Deployments great excuse for self-improvement Published Dec. 8, 2006 By Lt. Col. Bryan Fujimoto 48th Fighter Wing Exercises, Inspections and Readiness ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Many of the families of the Liberty Wing are approaching the half-way point in this Air and Space Expeditionary Force deployment and are probably viewing the time left as "two months down, two to go" until their loved one is home again. I offer you a different perspective to view the remaining time of separation. Take the attitude of "I only have two months left to achieve ... (fill in the blank with your goal here)!" Take the next two months and fill in the blank above by using the time to finally do that "something" you always wanted to do, but never had the time. View the extra time you would typically spend time with your loved one as an opportunity to do something fun and challenging, and not just as a void to be filled with busy work until they return home. Maybe even learn something different and even a little impractical, since learning something practical is not necessarily fun. Self-improvement is easy. Learn a new hobby, one you can enjoy either at home or even better, share with others, like learning to play the guitar or some other musical instrument. Whatever you decide, do something you enjoy, and can continue to enjoy even when your loved one returns. A great idea I heard of was one couple starting a hobby together while apart - one here, one down range. They both learned at the same time, allowing them to have fun "together" and stay connected in another way. The best way to make progress in any new endeavor is to set a goal; a goal to accomplish by the end of the deployment such as learn to play your favorite song on your new instrument or create and finish the wood shop or art project you started. Another way to fill in the blank is simply by getting together with friends. Whether with a church group, a community activities group, a club that you have always wanted to join or just getting together with neighbors, don't be caught saying "I wish we had more time to do things together." Actually make that time, instead. Go holiday shopping with each other, or simply share a meal. The list of activities is endless, so use the next few months to foster friendships you've always wanted to develop, or have recently neglected. Although there are many ways to fill in the self-improvement blank, my final suggestion is one I feel, personally, is the best option. Commit to making a lifestyle change in regards to your physical health. Start that workout you have been putting off. Learn and try those new recipes with healthier ingredients for you and your family to eat. In other words, take that leap to do what you know you should be doing. I know it doesn't appear to fit into the blank because most people don't view working out and eating right as fun. I am by no means an expert, but you can easily find something physical to do that is fun and gets you into shape at the same time. Also, most of the fun actually comes from how you feel because or exercise and proper nutrition. You will lower your stress levels and increase your energy levels. Lets face it, if you work out and eat right you simply feel younger and better about the way you look, boosting your confidence as well. Just like starting a hobby, this is something you can accomplish together with your loved one down range. Set intermediate goals for each other to meet during the deployment and then continue this lifestyle change upon their return. Doing something positive and fun over the next few months will not only make the time more enjoyable and allow you to grow, but it will also make the time go by faster. My philosophy when my wife is deployed is to get so involved in something I like to do, that I find myself wishing I had more time to do it. That's when time starts flying by and the next thing you know, we're welcoming our deployed warriors home, but as a new, improved, better version of ourselves.