It’s a new year and we are coming in strong with the Marriage & Leadership series! Over the next few weeks we will hear from our Armed Forces leaders as each shares their marriage stories, lessons learned and advice for #milmarriage. This series demonstrates that caring for our military families means that we care for our military marriages, which is a priority amongst our leaders. Lean in as we have a heart to heart to gain lessons on love, marriage and leadership with those shaping our service branches for a better tomorrow.
Representing the Marine Corps we have Mattrice Williamson!
Bio:
Mattrice Williamson is a Hospitality Director and Special Events Manager. She has spent nearly three decades leading, coaching, mentoring and supporting military families. Leading, learning, and legacy building is how Mattrice has chosen to journey through military life with her Marine. Mattrice’s personal and professional career path has afforded her the opportunity to work and serve with several non-profit organizations. Servant leadership is a lifestyle for Mattrice as she enjoys sharing her “TAGS” (Talent, Ability, Gift, and Skills) with others.
As a 27-year Marine Corps spouse and mother of three, Mattrice has had the opportunity to navigate through multiple deployments, relocations, career challenges and life changes. She has been inspired by mentors in her life to find her voice and tell her story; she encourages others to do the same. Her purpose and passion drive her to continue leading and motivating others to be ‘mission ready’ for whatever life brings. Living in Purpose on Purpose is their family motto.
Top Points:
- The MilMarriage Story Mattrice dated her husband to be through their college years and made the 2% club of Naval Academy couples to survive all four years. The couple met in church in the 90s and started as friends. She credits the strength of their relationship to their foundation of friendship and being great listeners. The Williamsons married in 1994.
Mattrice’s Top Tips For Servant Leadership in Life & Marriage:
- Understanding and mutual respect are key. Know and respect who each person is as individuals. She notes the importance of being committed to the relationship and the journey as you operate with understanding & mutual respect.
- Find mentorship. Seek it out and connect with others so you can ask, “will I survive this?”. Mattrice recalls that her mentors were in her life for a moment, but she soon became the mentor. Paying it forward is a part of being a leader.
- “You have seasons in your life. Those seasons come and go.” Mattrice learned to step back and edit her life as the seasons change. She asked herself, “Who was I between the leaves of the tree?” Introspection is key at all seasons.
- Mattrice’s husband encouraged her to stop looking for the mentor she felt she needed and step into being that mentor and pouring into others. Her philosophy of servant leadership is modeled as she presently supports and mentors spouses.
- As a Marine Corps spouse and mom she finds ways to connect with other people & families. As a family, the Williamsons are intentional about plugging in with Marine & Family Programs for orientations, programs and workshops. The more Mattrice learned and applied, the better she could connect by simply getting to know others. She became an advocate for our military resources, because she personally experienced loneliness in earlier years due to not knowing about what was available to her.
Marriage & Leadership Advice:
Resources are underutilized. When programs are not utilized they will go away as it’s seen as a waste of resources. “If you know something that has worked for you, share it!...Join the club.”- Mattrice Williamson
The responsibility is with each of us. You can be a leader right where you are by sharing the resources you are aware of.
Top Resources:
The Five Languages of Apology: How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships by Dr. Gary Chapman & Jennifer Thomas https://www.amazon.com/Five-Languages-Apology-Experience-Relationships/dp/1881273571/ref=pd_sbs_1/135-3173583-2094259?pd_rd_w=cdsOt&pf_rd_p=0a3ad226-8a77-4898-9a99-63ffeb1aef90&pf_rd_r=CZF5G1Z0KJEWKCGZV29R&pd_rd_r=712c605f-77e8-4d7c-b682-2b72cf27b00b&pd_rd_wg=oUJo7&pd_rd_i=1881273571&psc=1
Today's Heart Track :
This is How We Do It by Montell Jordan
That’s The Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson
Listen to our Heart Tracks 3 playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3izcNRGc44G4rHt4qcJzUJ?si=eaef4f0267684ed0
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