Carrying What Works Forward: What Germany Taught Me About Adaptation

The start of a new year often comes with a quiet mix of emotions—hope, hesitation, curiosity, and sometimes fatigue. New environments, new routines, new expectations. Even when change is welcome, it asks something of us: attention, flexibility, and patience as we learn what works and what doesn’t.

As parents, educators, and caregivers, we live this every day. Our children grow. Our routines shift. The world changes around us. And often, we’re adapting in real time—without a roadmap.

This past September, I found myself doing the same while traveling to Germany for the first time. I expected rich history, incredible food, and a very enthusiastic Oktoberfest. What I didn’t expect was that one of the most meaningful lessons I’d bring home would come from something as ordinary as… bedding.

Welcome back to the Koi Wellness blog, your trusted resource for child development and empowerment. I'm Aya Porté, your occupational therapist (OT) who is passionate about nurturing children's potential and supporting cross-cultural families. As we step into 2026 together, I want to begin the year not with a call to start over—but with an invitation to notice, reflect, and carry forward what already works.

A Small Discovery With a Big Impact

In every hotel and home we stayed in, shared beds—whether full, queen, or king—were set up the same way: two individual twin-sized comforters and two sets of pillows. One for each person.

No wrestling for the covers.
No tug-of-war at 3 a.m.
No negotiating whether the blanket was too hot or too cold.

Just a shared bed with individualized comfort.

At first, it felt surprising. Then it felt obvious. Why would two people with different bodies, temperatures, and sensory needs share one blanket? Suddenly, it also made sense why weighted blankets are so difficult to “share”—they’re designed as individualized tools, not communal covers.

I loved this system so much that I marched myself to IKEA in Germany, bought a twin duvet, brought it home, and recreated it exactly. Now, my husband and I sleep with separate comforters, use our own weighted blankets when needed, and place a shared quilt on top.

And honestly? I’m obsessed.

We sleep better. We’re warmer. We’re less irritated. And the entire setup quietly honors a simple truth: two people can share a space without sharing the exact same sensory experience.

This Is Occupational Therapy 🎙️

As an occupational therapist, this moment clicked instantly.

This is activity analysis.
This is adaptation.
This is the heart of OT work.

Occupational therapy isn’t only about addressing big challenges or formal diagnoses. It’s about looking closely at everyday occupations—sleep, rest, routines, transitions, meals, play—and asking:

What’s not working here?
What’s getting in the way of comfort or participation?
What small adjustment could make this easier?

Often, meaningful change doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It comes from noticing the details and responding thoughtfully. A different blanket. A shifted routine. A small environmental tweak.

Just like bread tastes different when the recipe changes slightly, daily life feels different when our environments truly support us.

Adaptation Is a Skill—Not a Reset

As we move into a new year, I want to offer a gentler invitation than “starting fresh.”

Instead of asking yourself what needs to be fixed, ask:
What have I already learned about myself, my child, or my family?
What adaptations have quietly helped us this past year?
What’s worth carrying forward?

Adaptation is not about perfection. It’s about observation, flexibility, and responsiveness—skills that grow with practice and support.

This is also why I’m expanding my offerings at Koi Wellness this year. In 2026, I’ll be focusing more intentionally on consultation-based support for families and caregivers—creating space to reflect, observe, and problem-solve together around real-life routines and environments. Not to “start over,” but to build on what’s already there.

Carry This With You

Germany taught me many things. But this lesson has stayed with me the most: meaningful improvements in daily life often begin by noticing what isn’t working, honoring personal needs, and making small, thoughtful adjustments.

Sometimes, it really is as simple as getting your own blanket.

As we step into this new year, my hope is that you carry forward what already supports you, remain curious about what feels challenging, and give yourself permission to adapt with compassion—for yourself and for your child.

If you find yourself wanting support as you navigate those adaptations, I’d be honored to walk alongside you. You can schedule a consultation here and stay connect on LinkedIn, ​Instagram​, and ​Facebook. Let’s make 2026 a year of intentional choices, gentle adjustments, and meaningful change—one small shift at a time.