Planning a trip to Afghanistan in the winter, a process that includes conversations with a couple of colleagues about whether to go and what to expect. Everyone says yes (elation of being asked), but it takes a while to realise what they have said yes to (realisation that this could be a significant life event), before they get a better feel for the place (normalisation).

Give it time, every time.

The 9 emotional stages:

Elation
Realisation
Normalisation
Occasional panic attacks
In-field perceived near misses
Demob happy
Departure
Reflection
Withdrawal
Planning the next*

*Thanks to Rhys for the 10th.