Finding Your Well of Joy: Mindful Moments for Military Spouses and Makers
Written By Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Published: November 13, 2025 (I forgot to schedule it last night—the 12th—my bad!)
Welcome to Day 12 of our Mindfulness series. Today, we’re focusing on the beautiful and powerful topic of joy.
There’s a deep, steady well of joy inside each of us—quiet, patient, and always present beneath the surface of life’s busyness and challenges. Especially as a military spouse and creator, I’ve learned that joy isn’t something to chase or wait for; it’s an accessible, mindful practice we can invite into our everyday moments.
Whether it’s the soft morning light warming your face, the soothing rhythm of a creative project, or the simple smile shared with a loved one, joy reveals itself in small, intentional moments. Today, let’s explore how to recognize, nurture, and access that well of joy, even amidst transitions, uncertainty, and the demands of daily life.
How to Notice and Appreciate Joy in Small, Sensory Moments
Joy often doesn’t announce itself with fanfare. Instead, it slips quietly into the corners of our day—like the first gentle rays of sunlight filtering through the window, casting a warm glow on your favorite cozy blanket. It’s the soft click of crochet hooks moving rhythmically through yarn, the comforting scent of fresh coffee mingling with the crisp morning air, or the gentle hum of birds welcoming a new day.
Lately, I’ve noticed how much joy can be found in my own morning routine—even on the days when I’m not feeling my best. Most mornings, I wake up early to take my husband to work. I’ll be honest: I’m a grumpy person at 5:00 AM. It’s that dark, quiet hour when I’m definitely not my best self. But after 7:00 AM? I’m a morning person through and through—ready to embrace the day.
Every morning, without fail, my husband brings me a glass of water and kisses me gently before we step out the door. It’s a small gesture, but it always softens my edges.
As we walk outside together, the world is still and quiet, wrapped in darkness. The vast Texas sky—the newest sky to me—stretches overhead, and for a moment, I get to stand under that endless expanse, breathing in the cool air, letting the beauty of the world asleep around me sink in. That simple pause—just a few seconds of wonder—transforms my whole morning. What could have been an awful, rushed start becomes a peaceful, pleasant ritual that sets the perfect tone for the day ahead.
These are the kinds of sensory moments that root me in the present and open my heart to joy, even when I least expect it. As a military spouse, life is often filled with change and unpredictability. Finding these quiet, joyful moments amid the noise can be a lifeline—a reminder that joy is always available, waiting to be noticed.
Latosha enjoys a mindful moment with a warm drink and journaling by the window, bathed in soft Texas sunlight. The vast San Angelo sky and blooming cotton fields remind us to find joy in the simple, quiet moments of everyday life.
Navigating the Challenges of Finding Joy: A Mindful Journey for Military Spouses and Creators
Joy isn’t always easy to find, especially when life feels like a constant whirlwind of change and responsibility. As a military spouse and creator, I’m still learning how to shift my mindset toward one that’s more mindful and joyful. This isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about embracing the journey, with its ups and downs, discoveries and setbacks.
There are days when I feel stretched thin, overwhelmed by the weight of expectations and the demands of juggling family, creativity, and community. On those days, joy can feel like a distant memory or a luxury that’s just out of reach. It’s tempting to push it aside, telling myself I’ll come back to it “later,” when things settle down.
But through this ongoing practice, I’m beginning to see that joy isn’t about perfection or constant happiness. It’s about learning to be present with whatever arises—the good, the hard, and everything in between—and gently making space for joy even amid challenges.
One of the most important lessons I’m discovering is that joy often appears when I stop chasing it. When I allow myself to simply be present—whether in a moment of laughter with family, the quiet satisfaction of creating something with my hands, or even in the stillness of a breath—I open the door for joy to enter naturally.
Of course, this journey isn’t linear. I have days when I forget to pause, when I let stress or fatigue overshadow joy. But each time I return to this practice—mindfulness, gratitude, connection—I feel a little stronger, a little more open to the well of joy inside me.
I’m sharing this journey with you, not as someone who has it all figured out, but as a fellow traveler learning to find joy in the everyday. Together, we can explore how to invite more light, presence, and joy into our lives, one mindful step at a time.
Simple Joys on a Bike Ride: Mindful Moments in Nature and Neighborhoods
If there’s one thing this mindfulness journey is teaching me, it’s that joy isn’t reserved for big milestones or picture-perfect days. More often, it’s tucked into the ordinary, waiting to be noticed—a gentle invitation to slow down and savor what’s right in front of us.
Recently, I took my “new to me” bike out for a spin, letting the cool breeze wake me up as I pedaled through our neighborhood. There was something freeing about gliding down unfamiliar streets, just paying attention to the world around me. I noticed the cotton fields, white and fluffy, stretching out in bloom—almost like the land itself was having a celebration. The air smelled earthy and fresh, a reminder that seasons change even when life feels stuck.
As I rode, I couldn’t help but smile at the houses already dressed up for Christmas, twinkling lights and wreaths popping up on porches even though Thanksgiving hadn’t yet arrived. It felt like the whole neighborhood was quietly, hopefully, making room for joy. There was something contagious about it—an invitation to join in, to look for delight even before the “right” moment.
That ride wasn’t about exercise or getting anywhere in particular. It was about being present, letting myself notice the beauty and comfort woven into the everyday. The way the sunlight caught on the cotton, the laughter of kids in a distant yard, the simple act of moving my body and breathing in the crisp air—all of it added up to a kind of joy that lingered long after I parked my bike at home.
