Some battles are fought with weapons. Others are fought in silence—in the mind, in the heart, in the soul. As Veterans, we’ve been trained to fight, to endure, to push through pain. But what happens when the battle is internal? When the enemy is invisible—like trauma, guilt, anxiety, or shame?
Many of us are still fighting long after the war is over. I know this because I’ve lived it. I’ve carried memories that haunted me, regrets that weighed me down and emotions that I didn’t know how to process. I had learned how to survive but not how to heal.
That’s when I realized I didn’t have to fight alone.
Stillness is a strength
There’s a sacred reminder in ancient wisdom: “The Divine will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
That isn’t a call to give up—it is a call to trust: To stop striving, to stop trying to fix everything on my own, to allow something greater than myself to step into the fight.
Being still doesn’t mean I am weak. It means I was finally strong enough to surrender the illusion of control. It means I can stop carrying the weight by myself. It means healing is possible—even for me.
You are not alone in your struggle. I see you because I am you. And I want you to know that you don’t have to engage in this battle by yourself. You’re invited to be still. To trust that peace, healing and freedom happen within.
Reflect on these questions
- What inner battles am I facing today?
- Have you been trying to fight them alone?
- What would it look like to invite peace, strength or a sense of purpose into that space?
Your Whole Health means taking care of more than just your body; your mind and spirit also need your attention. Take 6 minutes to practice this grounding meditation:
Grounding Reflection
Sacred Presence,
I release the weight I’ve been carrying.
Step into my struggle. Be my strength and my peace.
Teach me to be still and trust that I am not alone.
Let healing begin—within and around me.
If you are a Veteran in crisis or are concerned about one, you can find support anytime day or night: The Veterans Crisis Line is available around the clock for Veterans in need of support.
- Dial 988 then Press 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- If you have hearing loss, call TTY: Dial 711 then 988.
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Shaunelle,
Thank you for your perceptive and very helpful posting.
Marc, US Army Vietnam 1968-69
Hi Marc,
Thank you so much for your kind words—they truly mean a lot to me. I’m honored that my posting resonated with you. Your service and experiences during Vietnam are deeply appreciated, and I’m grateful you took the time to share that with me.
Wishing you all the best,
—Shaunelle
I have been suffering most of my almost 82 years. Mostly since 1963-1967 active duty ,I do what I can, but I can’t control everything.
I think it’s just a fact of life.
I appreciate the help I have had from the VA, but there is no cure all.
Thank you for sharing your experience. It is clear that you have faced significant challenges over the years, and I truly appreciate your openness in expressing this. You are absolutely correct—there are aspects of life that are beyond our control, and that reality can be difficult to navigate. In those moments, it’s important to allow yourself the space to be still—sometimes pausing and finding calm can bring clarity and strength for what lies ahead.
Your resilience and commitment to doing what you can despite these circumstances are commendable. Please remember that your strength and perseverance make a difference, even when the progress feels small. You’ve already overcome so much, and that speaks volumes about your courage!