Joy in the In-Between: Milo Memories, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Soft Life Rituals
Written by Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Published: November 17th, 2025
Day 16 Joy isn’t always loud or grand. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments—the small, intentional treats that anchor us in gratitude and remind us that joy is possible, even amid life’s transitions. This post explores how noticing tiny joys, embracing cozy rituals, and gently shifting our stories can open the door to a more joyful life.
Latosha embraces quiet joy in the in-between moments—holding a warm mug, surrounded by cozy rituals like crochet and soft comforts. In these small, intentional acts, she finds gratitude, presence, and the gentle strength to navigate life’s transitions.
Noticing Joy in the Everyday: Lessons from Milo and Roses
A few years ago, in the summer of 2024, I took a solo trip back to Milo Adventist Academy while Matthew was deployed. Returning as an adult to my high school home away from home felt both comforting and bittersweet. The sun was warm, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves, and for once, there was no cell service pulling me away.
I wandered through the hallways, soaking in the familiar sights and sounds. I found my old signature up on the beam of high school graduates—the little title I had made, sitting alongside everyone else’s out in the stairwell. It was a quiet, grounding reminder of the passage of time and the roots that still hold me.
I took my time exploring the campus, letting memories wash over me. When I went back outside into the oval and walked back towards the car, I stopped to enjoy the wild roses blooming there. The delicate pink petals, the soft scent carried on the air, and the quiet hum of bees created a tiny sanctuary. I was struck by how truly peaceful it was, remembering all the memories held in that place. Even though so much in my life had changed, the school remained mostly the same.
In that moment, I realized how easy it is to miss these small gifts while rushing through life’s demands. But when I slowed down and truly noticed, joy blossomed in that simple act of presence.
That patch of roses became a metaphor for me—a reminder that joy often lives in the details we overlook. It doesn’t have to be a big event or achievement. It can be a slow sip of morning coffee, the comforting motion of stitches forming beneath my hands, or the warmth of a shared smile.
Joy as a Practice, Not a Personality Trait
It’s tempting to think joy is something you either have or don’t—a trait reserved for naturally sunny people. But joy is more like a muscle we can strengthen with practice.
I’ve caught myself many times lost in “if only” thinking. If only I could find a better job. If only we weren’t moving again. If only things were easier. These thoughts create a fog of dissatisfaction that dims joy and gratitude.
But practicing gratitude—even for the tiniest things—can clear that fog. It rewires our brains to notice goodness and possibility. Some days, that gratitude looks like naming three small things before bed. Other days, it’s recognizing one tiny win or allowing myself a moment of rest without guilt.
These practices don’t erase challenges, but they help me hold space for joy alongside them.
Tiny Treats as Daily Fuel: The Power of Small Joys
Joy doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It can be woven into your day through tiny, intentional treats.
For me, those treats look like:
A slow cup of coffee in my favorite mug before the day begins
Taking five minutes to hold yarn and crochet, even if I can’t finish a row
Pausing to notice the sky or a quiet corner of the house
Saying yes to a cozy snack or a soft blanket instead of pushing through exhaustion
Rewatching a comforting Star Wars movie with Matthew without feeling guilty
These small moments are like drops filling a well. Over time, they build a reservoir of joy that sustains me through transitions and uncertainty.
Joy in Military Transitions: Finding Stability in the Small Things
Military life is full of transitions—PCS moves, deployments, and the constant uncertainty that comes with this journey. These moments can feel overwhelming and disorienting, making it easy to lose sight of joy. That’s why tiny treats and simple rituals become so vital. They offer small islands of stability and comfort amidst the chaos, reminding us that even when everything else feels unsettled, we can still find moments of peace, connection, and happiness. These rituals don’t erase the challenges but help us build resilience and hold onto joy no matter where life takes us.
Buffalo Chicken Dip and Building Community Through Joyful Rituals
One of the clearest examples of tiny treats fueling joy in my life comes from a recipe that’s become a ritual: ultra-creamy buffalo chicken dip.
By the time of the Marine spouse food swap, I had already visited their home a few times, so that gathering felt familiar and welcoming. But when I brought the dip to a small Navy coworker get-together, it was a different story—I was both nervous and excited, not knowing what to expect as it was my first time visiting their home.
Despite the nerves, the warmth of the house, the lively chatter, and the clatter of dominoes soon made me feel right at home. The dip’s spicy, cheesy warmth kept us grazing and talking late into the evening. Joy surprised me in those simple, imperfect moments—reminding me that happiness is often found when we open ourselves to connection and presence.
These gatherings weren’t elaborate events. They were cozy, imperfect moments where joy blossomed through shared food, stories, and genuine company. They remind me that joy is accessible in the everyday rituals we create.
From Joy to Gratitude: A Daily Rhythm
Joy and gratitude are deeply intertwined in my life. To keep joy alive, I practice a simple, gentle gratitude rhythm that feels realistic and nurturing, especially during busy or challenging seasons.
Each night before bed, I take a moment to:
Notice three small things from my day that brought me peace or a smile.
Name one quiet thing I’m grateful for, no matter how ordinary it seems.
Plan one small treat or act of kindness for myself the next day—whether that’s a walk, a favorite snack, a few stitches of crochet, or simply a pause to breathe.
This rhythm isn’t about perfection or grand gestures. It’s about creating space every day for joy to grow—one small seed at a time.
Cozy Rituals: Star Wars, Crochet, and the Soft Life
Beyond food, I’ve found joy in other rituals that feel like quiet anchors.
Watching Star Wars movies with Matthew is more than entertainment—it’s a shared space of comfort and nostalgia. The familiar music, the epic stories, and the chance to laugh and cheer together build joy into our routine.
Crochet, too, is a practice of joy. The rhythmic movement of yarn and hook calms my mind and connects me to a lineage of creative women in my family. Each stitch is a small act of care and presence.
These rituals are part of what I call the “soft life”—choosing comfort, creativity, and connection as acts of resilience.
Shifting Quiet Stories and Beliefs About Joy
One of the hardest parts of cultivating joy is noticing the quiet stories we tell ourselves—those “if only” mantras that limit what we believe is possible.
I’ve learned to gently catch those thoughts and ask: Is this true? Is there another way to see this moment? Can I believe joy is possible even now?
This shift isn’t instant. It’s a practice of kindness toward myself and curiosity about what joy might look like if I let it in.
A Simple Framework to Cultivate Joy and Gratitude
If you’re wondering how to invite more joy into your life, here’s a gentle practice I use:
Notice: Find one tiny thing today that made you smile or brought a moment of peace.
Name: Say thank you for one thing you’re quietly grateful for, no matter how small.
Nurture: Choose one small treat you can give yourself this week—a walk, a favorite snack, a moment of crafting, or rest.
These steps help open the door to joy—not as a distant goal, but as a present possibility.
Reflection: What Small Joy Will You Let In?
Joy is waiting in the quiet corners, the simple rituals, and the tiny treats we often overlook. It’s not about perfection or big moments; it’s about presence and permission.
What is one small joy you can let yourself have this week without feeling like you have to earn it first?
With Warmth and Wonder,
Latosha