I’m learning that these mindful moments—whether on a quiet morning, a spontaneous bike ride, or anywhere in between—are always available if I’m willing to notice them. They’re the threads that connect me to myself, my community, and the world around me, no matter where this journey takes me next.
Creating Connection and Comfort: Family Rituals That Foster Joy at Home
Joy doesn’t just live within us as individuals—it grows and flourishes in the spaces we share with those we love. For me, the journey toward mindful joy is deeply intertwined with family moments, both big and small.
One of my favorite rituals, especially as fall deepens and winter draws near, is filling our home with the sounds of piano jazz. There’s something about those gentle notes—sometimes playful, sometimes wistful—that instantly shifts the mood in our house. On chilly evenings, while Matthew and I share a simple dinner, the soft melodies of swing jazz or Christmas jazz play in the background, wrapping us in a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
We’ll often sit together at the table, plates full of something warm and hearty. Matthew might pour himself an old fashioned, while I savor a glass of red wine—little luxuries that make the meal feel special without ever leaving home. The clink of ice in his glass, the deep red swirl of wine in mine, the laughter over a shared story, and the steady rhythm of jazz all blend together, transforming our space into a haven of joy.
It’s easy to think that you have to go out, spend money, or chase after new experiences to find happiness. But I’m learning that some of the most wonderful moments happen right here, in the spaces we’ve made our own. Spending time at home doesn’t mean you’re boring or missing out—it means you’re choosing to find celebration and contentment in the simple, mindful moments you create for yourself. There’s magic in making your home a place of joy, no matter how ordinary the day.
As a military spouse, I’ve learned to cherish these little traditions. They’re anchors—steady, joyful rituals that ground us no matter where we are or what changes come our way. Sharing this part of our lives with you, I hope you’re reminded that joy is often found in the simple, authentic connections and the small, intentional acts that make us feel at home.
Building Community and Belonging: How Volunteering and Friendships Cultivate Joy
Joy isn’t only found within our homes or ourselves—it also blossoms in the communities we choose to engage with. As a military spouse, building and nurturing connections outside the family is both a source of strength and a wellspring of joy.
I’ve found that being part of local clubs, volunteering, and intentionally carving out time to hang out with coworkers and friends creates a vibrant support network that enriches my life. Whether it’s a crafting group, a spouse club, or a volunteer project, these shared experiences foster belonging and remind me that joy grows when we contribute and connect.
Volunteering, in particular, has been a profound way to shift focus outward while feeding my soul inward. Helping others, even in small ways, creates a ripple effect of positivity that circles back as fulfillment and joy. It’s a reminder that we’re part of something bigger, and that our actions matter.
Making time for friends—whether it’s a quick coffee, a walk, or a creative collaboration—brings lightness and laughter to days that might otherwise feel heavy. These moments of intentional connection are vital; they ground me, inspire me, and add layers of meaning to my journey.
In a life defined by change and transitions, cultivating community is a joyful anchor. It’s a way to create roots wherever we land and to weave a tapestry of support that sustains us through the unknown.
Practical Mindfulness Tips to Cultivate Joy in Your Daily Life
Joy isn’t a distant destination—it’s a practice we can cultivate every day, in small, mindful ways. Here are some simple steps I’m exploring on this journey, and I invite you to try them too:
Pause and Notice: Take a moment each day to notice something that brings you joy—a sound, a scent, a sight, or a feeling. It could be the warmth of sunlight, the softness of yarn, or the smile of a loved one.
Create Joyful Rituals: Build small, intentional rituals that nurture your spirit. Maybe it’s a morning stretch, a favorite song, or a mindful cup of tea. These moments anchor us in presence and pleasure.
Connect with Community: Reach out to friends, join a club, or volunteer your time. Sharing experiences and supporting others enriches our lives and opens new pathways to joy.
Embrace Imperfection: Remember that joy doesn’t require perfection or constant happiness. It’s okay to have hard days—joy can coexist with challenges, and sometimes it’s the quiet resilience beneath it all.
Invite Reflection: Journaling, meditation, or simply asking yourself what brings you joy can deepen your awareness and help you prioritize what truly matters.
Today, I invite you to reflect: What small joy can you invite into your day? How might you create space for it, even amid busyness or uncertainty? Share your thoughts or rituals in the comments—I’d love to hear how you nurture your own well of joy.
Embracing Joy as an Ongoing Practice: Reflections from a Military Spouse and Creator
As I continue on this path of mindfulness and self-discovery, I’m realizing that joy isn’t a finish line or a prize for doing life “right.” It’s a companion—sometimes quiet, sometimes exuberant, always available if I’m willing to notice and nurture it. Whether it’s in the comfort of home, the laughter of friends, the beauty of a Texas sky, or the simple act of showing up for my community, joy is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
I hope that by sharing these mindful moments and honest reflections, you feel encouraged to look for your own sources of joy—no matter where you are or what season you’re in. Remember, you don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or the perfect mood. Joy is already here, waiting to be found in the ordinary and the unexpected.
Thank you for joining me on Day 12 of our Mindfulness series. I’m grateful for this community and the chance to walk this journey together. If you’d like, share what brings you joy in the comments or with someone you love—let’s keep inspiring each other to notice, savor, and celebrate the well of joy within us all.
With warmth and wonder,
Latosha