Category: gratitude
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Lordy, lordy!
I never dreamed I’d see adulthood, and I certainly didn’t expect to turn 40. But here we are! Tomorrow I’ll celebrate—truly and joyously—turning 40 years old. And I’ll do it in a society that largely frowns upon aging—and definitely frowns upon frown lines. (Frown. What a weird word.)
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Bathe me in light
I dedicated the month of March to looking for magic. I thought it would help me lean into mindfulness and gratitude—devoting my attention to what is versus what could or should be. The most magical moment I’ve tuned into so far is the way the light enters the house a few minutes after 7 o’clock…
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Mission: Magic!
Before I dive into MAGICAL MARCH!, here’s a quick update on my heart: There is no update.
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![Oh, [S]Nap!](https://drewdotson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20220221_161858.jpg)
Oh, [S]Nap!
This was originally written January 5, 2024, in case you were wondering if Noodle had been resurrected. I figure I’ll start sharing some of my writing that would otherwise go to die on my computer. How lovely is an afternoon nap, especially during the wintertime? I love cozying on the couch with the dogs, pilfering…
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I’ll be home for Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas when I finally broke freeTo finish healing at home with the help of IVs;I plopped on the couch, dogs wrapped in my legs,And waited for Santa to deliver my meds. Well. That was the least Christmassy Christmas ever, but I’m okay with it. My virus-like symptoms began in mid November,…
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Doggone it
Yesterday marked one month without Noodle. I felt her absence strongly on Tuesday when I returned home from a trip. Often, reuniting with the dogs is the highlight of coming home from vacation. But on a shuttle at the airport, it struck me that Noodle wouldn’t be part of the welcoming committee for the first…
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Week 3: Simple September
I’m here with another Simple September recap. My biggest victory over the past week has been following my gut. Because of this, I was less sterotypically productive (i.e., working hard, making money) and a lot more that-book-is-really-calling-to-me-and-I-shall-answer productive (i.e., soul-level fulfillment). Some bigger things are happening this week, so check Instagram for the daily recap.…
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Week 1: Simple September
Here’s what went down during the first week of Simple September. Highlights include fun socks, cozy naps, and threats of hospitalization. Dun dun dun… 💜Keep up daily on Instagram!💜
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Normal: Not found
Today was back to reality after a week at the beach. For me, the primary symptom of post-vacation blues is a soul-level restlessness that I struggle to describe. Something always feels just a little bit off, like maybe I’m not supposed to be where I am. I know this feeling is normal—that it happens after…
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13 Years of Noodle
Thirteen years ago today, Ramón and I brought this magical creature home. We had already picked her name, Noodle, because I wanted it to pair nicely with Ramón’s French Bulldog, Alfie—short for Alfredo. We considered every pasta type we could think of, ultimately landed on Noodle. Ziti was a close second, but I’m glad we…
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15,051 days
Ramón would have turned 46 today. This morning, as I tried to think of a photo to share in honor of his big day, this one came to mind. We’d just purchased a nice camera to take on our upcoming cross-country RV trip. When I took this photo, I was playing around with the camera…
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Thinking Face
Today, to procrastinate on writing, I started browsing files on my computer. I stumbled upon a folder called “Ramón Headshots.” As I clicked through the series of photos, I felt a fullness in my chest—the good kind that results from a hearty dose of gratitude. This image specifically caught my eye because it perfectly captures…
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Just July
Last week, on the first of July, my neighbor Tracy surprised me with this vase of flowers. With it was a handwritten note praising my ability to find joy in June—and encouraging others to #BeMoreLikeDrew. Her kindness made me smile, and I considered whether I should label July in some way. Genial July? Jovial July?…
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Happy Birthday, Dirty Ramón
Today I feel your presence in the rustling leaves and chirping birds. I taste your appreciation in the Blizzard I got in honor of your birthday. I see you in our dogs’ eyes as they pierce my soul. I channel your patience when one of said dogs pees on the floor—simply saying, “I’m sorry I…
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Sick of medicine. Sick without it.
I had seven voicemails when I returned home from a magical, soul-inspiring trip to Scotland in March. They were all from pharmacies. SEVEN calls about medications. I’d abruptly transitioned from fairyland back to reality. Normally I have a “whatever needs to be done” attitude when it comes to managing cystic fibrosis, but this time anger…