May we all embrace the splendor of our own spring

Hi, Dear one,

As I sit here in Washington, DC, surrounded by the vibrancy of Cherry Blossom season, I'm reminded of the countless encounters I've had with these enchanting trees over the years. Peak bloom is painting the city in shades of pink, the petals popping and dancing on the breeze. Memories swirl in my mind, each testament to nature's timeless beauty and resilience.

These trees speak a language of renewal, hope, and transformation. As I steep in the splendor of this season, I find myself reflecting on the more profound lessons whispered by the Cherry Blossoms. They invite me to pause, breathe, and embrace the beauty of life's changing landscape.

Many years ago, I was strolling through the woods, enjoying the crisp fall air and taking in the autumn colors, when I stumbled upon a Cherry Blossom tree with several branches in bloom. Seeing a spring beauty showing off in October was odd. Yet, the Cherry Blossoms and I have a long history together, back to childhood when I'd host elaborate picnics under one in our front yard, losing myself in the pages of Nancy Drew and even laying to rest a few beloved pets beneath its branches. Under the trees was a place of solace and comfort.

But let me fast forward to a pivotal moment on my sobriety journey. It was a misty early April morning at DC's Tidal Basin, surrounded by the transcendent beauty of Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.

This was the day I was declaring my sobriety date and committing to never questioning the decision.

Standing there, I was struck by the delicate pink petals and the solemn gray sky. Close by was a tree damaged during a summer storm; the limbs were fragmented, and bark had peeled away from parts of the tree. And still, it grew flowers. They were in the puffy white stage and a little behind the others but stunning in their own way. It hit me like a wave of hope—that even in despair, there's always the possibility of renewal.

My encounters in the woods and at the Tidal Basin feel like a secret message from the trees—a reminder that the journey of recovery isn't always easy. It can sometimes feel like trudging through winter. But those blossoms? They were like a whisper from the wells of wisdom, saying, "I see you." They were a gentle nudge to keep moving forward, no matter how tough it gets.

It may be snowing or sunny or rainy wherever this finds you. Blooming trees may be on the horizon or feel so very far away. But the Cherry Blossoms speak to us, and if you listen closely, you can hear them across the breeze, gently encouraging us in our perseverance.

Listen to them.

Take in their message of new life and promise.

Hear them validate our journey as they say our work is seen and to keep going.

We persist in our practices and rituals.

We bravely show up in community spaces, awkward as it may be, and bare our hearts.

We speak the hard truths aloud.

We continue to hone the art of creating boundaries.

We remain vigilant in safeguarding our energy.

We allow ourselves to rest. We give ourselves permission to cry.

That we embrace the full spectrum of our emotions.

That we keep returning, again and again and again, to the path of healing and growth.

May we all embrace the splendor of our own spring.

I'm rooting for you.