It’s easy to get lost in the days of your life. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, and deployments, or volunteerism, pets, and bills – or a combination of many, life is exhausting. And overwhelming. So, there may never be enough time to squeeze in the person charged with keeping the train on those tracks: you. An event this week focuses on moving self-care to the top of your to-do list, designed with military spouses in mind.
An idea is born.
The Military Spouse Wellness Summit was first held three years ago when a trio of spouses were looking to create an event that could bring thousands from the community together in a doable manner.
“We were three military spouses who moved every couple of years, endured long-term separations, volunteered ad nauseam, given up careers, and conquered living overseas. And we were exhausted,” Michelle Bradfield, InDependent’s Executive Director & Co-Founder, said. “So, for years, we dreamed of escaping to an all-inclusive retreat together for a week of relaxation. But, after calculating the accommodations ($2,000+) and travel ($600+), it just wasn’t feasible.
So, instead, we created our own in-home retreat experience,” she added.
Why a virtual event?
Bradfield and her team understand the realities of the military lifestyle, which is why they made the summit accessible from wherever the military takes you.
“We wanted to make this event affordable and accessible to all military and first responder spouses no matter where they are stationed. Our goal was to create an event that required no travel. No missed work. And no childcare,” she explained.
Simply login from the comforts of your own home to listen to experts that interest you. And, there are many worth listening to. Some of the speakers include:
Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin, who wrote “The Happiness Project,” will speak about taking better care of yourself and attaining personal goals,
Health and wellness writer Liz Wolfe shares how self-care is more than diet and exercise,
Caregiver Tiffany Smiley, whose husband was wounded in action, talks about embracing and accepting the change of your dreams,
2017 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Brittany Boccher discusses the journey of caring for a special needs child and how she learned to ask for help, nurture her marriage, and measure success,
Financial expert Kate Horrell, the Military Finance Coach, debunks myths about all things military finances.
Bradfield explains participants will also learn how to:
- Achieve health + wealth
- Minimize + organize
- Tone muscles + burn fat
- Eat intuitively + sleep peacefully
- Connect purposefully + love deeply
Information is better with friends.
The summit runs from Mar. 5 to Mar. 11, and VIP-ticket holders get exclusive access to a Facebook group with expanded resources. Bradfield recommends attendees include others in their virtual experience too.
“Another idea is to grab some friends to discuss the summit and interviews together in-person. Go to a coffee shop, meet for a healthy lunch, or even invite them over to do one of the workouts!” she said.
The week is jampacked with tips, techniques, and actionable items for your life. The key is to make sure that information doesn’t stay dormant in a notebook. Build a plan to put the guidance into motion.
“Implement the advice from our guest experts to achieve a balanced mind and body. Reach out to one of the many wellness-related resources that you’ll receive throughout event week. And don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Bradfield said.
Tickets can still be purchased by visiting InDependent’s website and there is a 40 percent discount code [Enter LASTCHANCE] for those who buy tickets before the end of the day Mar. 4.
All participants will receive access to 10 inspirational video and audio presentations. VIP participants will receive private admission to an online community via Facebook – including opportunities to connect with other participants, ask questions, compete for prizes, and participate in fitness and cooking demonstrations.
