Anonymous #4

I am an Air Force veteran and a Firefighter. I have been struggling with trauma for what feels like forever and have some medical stuff going on and have just recently come out of a really bad place. I have finally started the long journey to healing. Part of that process was acknowledging that struggling is ok and that it is paramount, that you don’t hide or keep your struggles to yourself. I know it is difficult in the military, law enforcement, and firefighter circles to admit you are struggling – because it feels like weakness and we are often ashamed of any weakness. Since I know how important it is not to struggle alone, I have been trying to increase the amount of good and healthy relationships in my life. People who have struggled my struggle – especially people who struggle well. Or use their struggle for strength.
Dogs seemingly live without burden, they are always upbeat, just happy to be part of the pack. The joy of just being, is something I am striving for, so why not learn from the best? I am looking forward to forming a bond through the challenges of the training process and by sharing in each other’s success. I am filled with hope that my new battle buddy will help me to Charlie Mike.