Finding Gratitude and Joy: Reflections Under the Stars
By Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Some moments in life linger long after they’ve passed, quietly shaping the way we see the world and ourselves. As I reflect on a recent journal prompt—“What is a moment in your past that you enjoyed or are grateful for?”—one memory stands out with vivid clarity: our first quiet sunset together on the beach in Hawaii.
The Journey to Hawaii: A Day of Change
Three days before the world shut down for COVID, I boarded a flight from Oregon to Hawaii, my heart pounding with anticipation and nerves. My then-boyfriend had invited me to move in with him, and I said yes, leaping into the unknown with hope and a little bit of fear. The journey itself was a swirl of exhaustion and anticipation. After weeks of packing, paperwork, and goodbyes, I landed on the island, greeted by the warm, fragrant air and the distant sound of waves. I remember the ache in my shoulders from carrying too many bags, the sticky feeling of travel, and the way my heart fluttered with both excitement and anxiety.
Our home was simple but cozy. The first thing I did was kick off my shoes and open the window, letting in the soft, salty breeze. I could hear the unfamiliar birds outside and the gentle rustle of palm fronds. Matt and I unpacked just enough to feel settled, then decided to hop in the car and drive to the beach before sunset.
As we made our way down the sandy path to the beach, every sense felt heightened. The sand was warm and powdery beneath my feet, clinging to my toes. The air tasted of salt and plumeria. Even the sound of distant laughter from other families felt comforting—a reminder that we weren’t alone in this new place.
Our first sunset in Hawaii—gratitude, hope, and belonging, together.
The Hawaii Sunset: A Moment of Belonging
We found a quiet spot at the edge of the water, just as the sun began its slow descent. The sky shifted from gold to blush pink, the clouds glowing with color. I let myself sink into the moment, feeling the tension of the move begin to melt away. The rhythmic sound of the waves provided a calming soundtrack, washing away the stress of yet another move.
As the sun dipped lower, Matt reached over and squeezed my hand. There was a deep sense of belonging and hope, knowing that home is something we create together, no matter where the Navy sends us. I took a mental snapshot: the feeling of sand, the scent of the sea, the warmth of his hand in mine, the comfort of knowing we could find peace anywhere, if we looked for it together.
Gratitude in Transition: Finding Joy in Small Things
That sunset taught me to look for gratitude not just in grand moments, but in the small, everyday details. As a military spouse, change is a constant companion. I’ve learned to savor the little joys—a favorite mug unpacked after a move, a handwritten note from a friend, the first familiar constellation in a new sky.
There have been times when gratitude felt out of reach: saying goodbye to friends, starting over in an unfamiliar city, or facing the uncertainty of the next deployment. But even then, I try to find one thing each day to be grateful for. Sometimes it’s as simple as a hot shower after a long day, or the way Matt makes me laugh when I need it most.
Stargazing for Joy: Anchored in the Present
Tonight, I chose to bring myself a little joy by stepping outside to enjoy the stars. The cool Texas night was a welcome relief after the day’s lingering heat. The air felt crisp and refreshing, and as I looked up, the sky was clear and full of possibility. Spotting Cassiopeia’s graceful “W” and the familiar outline of Orion brought a spark of wonder and comfort—reminders that, no matter how far we travel, the same stars are always above us.
Standing there, I let the coolness of the evening settle over me, my body relaxing as I breathed in the fresh air. The subtle scent of mesquite and distant cut grass mingled with the memory of plumeria and sea salt. My thoughts slowed, shifting from daily worries to a peaceful sense of awe. Emotionally, I felt grounded and grateful, anchored in the present by the beauty overhead and the promise of new adventures.
Matt joined me for a few minutes, handing me a mug of hot chocolate. We stood quietly together, sharing the comfort of the moment without needing to fill the silence. Sometimes, the best connection is wordless—a shared breath under the stars, a gentle squeeze of the hand.
Looking Forward: Sunrises and New Beginnings
As I look to the future, one experience I’m especially excited for is watching the sunrise on a new beach—maybe somewhere we’ve never been stationed before. The idea of exploring a new place fills me with gentle anticipation. I picture myself and my spouse, coffee in hand, listening to the hush of the early morning as the sky shifts from deep blue to soft pinks and golds. There’s something so hopeful about the promise of a new day, especially when it’s shared with someone I love.
I imagine the feel of cool, damp sand beneath my feet, the scent of morning dew and distant ocean, the sound of seabirds calling as the horizon glows brighter. We would sit together, wrapped in a blanket, watching the world wake up. There’s a quiet magic in those first rays of light—the sense that anything is possible, that every day is a fresh start.
What excites me most about this future adventure is the sense of possibility and fresh beginnings it represents. The thought of stepping onto unfamiliar sand, embracing the unknown, and creating new memories together fills me with both calm and excitement. I feel hopeful and grateful for all the chapters still to come, knowing that each sunrise brings its own unique beauty and promise.
Embracing the Magic of Small Moments
Whether it’s a cherished sunset, a quiet moment under the stars, or the anticipation of a new sunrise, I’m reminded that beauty and joy are always within reach. These small, intentional pauses—grounded in gratitude and wonder—help anchor me through every season of change. No matter where we go, I carry these memories and hopes with me, ready to find magic in each new day.
A Gentle Challenge: Your Gratitude Ritual
If you’re reading this, I invite you to pause tonight and look for one small thing you’re grateful for. Maybe it’s the flavor of your favorite tea, the sound of laughter from another room, or the way the stars look from your backyard. Write it down, or simply hold it in your heart. Let that gratitude anchor you, just for a moment, in the beauty of now.
Reflection Prompt
What is a moment from your past that fills you with gratitude or joy? How can you carry that memory forward, letting it inspire hope and wonder in your present?
Closing Thoughts: Carrying Light, Wherever We Go
As I look back on that first sunset in Hawaii, and forward to the sunrises and starry nights still to come, I’m reminded that joy and gratitude are not destinations—they’re companions for the journey. May we all find beauty in small moments, and let them light our way, no matter where we are.
With warmth and wonder,
Latosha