Can I be honest with you for a second? Gratitude doesn’t show up when you’re happy. It doesn’t come gift-wrapped on your good days. It’s not a feeling that finds you. it’s a practice you choose. Every. Single. Day. And sometimes that practice looks like being thankful for your morning cup of coffee. Sometimes it’s a walk with the dog. Sometimes and yes, I’m going there —sometimes it’s being grateful that you get to pick up the poop. That’s right. I said it. Because here’s what I’ve learned: when you start finding something to be grateful for in the smallest, most ordinary moments, something starts to shift how you see everything. Even loss. Grief doesn’t leave just because you practice gratitude. Sometimes it comes barreling in anyway and sits right down in front of your face and refuses to move. And that’s okay. Let it. Sit with it for a time. You don’t have to rush it out the door. But I’ve found that the more I anchor myself in these tiny daily moments of gratitude, the quicker I’m able to release that grief when it comes. Not suppress it. Not skip it. Release it. A cup of coffee. A morning walk. Even the poop bag in your hand. It all counts. It’s all practice. And practice changes us. What’s one small thing you’re grateful for today? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear it. P.S. Your nervous system what’s you to share it too!

Today is a bad day of Grief. I become immobilized, cemented in bed. Hours just laying, not thinking, "Why Am I Still Breathing?" My life is filled actively managing health issues. Yet Grief stops me, until I'm forces me to eat or urinate. Basic life functions. Its a Bad Day

The season is Autumn. It was her favorite. Carmel apple, cider, hay wagon trips. Its bitter sweet.

On one of my recent podcasts I talked about Glow Writing. Go back and listen if you missed it! This week has felt a little dry for me emotionally — and I know a lot of you can relate. As we move into this season full of holidays and memories, it’s easy for waves of grief to come rushing in. I spent some time glow writing this week, and what poured out was heavy with remembrance of my sweet Bradley on his angelversary. In my words I noticed the phrase lost love. When I read them back, I sat for a minute and thought — is the love really lost? Because I haven’t lost my love for my son. And I know, deep in my soul, that his love for us still exists. It just lives a bit differently now. So, I chose to transmute that phrase lost love into everlasting love. That’s the power of glow writing — it helps us see what’s hidden beneath the surface and shift it into light. When I realized that my photos stop where his life did, it was painful. But then I also realized that love doesn’t. It continues — through how I show up for others, how I create, and how I choose to live with more compassion and purpose. ✨ Glow Writing Challenge: Write freely for 10 minutes about someone you miss deeply. Let it all out — no editing, no censoring. Then, read your words and find one phrase or emotion that stands out to you. Ask yourself: How can I shift this? How can I honor this love in a way that keeps it alive within me? Maybe your “lost love” becomes everlasting love. Maybe your “grief” becomes gratitude for the time you shared. Remember, there is no wrong way to do this. The key is…do it:) You may repeat as often as you like. Please share in the comments below — what phrase are you transforming this week? 💛 Keep glowing, Dawn 🌻

I just invested in a new Zoom program so I can host our live paint-alongs, and wow… it’s been a learning curve. But honestly? It reminds me so much of the grief journey. Navigating unfamiliar territory, stumbling through confusion, and still showing up to create something beautiful out of the mess. I’ve spent thousands of hours (and dollars!) studying and mastering the art of grief recovery—because this work is my calling. And I refuse to let a little tech challenge stop me from bringing you what could truly change your life. If you’re fresh on your healing path, I know how overwhelming it can feel. But it’s the tiny steps that move you forward—the moments when you reach out, say yes, and allow someone to take your hand and help you on the path. That’s why I’m inviting you to my 12-hour transformational retreat in Sarasota on November 15. ✨ Deep soul work 🎨 Expressive art and creative healing 🌿 Radical transformation and connection 💫 Lifetime access to the recording And here’s the part that makes this impossible to say no to: Because you’re part of my free community, I’m gifting you a $100 coupon—which means this entire 12-hour online retreat costs you only $11. All you have to do is reply to this message, and I’ll personally send your coupon link. Join me—not for me, but for you. Because your healing matters. 💖