Celebrating Adaptability: Finding Family in the Waves
Written By Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Originally published: October 21, 2025 – Updated for depth, reflection, and community
The Quiet Power of Adaptability
This morning’s journal prompt asked me to reflect on one quality I could appreciate more in myself. The answer came easily: adaptability. I used to think adaptability was just about survival—about getting through the next move, the next change, the next wave. But the more I live this life, the more I see it as a quiet superpower. It’s not just about bending so you don’t break. It’s about growing, connecting, and even finding joy in the shifting tides.
Latosha sits on a colorful crochet blanket at sunrise on a sandy beach, surrounded by yarn and her “family of misfits.” Gentle waves roll in as friends gather nearby—offering coffee, knitting, and laughter. A peaceful moment of adaptability, warmth, and joyful community.
Living in the Midst of Change
There’s no single dramatic moment I can point to—no Hollywood-style plot twist. Instead, adaptability is a pattern, woven through my days like the variegated yarn in my favorite projects. Volunteer commitments shift at the last minute. A business plan that made sense yesterday needs a total rewrite today. Routines I finally settle into get tossed in the air by a PCS notice, a surprise deployment, or even just a new idea that won’t leave me alone.
Sometimes, I wish I could just press pause and catch my breath. But more often, I find myself moving, recalibrating, and searching for the new rhythm—like a dancer learning to follow the music, even when the tempo changes without warning.
The Anxiety of “Too Much”
Of course, with every shift comes a little twinge of anxiety. Am I the problem? Is my energy “too much” for people? I give a lot behind the scenes—organizing, volunteering, dreaming up new projects, cheering on my friends and fellow makers. Sometimes, I worry that my muchness is overwhelming, that I’m asking too much, or that my enthusiasm isn’t welcome.
If I could go back and comfort my younger self, I’d say: Even if it is about you, you have people who love and support you and your muchness. People need you and your talents, and if someone doesn’t appreciate that, it’s their loss. Life is full of waves; it’s your choice to swim through them, wash out, or surf. Just keep going and do your thing.
A Day in the Life: Adapting on the Fly
Let me take you through a day that felt like a masterclass in adaptability. The morning started with good intentions—my color-coded Google Calendar promising a few precious hours of creative work, a phone call with my parents, and a neatly batched list of Wondering.Waves orders to prep. I brewed my coffee, set my egg timer, and settled in.
But before I could even finish my first row of stitches, Matt texted: his work schedule had changed, and he needed the car early. Five minutes later, a neighbor knocked, asking if I could help her print some documents for an upcoming move. Then a volunteer group chat pinged—could I jump on a quick call to help with a last-minute event? My carefully planned morning unraveled, replaced by a patchwork of new needs.
I felt the familiar frustration bubble up—why can’t things just go according to plan? But I took a breath, reminded myself that every interruption is also an invitation. I drove Matt to work, listening to him talk about his day. I printed the documents, and my neighbor offered me a homemade cookie and a story about her own wild PCS adventures. The volunteer call turned into a brainstorm that sparked a new idea for a community project.
By the end of the day, my to-do list looked nothing like it had that morning, but my heart felt fuller. Adaptability isn’t just about managing chaos—it’s about making space for unexpected joy, for connection, for the little moments that become memories.
Flashback: When Adaptability Felt Like Too Much
If I’m honest, there was a time when adaptability felt less like a superpower and more like a burden. I remember our first big PCS move—boxes stacked to the ceiling, my routines scattered, and the ache of leaving friends behind. I tried so hard to keep everything together, to be the “good sport” military spouse, to say yes to every opportunity and every new friendship.
But beneath the surface, I was exhausted. I felt like a chameleon, constantly changing colors to fit in, afraid to let anyone see how much I missed the old rhythms. It took a long time—and a lot of gentle self-talk—to realize that adaptability didn’t mean losing myself. It meant learning to bring my muchness with me, to let it be a bridge instead of a mask.
Adaptability in Business and Creativity
Running Wondering.Waves has taught me that adaptability is at the heart of every creative and business routine. There are days when orders pile up, supplies run low, or a new idea for a doll or kit keeps me up at night. My plans for a quiet morning of making can turn into a whirlwind of emails, packaging, and last-minute changes.
But I’ve learned to see these shifts as part of the creative process. Sometimes, my best ideas come when I’m forced to pivot—when a setback becomes an invitation to try something new. Adaptability lets me meet my customers where they are, to create pieces that reflect their stories, and to keep growing as an artist and entrepreneur.
Even in my relationship with Matt, adaptability is a daily dance. We’ve learned to communicate openly about shifting schedules, to support each other’s dreams, and to find humor in the chaos. Whether it’s sharing one car, navigating deployments, or just figuring out what’s for dinner, adaptability is the thread that keeps us connected.
Finding Family Among Misfits
What I’ve found, over time, is that adaptability isn’t just about surviving change—it’s about building something beautiful in the midst of it. I have a knack for collecting a community of misfits, turning strangers into friends, and creating spaces where we can support each other. That community has become my family. In the unpredictable tides of military life, business, and creativity, it’s these connections that anchor me and bring the most joy.
One of my favorite memories is from a craft fair last spring. The weather shifted from sunny to stormy in minutes, and everyone scrambled to protect their booths. Instead of panicking, we banded together—sharing tarps, holding down tents, laughing in the rain. By the end of the day, I’d made new friends, swapped stories, and sold a few soggy but beloved dolls. It wasn’t the day I’d planned, but it was exactly the day I needed.
For Anyone Riding Their Own Waves
If you’re reading this and struggling with feeling “too much” or anxious about always having to adapt, I hope you’ll remember: Even if it is about you, you have people who love and support you and your muchness. People need you and your talents, and if someone doesn’t appreciate that, it’s their loss. Life is full of waves—sometimes all you can do is keep moving, and trust that you’ll find your people along the way.
Reflection Prompt
When was the last time you had to adapt on the fly? How did you feel in the moment—and what gifts or connections came out of it? Take a moment to celebrate your adaptability and the ways it’s helped you find family, joy, or purpose in unexpected places.
A Gentle Challenge: Celebrate Your Muchness
This week, I invite you to notice the moments when you adapt—big or small. Maybe it’s a shift in plans, a new routine, or just the courage to keep showing up as yourself. Write down one moment each day when you found a new rhythm or made space for someone else’s needs. Share your story with a friend, or in the comments, and let’s celebrate our muchness together.
With gratitude for the waves and the family we find along the way,
Latosha