Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
I write about grief, healing, and the quiet ways life opens again—often when we least expect it.
If you are carrying loss, or simply feeling your way through a tender season, you are not alone. There is a path forward. Not all at once—but one small, steady step at a time.
I believe in gentle self-care, embodying curiosity, and in the possibility of joy returning—sometimes softly, like the first light of dawn.
My understanding of grief comes not only from study, but from lived experience. Over the years, I have walked through many forms of loss—and each one, though painful, has shaped the way I meet life now: with more compassion, more presence, and a deep trust that healing is possible.
Along the way, I’ve gathered tools that support this journey. I am a Certified Health Coach, Master Grief Coach, and a Reiki practitioner in the Usui Reiki Ryoho lineage through the International House of Reiki.
I was born in rural Florida and have always been drawn to the natural world. My life has taken me through many places—Colorado, Florida, and now the quiet beauty of Ashe County, North Carolina. Nature has been both my teacher and my refuge.
I am also a writer, a mother, a grandmother, and a lifelong maker—someone who has explored creativity in many forms, from painting to fiber arts. These practices, like writing, have helped me make sense of life’s most difficult moments.
Grief has been a powerful teacher in my life. Through experiences of loss, caregiving, and profound change, I came to understand something essential:
Self-care is not a luxury—it is the foundation for healing and for sustaining meaningful relationships.
Today, I continue to learn, to listen, and to share what I discover along the way.
Stay Connected
If my words speak to something in you, I invite you to stay connected.
Both here in my blog and on Substack, I share personal essays and quiet reflections on grief, healing, nature, and the small moments that help us find our way again.
Join me here:
👉 dawnlaurenanderson.substack.com
You’ll receive new posts directly in your inbox—no noise, no pressure, just a place to pause and reflect.
The Pull of the Moon
I woke up just before 4:00 am and almost immediately started crying, even sitting up gasping between sobs. The release of emotion had a calming effect as I laid back down and thought of my husband. Today I’d be spreading his ashes. I wiped away the tears from my cheeks, and sat up on the edge of the bed meant for two. Read more…
Five Tips Toward More Self-Care
These five tips toward more self-care will support your path toward fulfillment in your life. The photo of my son and mother laughing during a lunch out is just one example of self-care. Read more…
Tell Them You Love Them Right Now
Is there someone in your life you miss because there is a rift between you? Tell them you love them right now. You know you do, but pride, fear of rejection, or a lack of love for yourself keeps getting in the way. Read more…wn’s newsletters are full of warmth, insight, and wisdom–especially welcome during this surreal pandemic when our worlds have turned upside down and everything is so different.”
– Mary Jo Hazard, Author
“Dawn is an eloquent and captivating writer. Reading her words feels like you have been picked up and carried along on a beautiful journey. She is a gifted storyteller who is able to weave powerful metaphors and messages into her writing, allowing the reader to effortlessly gain insights while simply enjoying the beauty of her stories. She has a magical way of touching you deep in your heart.”
– Connie Chapman, Life Coach, Speaker, Podcast Host and Writer
“When I read Dawn’s words, it takes me to a virtual moment. I can see the place. My mind opens up. I’ve learned about gratitude, my self-confidence has increased, and I’m more able to share thoughts with others in my life.”
– Darrin Fielder, Fitness Coach