Today, we’d like to introduce you to Errica Dotson.
Hi Errica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am Errica Dotson, a native of Los Angeles, California, with deep roots in Houston, TX. My incredibly diverse educational and professional background has intricately shaped and colored my journey, leading me to where I am today.
With over 21 years in education, I have served in different capacities, such as a teacher, instructional specialist, school leader, district manager, and county leader in Houston.
This extensive experience has deepened my understanding of educational equity and servant leadership, which are topics close to my heart. Additionally, my work in executive leadership for religious and arts nonprofits has allowed me to explore ways to empower others to use their voice and stories to bring change and healing to the world.
As a gifted communicator with a journalism background, I engage in various activities like reading, blogging, podcasting, and public speaking. These outlets let me share insights on important issues such as women’s empowerment and self-efficacy.
Currently, I am focusing on private consulting and promoting my first book, ‘Holding On to Hope,’ which chronicles my journey through anxiety and depression, highlighting how faith in Christ brought me strength and clarity. Each study chapter encourages reflection and growth, offering a path toward peace and hope.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
In April 2020, I hit a brick wall. Of course, the world was swimming in a sea of despair and fear as we moved further into the pandemic and at the beginning of the national quarantine. Everyone was lost and confused, unsure what the next day would hold for them.
But for me, I was also suffering from compounded grief. My journey through the proverbial wilderness began a year earlier. In January 2019, despite my hard work and commitment, I faced insurmountable hurdles in my chosen career path. In April 2019, I suffered a miscarriage, an unimaginable experience that crushed my heart and my hopes to grow my family. In December 2019, I received a call that my father was very sick and needed me to return home to Los Angeles.
I then began traveling from Houston to Los Angeles twice a month to care for him until his passing in February 2020. All of this was taking place against the backdrop of depression and anxiety. My natural default was to endure pain and disappointment, push my feelings down, and bury myself in my work and community involvement. However, with everything at a standstill, I only had time to sit and think for hours. There was nowhere to go and nothing to do.
And it was at that point that I felt that I was going to lose my mind. I have always been agreeable, calm, cool, and collected, even under challenging circumstances. So, to have feelings overtake my mind and psyche was new to me. I now had to process big emotions. However, I had no tools or systems to help me overcome my depression and grief.
Growing up in a traditional Baptist church, I learned that as a Christian, when problems or challenges arise, I should take them to the Lord in prayer and leave them there. Stand still and allow the Lord to fight your battles. Bring your heavy burdens to the Lord because His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. While that had always been my practice, that act of faith was not relieving my pain and angst during this season. Had God forgotten about me?
Was He going to leave me in this broken space to fend for myself? I felt like I was drowning and constantly gasping for breath, just thinking about how my life had unfolded and fear of the unknown and what was to come. How in the world will I make it through this? I did not know anyone who openly shared about depression and anxiety.
Who do I talk to? My family covered me in prayer but were just as concerned about my mental state as I was. I felt trapped, alone, embarrassed, and confused. However, I knew I had to keep pressing for my daughter’s sake. I could not give up because she needed me to survive. That truth is what I held on to through tears, on sleepless nights when I was afraid to close my eyes, and even while listening to the news of thousands upon thousands dying, I held on to the belief that someone else needed me to survive.
The weeks to follow were a tumultuous journey. I would feel okay, spiral back to the depths of depression, to feeling better again, then having anxiety attacks. The rollercoaster of emotions was more than I could bear, so I sought tools to make it through each day. I began to try meditation along with prayer. The sustained periods of silence have helped me to hear myself and reach my heart.
It was only then that I could cry. Those tears had old memories and stories from long ago attached to them. Getting time and space to cry, those tears I pushed down in my body reached the surface, and the muzzled grief began to release its hold on me. I then could name my hurts–something I was not previously able to do. From there, I started seeing a therapist twice weekly to discuss my pain. I started going outside more to take in the sun and fresh air.
I also began to experience nature in a way I never had before. I eliminated meat from my diet and consumed more fruit and vegetables. I also started doing yoga and reading about chakras. Making these lifestyle changes was a huge turning point for me because all of these things together began to help me head toward the light at the end of the dark tunnel I had found myself in. I also started a podcast called The Wellness Space to address the social-emotional needs of educators.
