Sanctuary in the Springtime
Over Easter weekend, I returned to our cottage in the mountains of North Carolina to take in the lush, blooming mountainside. Spring in Highlands is almost magical- the soft greens, bright wildflowers, and birdsong all feel like an invitation to awaken. Being there reminded me, once again, how deeply the changing seasons influence our sense of sanctuary.
At the start of the year, I wrote about wintering: the quiet, inward time of year where we retreat and reflect. Now, with the return of warmth and light, I’m feeling that natural shift toward emerging and opening back up. It’s energizing – I’m feeling the urge to get out there, get moving and create. It puts a spring in my step and a smile on my face. I just might even clean something out this weekend (but let’s not get TOO crazy).
This, to me, is the true expression of sanctuary as we cycle through the seasons. It’s not just the quiet places we create, but it’s how those places support transformation and growth as we continue evolving and changing. This spring, I see that reflected not only in myself, but in my design firm. So much is blossoming.
In a recent newsletter, I shared some of the meaningful philanthropic work we’ve been honored to take part in and how it has laid the groundwork for more exciting opportunities to come. With gala season behind us in Naples, we’re now seeing the impact of those efforts: STARability raised over $3M for the new campus that I am helping to design. The David Lawrence Center, whose Sound Minds Gala stage I designed for the second year in a row, raised money for their new expansions. I also joined the board of the Bienenstock Furniture Library and will be keynoting in an upcoming design summit they are hosting for students- another exciting way to seed sanctuary through education.
Internally, we’ve been planting our own seeds of growth. We welcomed two new team members, one of whom just joined Associate Leadership Collier. Another teammate made a big move to Chicago and is now helping us expand into the Midwest. And while transitions are never easy, I’m grateful for how smoothly everything has unfolded: proof that laying strong roots builds resilience and allows us to flourish.
And speaking of roots, we’re putting down new ones very soon. Just last week, we signed the paperwork to sell our longtime design studio on Goodlette-Frank Road. It is a space that served us well, but as we continue to streamline and grow, I know it is time for a new space. We will be moving into a new Naples-based sanctuary space this summer/fall. Details are coming soon.
The energy of renewal around all of us right now is unmistakable. As I look ahead, I’m excited about the other paths unfolding: the continued evolution of our Sanctuary Collection product lines, the launch of our Sanctuary Consulting arm for businesses and mission-driven organizations, and more writing for my book on sanctuary living, just to name a few.
Sanctuary in the spring reminds me that transformation and growth is always possible, and that something beautiful is always just beneath the surface, ready to bloom. What’s blooming for you? Please share – I love to hear!
With love and gratitude,
Lisa