Army spouses aren’t usually afforded the luxury of stability. We’re here one year and there the next. The friends we make tomorrow may not be there next week. Our happiness along this journey is definitely a “state of mind” but there are things we can do to bloom where we’re planted.

Uproot
Closure is important. Allow time to say goodbye and tie up any loose ends. It may not be easy, but you’ll be much better off providing closure now, rather than when the moving van is pulling out of your driveway.

If you have children, be sure to communicate openly and get everyone involved in the move. Plan activities during packing and unpacking and let them take part in making decisions on moving of their things.

Last but not least, have some fun and throw a going away party.

Transplant
Moving doesn't mean that you’re leaving everyone behind or saying goodbye forever. Keeping in touch with friends and family after a move can be difficult to say the least. You have to make a conscious effort.  Three quick and simple ways for you to keep in contact with those you won’t see as much anymore are e-mails and e-greetings, handwritten notes or cards, and phone calls.

Plant Seeds
Once you arrive at your new location you’ll need to take care of the basics – housing, schools/colleges, utilities, phone, cable, Internet, medical care, grocery stores, vet, dental, specialty care, church, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Have a list and a plan of how to take care of these details.

Add Water
Once you’ve got the basics down,  add the fun stuff. Check out your local phone book or ask around to find a good hair stylist, nail salon, and gym. Don't forget to throw in something to do Friday night. You should try to find all the local movie theaters, theme parks, and really good restaurants.

Sprout
Get your kids involved in their new location. The little ones need nourishment, too. Find local day care, play groups, and extra curricular activities for them. Don't forget the value of neighborhood children that are close in age to your kids -- they can be a lifesaver.

To help you to plant, water, and sprout check out some of these helpful resources or simply "google" your new city or its Chamber of Commerce to find out what is available in your area:  

• city-data.com
• realestate.yahoo.com/neighborhoods
• militaryavenue.com
• justmoved.org
• Smart Moves: Your Guide Through the Emotional Maze of Relocation
  by Audrey T. McCollum, Nadia Jensen, and  Stuart Copans

Cultivate
To really bloom you’ll need some cultivating. And that means getting involved in your community. Meet your neighbors, volunteer with local clubs or organizations. If you’re near an Army post, check out Army Family Team Building (AFTB), Army Community Services (ACS) or Family Readiness Center (FRC) as well as the installation’s Spouses Club.

Make the effort to get out, go places, and normally do. This may be as simple as deciding to walk your dog every morning.

Buy a map and start exploring. Or just get on a bus and let yourself be driven around. Seeing your new place is fun and right away gives you something in common with other people. You'll start to find your favorite haunts — a true sign of home.

Expect change, embrace diversity and keep moving. It's not easy but you must make an attempt to bloom where you're planted. Tomorrow, you may be uprooted but having that knowledge and making an attempt at happiness, is all and everything, that life is about.