This work gave me purpose and something to focus my efforts on. The conversations, though created for a wider audience, spoke to me deeply first and strengthened me, broadening my outlook on what life would look like for me beyond this moment. From there, I started another podcast, Sisterly Soul Stories, that gave women the space to share their testimonies of God’s miraculous power at work in their lives.
Four years later, I can say with zeal and conviction that I made it. It was not easy, but I survived. I will not say I don’t have myself in that dark place. I have the tools to navigate the thoughts and emotions that pass through my heart, mind, and body.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a writer and podcaster dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential through faith and mental resilience. Throughout my career, I have discovered that my innate talents and skills, which I once utilized to support various projects, have now taken center stage in my life’s mission.
My podcast, Sisterly Soul Stories, inspires women to lead grace-filled lives by sharing testimonies of God’s transformative power. Through compelling storytelling, my guests uplift and motivate listeners to embrace resilience and faith in their journeys. Sisterly Soul Stories can be accessed on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, reaching a diverse audience seeking inspiration and connection.
One of the aspects of my work that I am most proud of is the vibrant community that has blossomed around Sisterly Soul Stories. Through shared narratives of triumph and perseverance, individuals from all walks of life come together to support each other’s healing and growth. The podcast has allowed me to amplify my voice and create a safe space for authentic storytelling and empowerment.
In addition to my podcasting endeavors, I have authored a 30-day Devotional Journal titled “I’ll Be Listening for His Voice.” This reflective guide aims to deepen one’s spiritual connection and foster a sense of inner peace through daily practice. My new book, “Holding On to Hope,” continues my commitment to sharing messages of resilience and faith with a broader audience.
I am excited to embark on developing Part II of the 6-session study, building on the foundation laid by “Holding on to Hope.” Expanding my literary projects, I aim to reach even more individuals seeking solace, inspiration, and guidance on their journeys.
My unwavering dedication to uplifting and empowering individuals through the transformative power of storytelling and faith sets me apart from others in my field. Through my podcast, writings, and speaking engagements at churches and conferences, I strive to ignite the spark of resilience and hope in as many hearts as possible.
In conclusion, my work as a writer and podcaster is driven by a deep-seated desire to help others discover their inner strength and resilience. Through Sisterly Soul Stories and my literary projects, I aim to inspire individuals to embrace faith, overcome challenges, and live authentically. I am grateful for the opportunity to touch lives through my work and look forward to the continued journey of empowerment and transformation ahead.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Throughout my journey, the most important lesson I’ve learned is the profound impact of having a safe space for healing and growth. For many years, I found myself in environments where others sought to benefit from what I could offer, whether it was my talents, skills, or simply my presence. However, amidst this backdrop of transactional relationships, I discovered the transformative power of authentic community and unconditional love.
Being surrounded by family who uplifted and supported me unconditionally propelled me towards healing and self-discovery. In this nurturing environment, I was able to shed pretenses and embrace vulnerability, allowing me to confront my struggles with anxiety and depression with courage and grace. The space provided by my family became a sanctuary where I could simply be, without judgment or expectations, until I found my way back to myself.
As a church girl accustomed to finding solace in the fellowship of believers, the closure of physical church buildings presented a challenge in seeking that same spiritual refuge. However, my grandmother’s living room emerged as a sacred space where I could connect with the divine. I cultivated a deep sense of communion with God in that intimate setting through prayer, meditation, scripture reading, inspirational sermons, and yoga practice. This sanctuary became a beacon of light during dark days, offering me solace, strength, and renewal.
The significance of safe spaces for healing from anxiety and depression cannot be overstated. These sanctuaries provide individuals with a haven where they can be their authentic selves, seek solace, and receive support without fear of judgment. Within these nurturing environments, individuals can open up about their struggles, receive comfort and encouragement, and experience the transformative power of love and compassion from others.
In essence, the lesson I’ve gleaned from my journey is that safe spaces for healing are essential for fostering community, promoting emotional well-being, and reflecting the unconditional love that lies at the core of human connection. By creating and embracing such spaces, we not only heal ourselves but also extend grace and compassion to others, embodying the timeless principle of bearing one another’s burdens in a spirit of empathy and solidarity.
Pricing:
- Holding on to Hope $25
- I’ll Be Listening for His Voice $18
Contact Info:
- Website: erricadotson.com/media
- Instagram: @iamerricadotson
- Facebook: Sisterly Soul Stories Podcast
- Twitter: @ErricaDH
- Youtube: Sisterly Soul Stories Podcast
