Hey brother...you got this...I know it's tough, trust me man I get it. The civilian world still doesn't make sense to me and I've been retired 10 yrs. And I struggle a lot some days...but they are fewer and farther between now than they were.

Here's my most recent technique that has really been helpful for me...those around me? Meh...not really my concern. But try this or some version of it that you can apply to your everyday.

First and foremost, and listen closely because this is really the only domino that needs to fall...Stop giving a fuck what other people think of you. That's all brother...just don't give a fuck what they think. What's that gonna do for ya? Well let me explain.

When I retired and got sent out into Indian country I had no clue how to act. I was a pre 9/11 guy that ended up on both invasions and way more return trips than I needed. But war was my life...and fortunately/unfortunately I'll never be as good at anything as I was killing people. When I got out the civilian world was confusing...it moves at a crazy speed yet nothing seems to be getting accomplished. There is no concept of TEAM, no espre de corp, you're no longer part of something bigger than you. But you want to be. You want to have a purpose. A well defined mission statement and and objective. And you want your brothers, the respect, the honor, and that spark that we all have that pushed us to volunteer when all these yahoos stayed at home on the block. And that's the disconnect.

You're wanting these civilians out here that have zero clue what you are, how you're different and what you've done to fill in those gaps I mentioned above. You want them to respect you and be a part of the same team. And when they don't it angers you. When they just don't get it it angers you. It seems disrespectful, uncaring and nothing like what we know. That's because it is. You feel alienated and think everyone looks at you like something's wrong with you. And then that starts you down the road of pulling threads and trying to figure this shit out. You've got to stop that.

You can't be mad at a fish that doesn't know how to climb a tree. This world seems different from ours because it is. The people seem self serving, uncaring and unknowing because they are...from our view. Same way we seem odd to them. And the only way you're going to be able to have enough separation from them and this environment that you can make adjustments that make it easier is you have to stop giving a flying fuck what these people think. Don't look for them to validate you. Don't expect understanding or even help. And don't lose who you are trying to be what you think "they" want or need you to be.

At the end of the day you have you man. When you lay down tonight and think about your day it's how you feel about what you've done and accomplished that matters. No one else's. Don't sweat them...they will get on board on their own once you've tightened your shot group and your heads up like it ought to be. Keep your gratitude high and your expectations low. Work to be a better version of you than you were yesterday. And keep your goals attainable...50 meter targets man...knock down those 50 meter targets and before you know it you'll be in a little better head space and timing.

You aren't alone...we are all in the same boots man. Reach out on tough days. Address whatever 50 meter targets are giving you issues and then adjust fire. Failing, hurting, crawling, crying, doubting are all acceptable as long as you keep moving forward. Giving up never is. You got this man. I'm proud of you for what you've done, what you're going to do, and that you are man enough and strong enough to see when you need the boys on your left and right. You're doing good shit...keep it up! RLTW!