Darkness to Dawn: An Invitation to Veterans Ready for Something New

To the veteran who finds themselves reading these words—Maybe here in this morning, maybe late at night, maybe just after another day that felt like too much—I want to talk to you directly. Sometimes it is the darkest right before dawn and I’m not talking as an expert, not as someone who claims to have all the answers, but as someone who knows what it’s like to feel, to wonder if anything—anything at all—could possibly make a difference. If you’re there, it’s likely you’ve been told to “reach out,” “get involved,” or “try something new” more times than you can count.

But what do you do when none of it seems to matter?

There’s a question that comes up for many veterans: Why bother now, what’s next? But here’s a gentle challenge: what if the next thing you try isn’t about fixing yourself, but about simply showing up as you are?

A Note on Brain Chemistry

Sometimes, the feeling that "nothing helps" isn’t just about circumstances—it’s about what’s happening inside your brain. Stress, trauma, and chronic pain can change the way your brain processes emotion and reward. Chemicals like serotonin and dopamine are responsible for feelings of happiness, motivation, and connection. When you’re struggling, your brain’s natural balance of these chemicals can get thrown off, making it harder to feel joy or even hope. This isn’t a personal failure—it’s basic biology, and it’s something you can work with, not against. Maybe it’s about putting down those rocks in your pocket. The outdoors is as close as I have found to being a cure all.

Simple Ways to Start Your Brain on the Path onto Feeling Better

While there’s no magic fix, there are small, science-backed actions that can help nudge your brain chemistry in a better direction. Physical movement—even a short walk—can boost endorphins and lift your mood. Sunlight helps regulate sleep and improve serotonin levels. Laughing at a TV show, listening to music you enjoy, or spending a few minutes with an animal can all trigger positive chemical changes. Even the act of helping someone else, or expressing gratitude, can give your brain a small but real boost. These aren’t cures, but they’re tools—ways to give yourself a fighting chance when things feel heavy. The best way to help yourself could be to help others.

At www.USVetConnect.com, we don’t offer magic solutions. We know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What we do offer is small communities, the groups—a place where veterans can share and hopefully find opportunities for connection, activity, and support without pressure or judgment. Our National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB isn’t just a directory; It is an Adventure Network for veterans- a living map of possibilities. From hiking trails and fishing trips to equine therapy and winter sports, these aren’t just activities—they’re invitations. Invitations to step outside, to breathe, to be part of something, even if only for an afternoon.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes to shift the weight, even just a little.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’ve heard it all before,” There's more to Joy than a choice…. I get it. Skepticism is earned, especially when hope has let you down in the past. But consider this: every veteran who now swears by the healing power of the outdoors, or the strength of a new friendship, or the relief of a shared laugh, once stood where you are. They didn’t believe, either—until something changed. Sometimes it was a quiet walk in the woods. Sometimes it was the simple act of showing up, even when they didn’t want to. Sometimes it was just knowing that someone else cared enough to reach out, to say, “You matter.”

So, if you’re willing, I invite you to take one small step. Not for anyone else, but for yourself. Visit The National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB, www.usvetconnect.com

Browse the activities. Save your favorites for later. Reach out, even if it’s just to ask a question or say hello! You don’t have to commit to anything. But the sooner you make contact the sooner you can be on these veterans organizations calendars. You don’t have to explain yourself. Just see what’s possible. And if today isn’t the day to start but just the day to dream, that’s okay, too.

The door stays open. The invitation stands. The Hub is Free to use.

You’ve already triumphed over challenges that most people can’t imagine. You’ve shown strength in ways that don’t always get recognized or understood. Asking for help—or even considering it—isn’t weakness. It’s courage in another form. If you’re reading this, you’re worth your own happiness, tap into it... www.usvetconnect.com

As the New Year approaches and the countdown begins and ends, choose to give yourself permission to be free—free to enjoy the moment, however you choose to spend it. Whether you’re surrounded by friends, joining a community celebration, or simply savoring the quiet comfort of home, there’s always joy to be found when the ball drops. The turning of the year is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a spark for new beginnings, a chance to rediscover something you love or to try something you haven’t in a while. Don’t be afraid to reach out, make a plan, or jump into an activity that catches your eye. This is your invitation to get on the calendar—yours, ours, or anyone’s—and step into the New Year with hope, curiosity, and the promise that there’s always something worth celebrating.

With respect and solidarity,

A fellow veteran.