Category: joy
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I have done some things
Lately I’ve been in one of those funks where I struggle to give myself credit. I find myself thinking, “I don’t do anything worthwhile,” yet there is plenty of external evidence that proves otherwise. But rather than appreciating what I have done, I keep turning my focus to what I haven’t done. When I fall…
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What a fun season
“What a fun season!” I thought last night as my head hit the pillow. I felt satisfied despite the end of the Braves’ playoff run. But that hasn’t always been my approach to sports fandom. Ramón and I used to have Falcons’ season tickets. I’d look forward to going to the games and, on Sundays, I’d…
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Bursting bubbles (in a good way)
I’d never heard of H Mart when I met Ramón in 2011, but it soon became an integral part of our relationship. H Mart is a Korean grocery store that has its own food court. I’m not sure if Ramón’s Korean-ness led him to H Mart or if it was because the store was only…
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Not boarding
“I didn’t leave for the airport before I left for the airport.” Yes, that sentence left my mouth earlier this week. I was on the phone with a friend, telling her about last weekend’s quick trip to Louisville, Colorado, just outside of Denver. (If you live there and I didn’t tell you I was coming,…
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Ramón’s 37th birthday fell on a Saturday, so we got to spend the entire day together. I told him we could do whatever he wanted. His first wish was to go to Waffle House for breakfast, and we fulfilled this lofty dream without issue. Next, he wanted to take the dogs to hike at Stone…
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Woe to the child (birthday edition)
You know that ol’ medieval European saying, “Woe to the child who tastes salty from a kiss on the brow, for he is cursed and soon will die”? No? Nobody? Parents have been cautioned about salty babies since at least the 15th century. Salty skin was “known to herald an unavoidable death preceded by rasping…
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Did Ashton Kutcher Get Punk’d?
“I wish I could give Ashton Kutcher an update,” I sometimes think. I wanted him to know when I started performing improv.And when I got married.And when I started writing a book.And when I was widowed. I mostly wanted him to know I was alive — but not in the way preteens long for their…
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Join the Inspiration Parade!
Today is the first day of Creativity March! You’re probably thinking, “What is Creativity March?” I’ll tell you. Creativity March was born at a brewery (the birthplace of many good ideas) over dinner with my friend, Jennifer. The goal is to do something creative every day in March. Why? Creativity helps foster your sense of…
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![Rain, rain, you can stay [a while]](https://drewdotson.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_1048.jpg)
Rain, rain, you can stay [a while]
Nothing quite brings me to life like the feeling before a thunderstorm — as the wind picks up and electricity builds in the air. I’ve always been drawn to rain. I loved storms as a child. When it looked like rain, I didn’t want to go inside; I wanted to go outside and immerse myself…
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Celebrating Megan Rosemarie
In late October, I wrote a post about my friend, Megan, who passed away. Yesterday we celebrated Megan’s life, and I want to share what I said — along with a link to a memoir about her travels. Although the length of time I knew Megan pales in comparison to most of you, I also…
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Season’s Grievings
It’s the most wonderful time of year.* *but not for everyone I’ve intended to write this post for weeks now, but I’ve struggled with exactly what to say. I don’t want to go all BAH HUMBUG on the holidays, but it’s important to acknowledge that this time of year can feel particularly un-holly and un-jolly…
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A flight of imagination
I have a complicated relationship with airplanes. I was once headed to NYC for a work trip and had an awful asthma attack. I was gasping for air and couldn’t speak, so the woman next to me sought help from a flight attendant. “Ice,” I mouthed to her, knowing it helps soothe my throat. People…
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I’m published!
I was embarrassed to admit I wanted to be a writer for a very long time. I was fearful of seeming unrealistic, for one, but putting my wish out into the universe also meant I could fail. I wasn’t thrilled about that thought, either. In recent years, though, I’ve realized I was only failing myself.…
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Stories of Grief: Drew Dotson
After losing Ramón, I began connecting with other widows on Instagram. (See? Social media has some benefits!) I stumbled upon the Forced Joy Project, created by cancer survivor and widow, Dana Frost. Dana graciously gave me an opportunity to share my story of grief. Here’s an excerpt: What do you want others to know about…
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Letting “them” go
I’ve always cared a bit too much about what other people think. For instance, I’ve been self-employed for more than five years, and I often work in pajama pants. Let’s say 2 o’clock rolled around and I wanted to check the mailbox. Some days I’d scamper to the mailbox and pray nobody saw me. Other…