Ending the Day with Peace: Setting Intentions for Gentle Accomplishment
Written by Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Published: October 29, 2025
As a military spouse, creator, and founder of Wondering.Waves, I’m passionate about sharing the real moments behind the scenes—especially when it comes to restarts, ruts, and mindful living. This is my journey, one step at a time.
Every Morning, a New Beginning
Every morning brings a new opportunity to check in with myself and set the tone for the hours ahead. Today’s journal prompt—"How do you want to feel at the end of the day, and what can you do to achieve that?"—invites me to pause, reflect, and move through my day with intention.
But if I’m honest, I’m still in the process of refinding myself after a long bout of depression. Some days, just getting out of bed and facing the world feels like an accomplishment. I’ve learned that honoring these small victories is a key part of my healing and growth.
A peaceful desert morning: sunlight streams onto a cozy table set for self-care and reflection, inviting a fresh start and gentle accomplishment.
Gentle Self-Care: Rebuilding Routines from the Ground Up
Right now, my mornings are about returning to the basics—reclaiming personal hygiene as a form of self-respect and care. For a while, I fell out of the habit. But lately, I’ve started a simple skincare routine to help with breakouts, and I make sure to brush my teeth and hair and take my medication. These may sound like small things, but they help me feel more prepared for the day and remind me that I’m worth taking care of.
I’ve also started using the Finch app, which helps me build realistic routines at my own pace. There’s something sweet and motivating about caring for a little virtual bird who cheers me on as I accomplish goals. And with my new Fitbit Versa, I can set timers on my wrist for focused work and rest—45 minutes of effort, then 5 or 10 minutes to breathe, stretch, or regroup. It helps me stay present and reminds me that progress is about steady steps, not perfection.
As someone with ADHD, I know how easy it is to forget what works for me, to fall down the rabbit hole and lose my sense of self. But these gentle routines, even when they’re imperfect, are helping me climb out of the rut and reconnect with the person I want to be.
Chasing Peaceful Satisfaction (Not Perfection)
At the end of today, what I want most is a sense of peaceful satisfaction. Not the kind that comes from checking every box or racing through a to-do list, but the softer, deeper feeling of knowing I honored my own pace. I want to feel grateful for the small moments—a quiet cup of coffee, a laugh with Matt, a few rows added to my latest crochet project, or a chapter read in a new book. It’s about presence, not perfection.
To reach that feeling, I’m setting gentle, realistic intentions for myself:
Set Realistic Expectations: I’ll remind myself that it’s okay if everything doesn’t get done. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s finishing a task, taking a mindful break, or simply making my bed, I’ll pause to notice and appreciate it.
Make Space for Joy: I’ll carve out time for creativity—maybe a little crochet, maybe a few pages of a book, maybe just sitting outside and enjoying the fall air.
Prioritize Rest: I’ll let myself rest when I need it, without guilt. Sometimes, the most productive thing I can do is pause and recharge.
Honoring My Pace and Practicing Kindness
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a military spouse and creator is that kindness to myself is non-negotiable. On days when energy is low or plans change, I’ll practice self-compassion instead of self-criticism. I’ll check in with my body and mind, adjust as needed, and remember that I’m allowed to move through life at my own speed.
But I’ll be honest: I’m not always at the stage where I can “recover” from a bad day. Sometimes, I end up doom scrolling or sleeping—just trying to get through. And that’s okay, too. If there’s one thing I hold onto, it’s the idea that tomorrow is a new day. I can keep moving forward and make a difference, even if it’s just a little difference.
Tools and Tiny Sparks of Hope
Some days, there isn’t a magic fix or a perfect phrase that snaps me out of a rough patch. But I find hope in the smallest things: a message from a loved one, a favorite show, or just the knowledge that I get to try again tomorrow. Sometimes, all I need is the reminder that gentle progress is still progress.
Gentle Intentions for the Future
As I continue rebuilding my routines and rediscovering myself, I want to carry forward this intention: You are stronger than you think you are, and it’s always okay to ask for help. I can make a difference in other people’s lives, even on days when I’m struggling to see my own progress. And that, in itself, is enough.
Closing Thoughts: Enough is a Beautiful Word
If I can end the day feeling calm, present, and just a little bit proud of what I’ve done—or even just how I’ve cared for myself—that will be enough. Here’s to chasing peace, celebrating small joys, and giving ourselves permission to rest and reset along the way.
Reflection Prompt
How do you want to feel at the end of today? What gentle intentions can you set to help you get there? And if you have a rough day, what’s one small way you can show yourself kindness as you try again tomorrow?
With gratitude for the journey,
Latosha