The Blog - Meet a Milspouse - The Story of Navy Spouse, S...

When Shari Biery attended her husband's Navy retirement ceremony after his 20 years of service, she had no idea her adventure of self-discovery and inspiring fellow military spouses was just beginning. Her personal journey ignited a mission to help midlife women reclaim their health, purpose, and wellness after years of putting others first.

Shari is a veteran Navy spouse, mom, founder and health/life coach at Alive With Purpose, and author of It’s Your Turn: How to Rediscover Yourself, Prioritize Your Well-Being, and Thrive With Purpose. I believe fate brought Shari and me together because her uplifting mission and message arrived just when I needed them most. We recently joined forces to create the "It's Your Turn" Bracelet to accompany her book and program.

I'm honored to shine a light Shari's story, her Navy family, and her inspiring work helping women connect to who they really want to be. Say hello to my amazing friend, Shari Biery!

GIVE US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY – HOW DID YOU BECOME A MILITARY SPOUSE (MILSPOUSE)? WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO BEING A MILSPOUSE? AND A FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?

John and I met while working together in high school at McDonald's in our small-town community in Northwest Ohio. Our fathers served during the Vietnam War, and our grandfathers served in World War II, but we didn't have direct experience with military life growing up. When we got married, I was working as a respiratory therapist, and John was finishing pharmacy school. He had a strong interest in going to medical school, and we explored various options for funding.

We discovered the Navy's Health and Promotions Scholarship program, which offered a way to help fund his medical school education. Eager for new adventures, we embraced this opportunity. Initially, we thought John would fulfill his service commitment and then leave the military to return to Northwest Ohio. However, the incredible opportunities and people we met along the way convinced us to continue with military life as long as it worked for our family. After 10 moves and 20 years, John retired from the Navy in 2018.

In addition to being a veteran military spouse, I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). I consider myself a "Purpose & Well-Being Coach" because this type of work involves much more than just changing your diet and lifestyle. My focus is on helping women rediscover themselves, prioritize their well-being, and thrive with purpose, which requires physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual work.

I run a 12-week group coaching program called "It's Your Turn," designed for women who are ready to discover a renewed sense of purpose, feel strong and connected in their bodies, and create a lifestyle that balances ambition and joy. I enjoy traveling, taking long walks in nature and sharing fun moments with friends and family.

A fun fact about our military family is that despite our extensive travel and numerous relocations, we have always made it a priority to create lasting memories and friendships wherever we go. One of our favorite traditions has been collecting unique Christmas ornaments from each place we've lived or visited. Our Christmas tree is now a beautiful collection of memories, each ornament representing a special time and place in our family's journey. This tradition not only brings joy to our holidays but also serves as a reminder of the incredible experiences and people we've encountered throughout our military life.

WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE IN AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS HAS HE SERVED?

Navy - 20 years

WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?

Over the years, the military has moved our family to various incredible locations, each with its own unique charm and unforgettable memories. We've had the privilege of living in Jacksonville, Florida (twice), Groton, Connecticut, Hawaii, Guam, San Diego, Okinawa, Japan, Annapolis, Maryland, and Pensacola, Florida.

It's hard for me to pick a favorite because each place holds special memories, but if I had to choose, our overseas locations were some of our favorites. Okinawa, Japan, stands out in particular. The culture in Okinawa is incredibly kind and beautiful, and we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in and appreciate a way of life that values simplicity and harmony. We made many great friends in Okinawa who became like family to us, and we still keep in touch with many of them today. The friendships and experiences we had there made it a truly special place in our hearts.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE? TELL US SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OR HAS MADE YOU STRONGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A MILSPOUSE?

My favorite part of being a military spouse is the incredible friendships and connections I’ve made along the way. Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and traveling the world has broadened my perspective, showing me the richness of human experiences and cultures.

What has truly made me stronger is my varied employment history. There were times when I felt defeated and undervalued while trying to find work, but each job I took on equipped me with unique skills and insights. This diverse professional experience has become a tremendous asset in my coaching career, enabling me to connect with and understand clients from various backgrounds on a deeper level.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

The women I work with inspire me every single day. Their stories of courage and determination are truly remarkable. Many of them have faced incredible challenges, from balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities to navigating personal struggles and health issues. Yet, they continually show up for themselves and each other, committed to their personal growth and well-being.

Watching these women reclaim their identities, prioritize their wellness, and pursue their dreams with newfound confidence is inspiring. They remind me of the power of community and the incredible strength that comes from supporting one another. Their journeys of transformation, despite the obstacles they face, motivate me to continue my work and reinforce my belief in the potential for positive change at any stage of life.

Their courage to embrace change, their willingness to invest in themselves, and their dedication to living authentically and purposefully inspire me to be a better coach, mentor, and person.

WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?

I wear the Grace Bracelet and the It's Your Turn Bracelet. For me, grace begins with gratitude for the many blessings in my life. No matter how overwhelming life can seem some days, I remind myself to not be so hard on myself. I give myself grace and remember that when I take care of myself, I am a better version of myself for everyone around me.

Shop Shari's Bracelet

WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS MOST, DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY, FREQUENT MOVES, AND DEPLOYMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A MILITARY FAMILY?

I cherish moments spent with friends, whether it’s catching up over a cup of coffee or sharing a laugh on a phone call catching up. These connections offer emotional support and remind me of the importance of nurturing relationships.

I also find solace in nature, whether it's a walk in the park or enjoying time on the beach. Being outdoors helps me reset and appreciate the beauty around me, providing a peaceful escape from the chaos of daily life.

Finally, at this stage of my life and A LOT of practice, I embrace rest time as essential for recharging. Allowing myself to rest and unwind helps me stay refreshed and ready to face new challenges with a positive mindset.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FELLOW MILITARY SPOUSE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH MILITARY LIFE OR DEPLOYMENT?

My advice to a fellow military spouse struggling with military life or deployment is to focus on building a support network wherever you are. Connecting with other military spouses and immersing yourself in local communities can create a strong sense of belonging and provide invaluable support.

These relationships not only offer practical help but often blossom into lifelong friendships that become your anchor during challenging times. Find the right people with good energy and remember, you are not alone.

WE HAPPEN TO BE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE – CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi