Live for the Moment: Day 2 – Waking Up from Autopilot
Written by Latosha WalkerFounder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Published: November 2, 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.
Breaking the Cycle: Interrupting My Autopilot
Today, I decided to experiment with something new: setting up “auto triggers” throughout my day. I programmed gentle alarms on my phone, each one with a simple message—“Time to be more mindful.” The idea was to break up my routine, to snap myself out of the day’s automatic rhythm and actually notice where I am, how I’m feeling, and what my breath is doing.
It’s funny how easy it is to drift through the hours, especially as a military spouse with a calendar full of tasks, emails, and creative deadlines. The alarms felt a little silly at first, but I was curious—could these tiny reminders help me reclaim a sense of presence?
A sunlit desert living room, freshly cleaned and set for family, with a handmade crocheted quilt adding a touch of comfort and creativity—ready to welcome loved ones home.
Anticipation and Excitement: Prepping for Family
Today also feels extra special—my parents are arriving this evening! I haven’t seen them since my birthday back in February, when they dropped me off at the airport and I flew home to get ready for the whirlwind of immediately PCSing from Norfolk to San Angelo. There’s a certain kind of excitement buzzing through the house as my husband and I clean, fluff pillows, and make sure everything feels welcoming. We’re a team, and I’m so grateful for how we work together—dividing up the chores and sharing the anticipation. I can’t wait to hug my parents and catch up after so many months apart.
The Power of Teamwork in Military Life
Being a military spouse means adapting constantly, but it also means leaning on each other. Matthew and I have moved so many times, and every PCS is a reminder of how much we rely on teamwork. Today, as we cleaned together—he vacuuming while I dusted, both of us laughing at the tumbleweeds of yarn under the couch—I felt that familiar sense of partnership. It’s not just about getting the house ready; it’s about building a home together, even in the in-between spaces.
We put on an old playlist of sailing songs—something we both secretly love, even if it makes us a little nerdy. The rhythms of those shanties echoed the teamwork we’ve built, turning chores into a shared adventure. Later, we switched to a podcast about cults, a quirky tradition that always keeps us entertained. As we moved from the front door to the back of the house, then upstairs, there was a sense of progress and accomplishment in every space we finished. By the time we were done, the house felt lighter, ready to welcome my parents with open arms and a sense of calm.
What Happened When I Paused
The first time the alarm went off, I was elbows-deep in yarn, halfway through organizing it by color, manufacturer, and fiber. I read the words—“Time to be more mindful”—and put down the yarn in my hand. For a moment, I just sat there.
Where am I? In my newly rearranged workspace, sunlight filtering through the desert window, the gentle hum of life downstairs.
How am I feeling? A little tired, honestly. But also proud—of my work, my home, and this commitment to change. And today, a layer of anticipation and joy, knowing my parents are on their way.
What’s my breathing like? Quick and shallow at first, but as I noticed it, my breath softened. I felt my shoulders drop.
Throughout the day, each alarm became a gentle invitation to come back to myself. Sometimes I was in the kitchen, sometimes outside, sometimes lost in a scroll on my phone. Each time, I paused, looked around, and took a breath. The practice is simple, but the effect is powerful—it’s like opening a window and letting a fresh breeze into my mind.
Mindfulness in the Middle of the Desert
Living in the desert is its own kind of mindfulness practice. The landscape is quiet, open, and full of subtle beauty. When I stop to notice, I see the way the light changes on the sand, the resilience of the plants, and the endless sky. It’s a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the present, even when life feels like a whirlwind.
Reflections on Our Last PCS: From Norfolk to San Angelo
Thinking back to February, I remember the bittersweet feeling of hugging my parents goodbye at the airport. That day marked the start of a new chapter—one filled with uncertainty, military logistics, and the chaos of moving across the country. PCS season is always intense: packing boxes, saying goodbye to friends, learning a new city, and finding ways to make each house feel like home.
This last move taught me so much about resilience, patience, and the importance of leaning on my support system. Matthew and I navigated every challenge as a team, he was in Japan while I was in Norfolk Virgina, from lost boxes to late-night unpacking sessions. And now, months later unpacking the lasts boxes, I get to welcome my parents into our new home—a place that finally feels like ours.
The Joy of Cooking and Gathering
As we finished up the last of the cleaning, Matthew was already planning what he wanted to cook for my parents. Lately, he’s discovered a real passion for gourmet cooking—a hobby that’s brought a fresh spark to our home and a lot of delicious meals to our table. He’s especially proud of his brisket, which he’s been perfecting over the past few months, experimenting with different rubs and smoking techniques. The kitchen has become his creative space, much like my yarn corner is for me.
