​"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the world, and the immense, the boundless treasures that it holds in store. All that you have within you, all that your heart desires, all that your nature so specially fits you for–it will certainly come to you. Yet equally surely not one moment before its appointed time will it come. All your crying, fever and reaching out of hand will make no difference." – Edward Carpenter

There is a certain magic to spring. It's as though the light is more dazzling. The hills are vibrant with color, flowers are spilling forth their beauty and sweet fragrance, while the birds delight us with their song. This is the season of renewal and replenishment, and what better way to begin than to meditate on English poet Edward Carpenter's assurance that all of our needs will be satisfied by the great whole.

Whatever we are waiting for, be it peace of mind, contentment, grace or maintaining the awareness of gratitude, it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart. While you wait patiently, take comfort and joy in the simple springtime rituals of renewal. The gift of time is food for the soul, rest for the body and mind.

What are some of the ways you like to pause, slow down and let go of your to-do list? Time spent creating a little space just for you. It can be replenished in a garden, beside a creek or fountain, while taking a walk, going on a hike or beachcombing. Whatever is calling to you is exactly what you need at this moment. So let's be good to ourselves and listen to the voice within. It knows.

Spring Renewal Meditation:

• Take a moment to find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down.
• Close your eyes and take three deep breaths.
• Imagine yourself as a dormant seed beneath the soil at the end of winter.
• Feel the earth warming around you as spring's gentle sun radiates above.
• With each inhale, draw in this nurturing energy; with each exhale, feel yourself softening, opening to growth.
• Visualize a tiny green shoot emerging from your center, reaching upward toward the light.
• As you continue to breathe, see yourself unfurling like a spring blossom, vibrant and full of potential.
• When you're ready, wiggle your fingers and toes, and carry this sense of renewal with you throughout your day.

Let spring be an invitation to uncover what has lain dormant, plant new seeds, water them and watch them grow. There is magic happening before our eyes – a newness, a freshness, an aliveness that we crave. Just as the flowers bloom and the grass grows, so do we. It's time to celebrate the magic within!

​True friendship is indeed one of life's most precious treasures. From childhood through adulthood the connections we make enrich our lives in countless ways. It is through our childhood friendships and first crushes we learn the value of "being liked" by someone.

When we enter high school the vigor of youth brings a different set of friends, then college – friends that help us discover ourselves and our place in the world. 

There's our friends at work that become like a family to us, the friends who share in our common interests, and the daily acquaintances we make over coffee and running errands. All of them enrich our lives in ways that often go unnoticed.

Few friends are with us for a lifetime, some for only a season, and still each of them remain a part of our history – our story. Our true friends are a part of our story and in their own way help us to write our story – whether it be a page, a chapter or the epilogue, they are a part of the story we are living out.

True friends see the best in us and mirror aspects of ourselves we often can't see on our own. They are the gold sprinkled throughout our days because no matter what is happening in life, they make it better just by being there. They let us know they care and wish the best for us. And whatever comes our way they are there to support us.

Recently, I experienced the joy of reconnecting with a treasured friend from my past. I'm feeling truly blessed to have been reunited with one of my dearest friends of over 20 years! Cindy and I lost touch with each other over 20 years ago when just this month she found me on Facebook.

It must've been back in the 2000's she and I became instant friends. Hers has always been a friendship where few words are needed. She naturally sees the good in everything around her – and we were lucky enough to be a part of each other's stories at a pivotal time in our lives. 

The memories we share are a part of me always – her wedding, the fun celebrations and wine tasting, photo shoots at the property – she's an amazing photographer! She rushed me to the hospital when I suffered my first miscarriage and would not leave my side. Hers was truly a unique friendship as we'd have to say goodbye to each other every year when she left for work in Antarctica.

To say "I'm over the moon" to have Cindy back in my life is an understatement! Although there are many miles between us, they will not separate us.

Remember to make time for your true friends – they are a gift to be treasured – they are the golden thread weaving their way through the seasons of our lives. Is there someone you've lost touch with who added joy to your life? You might consider reaching out today.