January 2025 Newsletter - New Year, New You: Unlock Your Potential in 2025!

Friday, January 17, 2025

Women Warriors Connect Newsletter/Health/January 2025 Newsletter - New Year, New You: Unlock Your Potential in 2025!

Hey Women Warriors, 
"New Year, New You: Unlock Your Potential in 2025!" Kickstart your year with tips on goal setting, resources to achieve your dreams, and strategies to keep the winter blues at bay. Plus a special soup recipe that I’m loving. This edition is packed with inspiration and practical tools to help you make 2025 your best year yet!

Let's Go!

WHAT YOU'RE ABOUT TO DISCOVER…

Trivia- How Much Sunlight Is Needed?
New Year, New Mission: Let’s Crush 2025!
Mark Your Calendar: January's Special Observances & Veteran Resource Spotlight
The Soup I’m Loving
Shining a Light on Winter: Tips to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Beat the Winter Blues
Level Up in 2025: Unlock Free and Affordable Online Courses for Veterans!
​VA Claims Corner - Winning the Battle Against Sleep Apnea: A Veteran’s Guide to Filing a Successful VA Claim

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

How many minutes of sunlight exposure per day can help improve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms?"

Scroll to the bottom for the answer.

New Year, New Mission: Let’s Crush 2025

Step 1: Look Back and Celebrate! Before diving into what’s next, take a moment to reflect on 2024. Ask yourself:
- What were my biggest wins?
- What tough stuff did I get through?
- What made me happiest?
Write it down, or tell someone who gets you. Even the little victories count—because they add up to BIG progress!

Step 2: Set Your 2025 Mission. Every great mission starts with a plan. Here’s how to map yours out:
- Pick Your Priorities: Family, career, health, or just having more fun—what matters most to you?
- Dream Big: Picture yourself at the end of 2025. What have you accomplished? How does it feel?
- Make It SMART: Set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. (Translation: Make them clear and doable!)

Step 3: Use Your Veteran Superpowers. You’ve got discipline, grit, and problem-solving skills that can handle anything. If self-doubt sneaks in, try this:
- Flip Negative Thoughts: Change “I can’t” to “I’ve done harder things before, and I can do this.”
- Find Your People: Connect with other women veterans who’ll cheer you on—whether online or in person.

Step 4: Turn Challenges Into Wins. Life after service can be tricky, but it’s also full of opportunities.
- Feeling stuck? Join a community event or try volunteering—it’s a great way to reconnect.
- Unsure of your purpose? Journaling or coaching can help you figure out what lights you up.
- Too many resources to sort through? Focus on ONE goal and use programs designed just for veterans.

Step 5: Be Inspired by Fellow Women Warriors. Other women veterans are out there starting businesses, going back to school, and making their dreams come true. They’ve been where you are—and their success shows you can do it, too!

Your Mission Starts NOW
The first step to an incredible 2025? Just start! Whether it’s a new job, a health goal, or spending more time with family, this is YOUR time to shine.
Let’s make 2025 amazing! Happy New Year! 🎉

TELL YOUR STORY!

The Her Stories of Service Journal is a thoughtfully crafted prompted journal designed to help women veterans capture their memories of life before, during and after their time in service.

​Whether you want to reminisce, save your stories for the next generation, or maybe write a book about your experiences one day, this journal is the right tool to help you get your thoughts on paper. It’s available on Amazon.

HEALTH RESOURCES:
Catch A Lift Fund - Women's Initiative- https://catchaliftfund.org/womens-initiative/
Do Yoga With Me- https://www.doyogawithme.com/
Fire Team Whiskey- https://www.fireteamwhiskey.com/
MOVE! Weight Management Program- https://www.move.va.gov/
Veterans Yoga Project- https://www.veteransyogaproject.org/

EMPLOYMENT, JOB CERTIFICATIONS & MENTORING RESOURCES: 
Academy Women- https://www.academywomen.org
Act Now Education- https://www.actnoweducation.com/
American Corporate Partners (ACP)- https://www.acp-usa.org
Apprenticeship.gov- https://www.apprenticeship.gov/service-members-and-veterans
Corporate Gray- https://www.corporategray.com
Institute of Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) – Syracuse University- https://ivmf.syracuse.edu
Mil Mentor- https://milmentor.com/

Talents ASCEND- https://talentsascend.com/
Vets2Industry- https://www.vets2industry.com

THE SOUP I'M LOVING... LASAGNA SOUP

Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1, 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 box lasagna noodles, broken into 2 inch pieces

Directions
1. In a pan, saute onion and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, salt and pepper. Brown the meat and drain the grease.
3. Put the meat into a crock pot (or you can cook it on stove top in a large pot) and add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
4. Cook for 3 hours.
5. Add lasagna noodles, reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes or until noodles are done.

