Are you familiar with the sensation of being engulfed by anxiety, even when everything ostensibly points to success?

There are somedays, amidst a flurry of positive events, I found myself wrestling with the feeling of not being worthy enough to be part of it all. This is a struggle many leaders and veterans face: we rally a team, lead effectively, but the moment we’re sidelined by factors beyond our control, anxiety creeps in.
I’m fortunate to lead an incredible team at Mil2Vet. Yet, choosing to prioritize family time over work, I experienced a severe anxiety attack. Why, when I had every reason to feel grateful, did anxiety overshadow my achievements?
At times, I feel like a hypocrite. Despite striving for more, I find myself grounding my ambitions. Post-service, I believed I could conquer everything, yet now, I’m familiar with the heavy burden of this ambition. Nevertheless, I remind myself that I’ve faced darker, more perilous situations. This, perhaps, is just another test of my resilience.
The notion that solving a problem leads to success is common, but what if in solving one problem, I inadvertently create another? Doubts linger, despite receiving encouragement. It’s not about harboring a melancholic or pessimistic outlook but acknowledging the real challenges that accompany striving for greatness. Advocating for change, I believe, can impact generations to come. Every setback is an opportunity to rise stronger, embracing the complexities that come with change.
I’m grateful for every challenge, as they are testament to a life filled with purpose and growth. My family, my work, and the moments of joy captured in photos and memories amidst the struggles are all pieces of a larger puzzle.
We all carry our burdens, some heavier than others. It’s crucial to lean on one another, to trust and to be open, even when it feels like we’re alone. It’s okay to be imperfect, to be disorganized or late – what matters is that we strive to improve, even if just by 1%.
I’m here, sharing my journey, acknowledging that while my problems may seem small, I’m immensely grateful for them. To everyone out there, remember, it’s about love, respect, and supporting each other through the highs and lows.
Thank you for engaging with my thoughts. Beyond the success and the idyllic snapshots of life, we each navigate our challenges, leaning on each other for strength and progress.
See you out there, continuing the journey with love and respect.

Chris Elder

MIL2VET

MIL2VET

The MIL2VET Network is a veteran-led media platform designed to assist service members and veterans in transitioning from military life to civilian life. Created by veterans for veterans, MIL2VET shares genuine stories, valuable resources, and insights that support career transitions, education, and community connections. Through a variety of formats including articles, videos, podcasts, and interviews, the platform provides veterans a space to share their experiences and learn from others who have traveled similar journeys. MIL2VET also serves as a gathering place where active-duty service members, veterans, and supporters can unite in fellowship, maintaining the bond of service long after uniforms are put away. Its mission is straightforward: to strengthen the veteran community by sharing knowledge, stories, and resources that facilitate veterans’ success after service.

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