Living With Gratitude and Purpose

Happy Tuesday evening, everyone.

How are you doing on this amazing Tuesday night?
It’s been a spectacular day here, and before I turn in, I just wanted to stop by and say hi. I hope all is well in your corner of the world. If you’d like to share what’s been happening, feel free to drop me a comment, send a text, or email. You know me — I love hearing from you.

Nothing extraordinary happened today — at least not in the “big moment” kind of way. It was a simple, steady day. The pups and I had our coffee out back, I went to the gym, came home and did a little gardening — which I genuinely enjoy, even when it’s just pulling weeds. After that, I made a Costco run, came home to work on my business for a bit, and later John grilled burgers for dinner. I wrapped up the evening by meeting two of my nieces for a little catch‑up time.

But here’s the thing: even though the day was ordinary, it still felt spectacular.
Do you ever have those kinds of days — the kind that are typical in a wonderful sort of way?

I think the shift began the moment I woke up. I woke up in a feeling of gratitude — the kind that settles into your bones before you even open your eyes. The morning air was crisp and confident, almost like it was saying, “The rain has passed. I’m refreshed. I’m new.” And honestly, that’s exactly how I’ve been feeling too.

I’m walking into this phase of my life with gratitude and determination. I’m 57 years old, and for the first time, I feel like I’m truly living. I’ve started a business built around the things I love. I’m writing. I’m telling stories. I’m helping people say the things they’ve held in their hearts for years — the things they weren’t sure how to express. I’m helping them remember their purpose and share it with the people they love. And it feels incredible.

I have my Aunt Billie to thank for that. Writing her memoir changed me. As hard as it was, I realized I wasn’t losing her. Telling her story wasn’t her final chapter — it was her legacy, spoken from her earliest memories all the way to the messages she wants her loved ones to carry long after she’s gone.

I feel honored, blessed, and humbled to be trusted with these stories. It’s a gift from God — the ability to bring someone’s truth to life, to give their voice a place to land, to help their story live on.

And as I continue this work, I know with determination and heart, I’ll not only bring other people’s stories to life, but I’ll leave a legacy behind for my sons to be proud of. That alone makes this new journey exhilarating. Another blessing is that I can be home. I can write on my schedule. On the days when my PTSD flares or when the pain makes it hard to move, I can navigate a rhythm that honors my disability instead of fighting against it.

John has always told me to be patient — no matter the situation. And even if I never make a dime with my writing, that’s okay, because I’m doing what I love. I’m writing. I’m serving. I’m doing the work I feel called to do.

Blessings aren’t always financial. More often than not, they come in the form of love, appreciation, and being surrounded by family and friends. I’m content. I’m happy. And slowly but surely, I’m building a life with the man I love. My writing wouldn’t have been possible without his gift of seeing me and believing in my abilities as an author and storyteller. My close friends and family have supported me every step of the way. They saw my gift long before I ever did.

Tonight, I’m feeling so blessed to be on this journey, and I’m grateful to each and every one of you for coming along with me. Thank you for your continued love and support as I navigate this path with passion and purpose.

As this Tuesday comes to a close, I’m reminded that God often speaks in the quiet places — in the steady rhythm of an ordinary day, in the breath of morning air, in the stories we’re brave enough to tell. We are all carrying chapters that shaped us, and chapters we’re still becoming. And maybe that’s the real gift of this season of my life: knowing that every small act of gratitude, every story I help bring forward, every truth I write down… it all becomes part of a legacy that will outlive me. A legacy of love, of purpose, of becoming.

Wishing you a peaceful night and a beautiful tomorrow.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. May you feel seen, supported, and blessed in all you carry.

Love Life++ Hugs,
Dawna — following the butterflies, becoming who I was always meant to be