Pilot Wife AAA's
Welcome to the crazy, erratic, one of a kind life of the Pilot Wife. Whether you are a wife, spouse, partner, significant other, or in some other way fit into the Aviation Lifestyle - you are aware of the challenges (along with fun) that this presents.
Listen to the Pilot Wife Podcast here!
Let’s face it - irregular schedules that offer little continuity; doses of single parenting; many occasions and social events spent alone; and the general disruptions created by a life in aviation can be frustrating at best, without good tools.
So, put on your oxygen mask and buckle up - let’s cover 7 Keys that can make for much less turbulence!
Key 1 - Awareness, Acknowledgement and Acceptance
Here is a dose of reality - some of these challenges are just part of the package. Instead of fighting it - Focus on the AAAs, (Triple A’s!)
Awareness - be aware that in most cases, every month is going to be different. Different days flying, days off, layovers, people and STRESS. Be aware of the potential triggers this might have for your pilot, and the trickle down to you. Simply being aware can reduce the potential stress.
I am a big planner, so I use an old fashioned calendar and plan as far out as possible. And, I always let my pilot know what's ahead, so he can plan the best he can.
But, let's face it. Especially right now.
We don't always get what we want, and they don't either when bidding. I learned to prioritize what events during the month mattered most, and in what order, and we would talk about it.
And, part of planning ahead meant that I made back up plans where I could. What would I/our (kids) holiday plan be if he wasn't off? Who would I take with me if I had to go alone? Was it still worth it to go alone?
I was always upfront with people we met and explained our "lifestyle" situation. Some got it, some didn't, who cares?
I also had some friends that thought my husband was a figment of my imagination because it might be 6 months before there was a "pilot sighting!" 😂 😳
Be aware of other things as well. I learned to "read the room" when he walked in the door from a trip - his mood! I also learned not to take it personally if he wasn't super upbeat and chipper first thing.
My husband is a "5" on the Enneagram and if you know anything about that - he is quiet and inward. A thinker. It's how he processes things.
When I stopped taking it personally when he retreated or wasn't openly conversing, everything changed. For the better!
Acknowledge it -
When you feel stresses and triggers kick in - acknowledge it. Don’t fight the feelings, just “feel the feels.” Breathe in and out, slowly. Remind yourself that “This too shall pass” and you can “do hard things!”
I learned to talk myself through the disappointments. To journal about them, and to communicate in positive ways to my husband, at the right time.
In my home, I learned that the minute he walks in the door, or while he is on a trip and unable to do much about what’s going on was not the best time.
Of course, there are always exceptions, but I learned to weigh in on how important is this REALLY….
My journal became my BFF and I use it almost daily. I seldom look back at it; I just know expressing my feelings openly, honestly and without fear became a huge catalyst for growth, peace and calm for me.
More than ANYTHING, though, I learned not to disregard my feelings. Feelings are normal, natural and never wrong. They have gifts and lessons for us, if we just take the time to sit with them; breathe through them, and allow them to pass. Once they pass, we are often left with a new and better feeling.
Acceptance -
like the serenity prayer says - help me to accept the things I can not change. With this lifestyle comes things that you will be unable to change. With the right tools, you can accept it, and even learn to grow despite it!
FYI - Acceptance is not the same as condoning something. More on that later in our journey together! Snd, it’s a unique journey for each of us. You will travel your road; your path; and that is the right path for you.
The trickiest part in the journey to acceptance is being aware that at first there is resistance. From there, we must move to alignment with what is.
From “No!” to “yes, okay….”
Write down these words:
It’s happened. I can’t change it. How can I learn, grow and move on from this.
That is the only real choice we have if we want to live a life of calm, peace and joy.
Remember that people’s actions are not aways an exact reflection of who they are overall as a person.
We are all having “the human experience” and that causes all of us, at times, to do things; say things; and act in ways that few later regret.
Keep this in mind with acceptance.
Applying these 3 tools - Awareness, Acknowledgment and Acceptance -as we go through the next few keys can get you through ALL of the rest that life throws at you.
Listen to the Pilot Wife Podcast here!
Do you have the checklist?
