2. When entering a group of your peers just go for it.

My daughter never meets a stranger when that stranger is in her peer group. She meets a child in her age group and goes for it. In military life, you are constantly thrown into a group of strangers, and it can be intimidating. I’ve learned from my daughter that you have to go for it. It may be awkward, sometimes painfully awkward, but if you put yourself out there, then you will be handsomely rewarded. I’ve met some of the greatest people I know by joining a new group or trying something new.

3. Throw a fit every once in a while.

I know you’re probably questioning my sanity, but stay with me here. There are times that you’ll have to face some seriously frustrating situations in military life, and you will want to throw yourself on the ground and have a full-fledged tantrum. To be honest, there will be times that it will be completely warranted. There have been multiple times I’ve had this desire! I wanted to throw a fit a few times, but instead, I had some military spouses, the same ones I met when I put myself out there, that I got to have a vent session with instead. I was able to talk to a person that understood. Sometimes you do need to just let it out, and know that we are in this together.

4. When all else fails, take a nap.

There will be some tough days. Some days will be even worse, and you’ll have to deal with people that make you want to scream, but that’s military life. During the worst of the worst, if all else fails, take a “nap,” break, or time-out. Sometimes it’s the best remedy. Taking a moment to yourself can rejuvenate you and allow you to go back with a new perspective and a much better attitude.