With warmth and wonder,
Latosha & Matthew
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Finding Flavor and Community in Central Texas: My Day at Coleman Olive Oil Co. San Angelo
A simple library trip in San Angelo turned into a sensory adventure at Coleman Olive Oil Co.—a local gem filled with warmth, flavor, and genuine connection. In this reflective blog, I share how mindful curiosity, delicious tastings, and a single welcoming conversation helped weave a new thread of belonging in our military family’s journey.
Rewilding in Small Ways: Finding Nature in Military Life
Military life doesn’t always come with sweeping mountain views or endless beaches—but rewilding is still possible. In this Day 19 mindfulness reflection, I share how small, portable nature rituals—like watching the sunrise, looking up at the night sky, and collecting tiny tokens from each duty station—help me feel grounded, calm, and connected to the wildness around me, no matter where we live.
Turning Snacks Into Sacred Pauses: A Gentle Mindful Eating Ritual for Busy Days
In the chaos of military life, even the smallest mindful moments can bring peace. Discover how turning simple snacks into sacred pauses helps reclaim calm and presence during hectic PCS days and beyond.
Savoring the Moment: How Intentional Meals Bring Joy and Balance to Busy Days
In this post, I share how mindful meal planning and presence have transformed my relationship with food amid the chaos of military family life. From practical strategies like the half-portion pause to the joy of distraction-free meals, discover gentle ways to bring balance and nourishment to your busy days.
Joy in the In-Between: Milo Memories, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Soft Life Rituals
Discover how small, intentional moments—like revisiting a childhood school, sharing a beloved buffalo chicken dip recipe, and embracing cozy rituals—can anchor joy and gratitude in military life’s in-between seasons. This heartfelt post offers practical insights and gentle encouragement to find joy amid transitions.
From Roses to Star Wars: Embracing the Small Joys That Light Our Way
A heartfelt reflection on rediscovering joy through simple moments—from the roses at Milo Academy to shared Star Wars movies—and learning to choose presence and self-care every day.
Embracing Self-Love on the Journey to Joy
Discover the transformative power of self-love on your journey to joy. In this mindful reflection, Latosha shares personal stories and gentle practices to help you value yourself, embrace small moments of care, and nurture your spirit amidst life’s challenges.
Choose Your Words Wisely: Turning Obligation Into Choice
The words we use—like “have to,” “should,” and “need to”—quietly shape our days and our sense of agency. In this mindful reflection, Latosha explores how shifting her language from obligation to choice brings more intention, warmth, and joy to daily routines and relationships.
No Name Calling: How to Speak Kindly to Yourself
The words we hear growing up—like “Be careful!” and “Be nice!”—echo in our self-talk for years. In today’s reflection, Latosha explores how to shift from name-calling to gentle, accurate language, building a kinder inner world and stronger leadership.
Your Inner Critic: Learning to Listen With Compassion
When your inner critic gets loud, it’s easy to believe its harsh words. In today’s mindful reflection, Latosha explores the strange logic of the inner critic, how it tries to protect us, and the gentle power of replacing criticism with encouragement and compassion.
Mindful Self-Talk: Learning to Be Kinder to Myself
Learning to be kinder to myself is an ongoing journey. In this honest reflection, I share how old stories and inner critics shape my self-talk, and how mindful journaling, gentle routines, and encouragement—both for myself and others—help me soften those harsh voices. If you’ve ever struggled with self-criticism, you’re not alone. Here’s how I’m learning to offer myself the same compassion I give to others, one mindful moment at a time.
Schedule in Spontaneity: Mindful Breaks from Routine
Inviting a little adventure into the everyday, I set out to “schedule in spontaneity” and break free from my usual routines. From mindful lunches outdoors to saying yes to small surprises, this week’s journey is all about finding joy, creativity, and comfort in the unexpected moments that color our lives.
A Foggy Texas Morning: Finding Comfort and Presence at Cold Smoke Coffee Craft House
A rare fog transforms San Angelo into a cozy retreat, inspiring Latosha and Matt to seek comfort, connection, and presence at Cold Smoke Coffee Craft House. In this mindful reflection, discover the beauty of slowing down, savoring rituals, and finding joy in the simplest moments.
Celebrating Adaptability: Finding Family in the Waves
Adaptability isn’t just about surviving change—it’s a quiet superpower that helps us find family, joy, and unexpected beauty in every wave. In this reflection, Latosha shares stories of military life, creativity, and the communities built through embracing change.
Carrying the Weight: Balancing Passion, Purpose, and Self-Compassion
Balancing all the roles of military spouse, creative, and community builder isn’t about doing it all perfectly—it’s about learning to carry the weight with compassion, asking for help, finding beauty in boundaries, and celebrating the small wins that keep us moving forward.
Finding Gratitude and Joy: Reflections Under the Stars
Three days before the world shut down for COVID, I landed in Hawaii—hopeful, nervous, and ready for a new chapter. A quiet sunset on the beach with Matt became a touchstone for gratitude, reminding me that beauty and belonging can be found in the smallest, most unexpected moments.
A Cozy Sick Day: Finding Comfort, Community, and Permission to Rest
A gentle, diary-style reflection on finding comfort and community during a sick day. Latosha shares cozy rituals, the healing power of handmade care, and the courage it takes to rest—with a reminder that you’re worthy of kindness, especially from yourself.
Rest, Recovery, and a Little Disney Magic: Lessons from a San Angelo Sick Day
On a bright San Angelo day, I find myself tucked under blankets, embracing the quiet magic of rest and comfort. This is a gentle reflection on slowing down, the warmth of small comforts, and the courage to pause—even when the world outside is bustling.