If you had told me a year ago what my life would look like today, I wouldn’t have believed you. I thought we’d be stationed somewhere new by now—packing up, uprooting, and starting fresh like military families do. Yet here we are, still in Okinawa, Japan, navigating the beautiful chaos of life with a two-and-a-half-year-old.
And let me tell you—life as a toddler mom is an adventure in itself. No manual. No map. Just messy moments mixed with magical ones. I didn’t picture managing a business named after myself, juggling multiple YouTube channels, recording my 25th podcast episode, or even blogging. Especially since—here’s a fun fact—I couldn’t even read for pleasure until my thirties. Now, I’m writing words for other people to read. Life’s little ironies, huh?
The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship and Military Spouse Life
Here’s the thing nobody really tells you about being an entrepreneur or a military spouse: it can feel lonely. The entrepreneurial journey is often a solo mission—you’re building something from scratch, dreaming big dreams, but most of the time, it’s just you and your laptop. Couple that with the transient life of a military family, and it’s easy to feel disconnected.
This is my first duty station as a full-fledged military spouse—married, raising a child, and trying to find my footing. I’ve met some incredible people here, but the nature of this life means that connections are fleeting. One by one, they’ve moved on to their next chapters, leaving me to navigate this strange mix of gratitude for having known them and sadness for their absence.
Doing the Things I Never Thought I’d Do
When I look at where I am today, I see so many things I never imagined I’d have the courage to tackle. Becoming a toddler yoga instructor? Nope, didn’t see that coming. Launching an online SUP course? Definitely not on my radar. And yet, here I am. Dreaming of becoming a seven-figure entrepreneur someday? It feels outrageous, but you know what? I’m not ruling it out.
Life has a funny way of nudging us toward opportunities we never thought we were ready for. It’s a reminder that our limits are often self-imposed—and that breaking through them is where the magic happens.
Key Takeaways from the Journey
- Life Rarely Goes as Planned—And That’s Okay.
A year ago, I envisioned something entirely different for myself and my family. But staying in the present, embracing what is, and letting go of what could have been has brought so much unexpected growth. - Loneliness is a Teacher.
While it’s hard to feel disconnected, loneliness has taught me to value the relationships I’ve built and the strength I’ve found within myself. It’s also been a nudge to seek out new connections, even when it feels scary. - You’re Capable of More Than You Think.
We all have moments of doubt, but the truth is, the things you don’t think you can do are often the very things you should try. It’s where you find resilience, creativity, and courage. - Goals Are Important, but Presence is Everything.
I’ve learned that while chasing big dreams is essential, what truly matters is being here, now. Whether it’s watching my son discover the world or soaking in Okinawa’s beauty, the present moment is a gift.
Action Steps for Living Fully
- Reflect on Your Own Journey: Take a moment to think about where you were a year ago. What’s changed? What have you achieved, big or small? Give yourself credit for the growth you might not even realize.
- Reach Out: If you’re feeling lonely—whether in life, business, or both—don’t be afraid to connect. Join a community, send that message, or simply ask for help.
- Do the Scary Thing: Whether it’s launching a new project, signing up for a class, or saying yes to an opportunity, lean into the things that intimidate you. Growth lives on the other side of fear.
- Practice Being Present: Set aside a few minutes daily to focus on the here and now. Whether through deep breaths, a gratitude list, or simply noticing your surroundings, grounding yourself in the present can shift your entire perspective.
A Humbling Reminder
As I look ahead to spending one more Christmas in Okinawa, I feel a mix of emotions—gratitude, nostalgia, and a little bittersweetness. It’s our last holiday here, and I want to make the most of it. If there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s this: Life is unpredictable, messy, and full of surprises.
The best thing we can do is show up each day with an open heart, a fearless spirit, and a willingness to embrace whatever comes our way. Because no matter where life takes us—whether it’s staying put or paddling forward—there’s always something to learn, someone to love, and a reason to keep going.
Here’s to living unfiltered, fearless, and fully. 🌟
Anacani xo
Anacani Unfiltered 
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