Welcome. :)
A Message to New Subscribers
Dear reader, it’s time to say hello, and welcome!
Today’s missive is primarily for new subscribers to From War to Writing.
With the PBA Framework coming together, we’ve seen a recent spike in new subscribers. If that’s you, I owe you a proper welcome! The ‘new subscriber’ email you received was basically the Substack default, and you deserve better.
Let’s ‘fix the glitch.’ 8^)
If you recently subscribed, thank you, and welcome. This article is the email you should have received when you signed up. 8^)
Welcome to From War to Writing!
Thank you for subscribing. I am honored you chose to include my thoughts in your inbox in this busy world of information overload.
We’re on a journey here. As a new subscriber, you deserve a road map to help get your bearings.
What follows is an overview of what you will find in this Substack. It will highlight past articles you may enjoy and give you a better idea what to expect going forward.
Every link below points to an article I’ve published here, so if a topic catches your interest, there’s more from me on that subject at your fingertips.
What is ‘From War to Writing’?
From War to Writing is my story, of how I regained my life after a surprisingly difficult transition after I retired from a 24-year military career. The primary topics we discuss are tackling overwhelm and anxiety, and the associated challenges that sometimes arrive with significant life transitions or trauma.
The primary goal of my writing is to find hope and healing when both seem out of reach.
In the summer of 2024, I took My First Attempt at Solitude. I detailed the true start of my healing journey when my retreat to a cabin in the woods put stopping the spiral at the top of my priority list.
Early parts of this journey explored my thoughts on scrambling to gain footing and figuring out how to stabilize my new civilian life.
In April of 2026, I took another retreat and wrote about how My Second Attempt at Solitude proved my efforts at crafting an effective framework have been largely successful.
In 2026, the main focus of my work here is exploring and refining the PBA Framework. Setting Priorities, Managing Boundaries, and Seeking Alignment are the three main pillars. These are the most actionable and directly applicable or ‘useful’ concepts I’ve discovered that helped me regain my life along the road From War to Writing.
The most practical real-world example of the PBA Framework in action is my story about How Healthy Boundaries Saved My Life-Long Goal After a Failed Concert. Making music is important to me, and the PBA framework helped me bring music back into my life … and keep it there.
Saturday Long-Form Posts
As we’ve travelled the road From War to Writing we’ve covered many topics, but one thing stayed consistent. The posting goals I stated at the top of my first missive remain unchanged:
We begin with one simple promise to you, my dear reader: I will post something every Saturday. I will even endeavor to make it worth your time.
- what missives lie within? November 23, 2024
Many writers on Substack post hard-hitting fresh insights several times each week. That’s not a pace I can sustain, nor do I aim for it here.
You can expect one long-form post from me every Saturday. I don’t often post much beyond that. If you have the Substack app, you may see occasional notes from me, but those don’t have a predictable frequency.
While most topics focus on or around aspects of the PBA Framework and tackling overwhelm, anxiety, or similar stressors, occasional posts may serve as ‘dessert’ for our ‘meat and potatoes’. A few personal essays pop up from time-to-time.
Also, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,’ so an article about the thrills of being a space trucker may squeak in occasionally. :)
Personal Essays
As a new subscriber, if you would like to get to know me better, or see the lenses I bring to my writing, I published a few personal essays you may enjoy.
When I first started writing, I devoted an essay to discussing my thoughts on my US Air Force retirement ceremony. I focused on thanks, wisdom, and promises.
Also early in my writing, I penned Invisible Wounds of Modern Warfare, the story of my personal experience with PTSD. My early days after leaving the military were surprisingly chaotic, to say the least. We’ve come a long way since then. :)
Speaking up often takes courage, especially in situations where the social structure encourages or demands silence or compliance. Heard Above the Noise is a story of trusting my instincts and speaking up from within the military command structure.
Another oddity in my life, with far-reach implications I’ll never fully understand or appreciate… My dad was injured and confined to a wheelchair shortly before I was born. I wrote about that experience in: “I never knew my father as an able-bodied man, but that didn’t really matter.”
As a trumpet player, I’ve been occasionally honored to act as a bugler for military ceremonies. Last year I was once again called to render taps. You can find my story about that experience in “A Farewell Salute to a Dear Friend.”
One of the most valuable things I’ve received from writing is a lot of learning. I captured some of those thoughts in a missive to close out 2025: “I learned”
This entire journey, the road From War to Writing, centers around one thing: writing. I devoted a few words to address that with my short missive: “Why I Write”
Again, Welcome!
Thank you for subscribing!
Even with a year and a half writing here, it still feels like we’re just getting started.
You’re here early. 8^)
I hope you found today’s road map a helpful place to start. If you have questions or comments, feel free to chime in below or send me a DM on Substack.
Until next Saturday, I wish you a pleasant week.
Yours, from war to writing,
- Terry 8^)
This article was written 100% ‘by hand’ with zero AI assistance. My AI Policy, Perspective, and Practice
What about us elderly subscribers?
Great writing is often met with little interest on social media.
May you find solace in your journey Bill. ✌️❤️