He’s also planning to make his famous deviled eggs (which always disappear first at any gathering) and creamy mashed potatoes—the kind that taste like comfort and celebration all at once. I can already picture the table: the steam rising from the brisket, the little details on the deviled eggs, the laughter and stories that will fill the room as we all sit down together.
There’s something special about preparing a meal for people you love, especially after months apart. It’s more than just food—it’s a way to say “welcome back,” to share a piece of the life we’ve built here, and to create new memories together.
Exploring Old and New: Photo Walks and Memories
One of my favorite things about the last time I was with my parents was simply wandering and taking photos together. There’s something so grounding about exploring familiar places with fresh eyes—especially as my hometown in Central Oregon keeps changing every time I visit. We’d stroll down old streets, pausing so I could snap a photo of a new mural or an old building that’s finally been restored. Sometimes my parents would point out a spot where they remembered taking me as a kid, and we’d laugh about how different things look now.
Those photo walks became a way to slow down and really see the world around me—not just as it is, but as it was, and as it might be in the future. It’s a practice that feels a lot like mindfulness: being present, noticing the little things, and appreciating the beauty in everyday life. I’m looking forward to doing the same here in San Angelo, showing my parents the desert light, the quirky corners of our new neighborhood, and maybe capturing a few moments that will become part of our family story.
I’m especially looking forward to showing my parents around San Angelo, letting them experience this Texas desert that’s become our new home. My hometown in Central Oregon is a high, dry desert with four distinct seasons, pine forests, sagebrush, and mountains in the distance. San Angelo, though, is a humid desert—softer, warmer, and filled with mesquite, prickly pear, and wild grasses. The sky is just as wide, but the colors and scents are unique. I hope my parents will feel that blend of familiarity and discovery—the sense that, even when you’re far from your roots, there’s always something new to appreciate if you take the time to notice.
Living for the Moment (Even When My Mind Wonders)
As I go through this day—cleaning, prepping, setting up my mindful alarms—I keep coming back to the idea of living for the moment. But if I’m honest, my mind doesn’t always cooperate. Even as I try to be present, I catch myself wondering about the future: How long will we be in San Angelo? What will the next PCS bring? Will my parents love this new chapter of our lives as much as I hope they will?
It’s natural for my thoughts to wonder. Military life is built on change, and I’ve learned to be ready for the next move, the next challenge, the next adventure. But sometimes, that readiness turns into restlessness. I find myself mentally packing boxes before we’ve even settled in, or worrying about what comes next instead of enjoying what’s right in front of me.
Today, my mindful alarms are a gentle anchor. Each time one goes off, I have to pause and ask: Where am I? How am I feeling? What’s my breathing like? It’s a way to call myself back from the “what ifs” and “what’s next” and into the “right now.” I’m learning that it’s okay if my mind wonders asking a million questions—as long as I keep inviting it back to the present, again and again.
Lessons from the Triggers
I realized just how much of my day I spend on autopilot. But these little moments—just a few seconds at a time—helped me notice the warmth of my mug, the sound of laughter in the next room, the way the desert light shifts as the day goes on.
It’s not about being mindful every second. It’s about creating space for small awakenings, over and over. I’m learning that presence is a practice, not a destination.
How to Set Up Your Own Mindful Reminders
If you want to try this practice, here’s how I did it:
Set gentle alarms on your phone or computer at intervals that work for your schedule (I did morning, midday, and evening).
Label each alarm with a loving reminder—mine says, “Time to be more mindful.”
When the alarm goes off, pause. Take a deep breath. Notice where you are, how you’re feeling, and what your breath is like.
Use all your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, and feel in this moment?
Let the moment be enough. Even a few seconds of presence can shift your day.
This simple technique is perfect for busy lives—especially for military families, creatives, or anyone juggling a lot of change. It’s a gentle way to anchor yourself in the present.
Modeling Mindfulness for Family and Community
As I prepare for my parents’ visit, I’m reminded of how important it is to model these practices for the people I love. Whether it’s pausing for a mindful breath, working together as a team, or simply being present during a family meal, these small choices ripple outward. My hope is that by sharing my journey—both the struggles and the successes—I can encourage others in the Wondering.Waves community to find their own mindful moments.
Reflection Prompt
Do you ever find your mind wandering to the future, even when you want to be present? What helps you come back to the moment? If you’re looking for a gentle nudge, maybe set an alarm with a loving message—just for you. Let’s wake up to our lives, one mindful moment at a time.
With gratitude for every reminder,
Latosha