SHINING A LIGHT ON WINTER:  TIPS TO MANAGE SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD) AND BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

The colder months can bring more than just snow and hot cocoa. For many, they also bring challenges like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and feelings of isolation. But winter doesn’t have to leave you feeling down or disconnected. With these seven tips, you can take charge of your well-being, stay connected, and make the most of the season.

1. Let the Light In
Open your curtains during the day to let in natural light. Consider investing in a light therapy lamp to mimic sunlight and boost your mood.

2. Stay Active
Regular exercise boosts serotonin and endorphins, which can improve your mood and energy levels. Try indoor activities like yoga or dance to keep moving even when it’s cold outside.

3. Build Your Tribe
Reach out to fellow veterans through local organizations or online groups like Women Warriors Connect. Joining a supportive community can foster camaraderie and help combat feelings of isolation.

4. Maintain a Routine
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule to support your body’s natural rhythm. Include time for self-care, relaxation, and connecting with others in your daily plan.

5. Focus on Nutrition
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Include mood-boosting foods like omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbs, and vitamin D-rich options.

6. Create a Cozy Space
Add warmth and comfort to your home with soft blankets, candles, or string lights. Designate a corner for relaxation or meditation to recharge your spirit.

7. Schedule Time Outdoors
Bundle up and take a walk, even if it’s chilly. Fresh air and natural light can work wonders for your mood. Explore local parks or trails to stay connected to nature.

Winter may test your resilience, but it’s also an opportunity to grow, reconnect, and focus on what truly matters. With the right tools and mindset, you can thrive all year long and make this season one to remember.

Level Up in 2025: Unlock Free and Affordable Online Courses for Veterans!

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself and your future. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, learn a new skill, or pursue a passion project, there are numerous online courses and certifications available specifically for veterans. Here are some top programs to consider:

1. VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program
Provides funding for education and training. Covers certifications in high-demand industries like IT, healthcare, and skilled trades. Check eligibility and apply through www.va.gov.

2. Coursera for Veterans
Free access to thousands of online courses through the Coursera Veterans Initiative. Topics range from data science and business to wellness and the arts. Sign up through your local veteran service organization.

3. Onward to Opportunity (O2O)
Free career training and certifications in IT, project management, and business services. Available to veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses. Learn more at www.onward2opportunity.org.

4. LinkedIn Learning for Veterans
One year of free LinkedIn Premium, including LinkedIn Learning access. Enhance skills in technology, leadership, and personal development. Apply at www.linkedin.com/military.

​This year, take the first step toward building the life you deserve. Enroll in a course today and let 2025 be your year of growth and empowerment.

VA CLAIMS CORNER: Winning the Battle Against Sleep Apnea: A Veteran’s Guide to Filing a Successful VA Claim

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, often causing loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and irritability. Veterans are at a higher risk for sleep apnea, with obstructive sleep apnea—the most common type—being prevalent among those who served.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, morning headaches, excessive daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Left untreated, it can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, mental health issues, type 2 diabetes, and liver problems. These risks make early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

Veterans often face challenges connecting sleep apnea to their military service, especially if it wasn’t diagnosed during their time in service. However, claims can still be filed successfully with the right steps:

1. Obtain a Diagnosis: Veterans must undergo a sleep test, either at a clinic or through a certified home test.

2. Secure a Nexus Letter: A medical professional must establish a connection between sleep apnea and military service. Filing sleep apnea as a secondary condition (linked to PTSD, heart disease, asthma, or other issues) often increases the chances of claim approval.

3. Provide Personal Statements: Veterans should detail the onset and severity of their condition, military factors that worsened it, and its impact on daily life. If using a CPAP machine, ensure it’s noted as medically required.

4. Include Buddy Letters: Statements from friends or family who witnessed the veteran’s condition develop or worsen can strengthen the claim.

Filing a claim for sleep apnea requires preparation and thorough documentation.  If you suspect you have sleep apnea, seek medical help immediately—your health comes first.

​* Content adapted from VA Claims Insider Blog

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

How many minutes of sunlight exposure per day can help improve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) symptoms?"

Answer: As little as 15-30 minutes of sunlight exposure daily can significantly improve mood and energy levels.

Not Sure Where To Get Started?

Follow these simple steps to hit the ground running.

Join The Community

Get The Resources

Start to Feel Better

Women Warriors Connect FB Group

22 Resources Every Veteran Needs To Know About

Feel Better Journal

Women Warriors Connect Journal

Her Stories of Service Journal

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