Inspired to Love
Winter’s Gentle ReminderWinter has a way of slowing us down. The world outside is still, and we’re invited to pause, reflect, and soak in the warmth we carry inside. It’s a season that nudges us to think about love—not just in the big, sweeping moments but in the small, everyday ways we care for ourselves…
Inspired to Dream
The Power of Dreams Dreams are more than fleeting thoughts; they are seeds of possibility, shaping the paths we walk and the lives we build. When we allow ourselves to dream, we step into the role of creators, envisioning futures filled with hope, growth, and transformation. Dreaming in Seasons Just as the meadow at Charlson…
Ripples of Impact
The Power of Ripples Like a stone dropped into a still pond, the work done at Charlson Meadows radiates outward, touching lives in ways both seen and unseen. As this year comes to a close, we are reminded of the beauty in a simple ripple. Our role is to open the space, providing serenity, and…
The Heart of Giving
The Essence of True GivingTrue giving is an act of love that strengthens connections, uplifts spirits, and encourages a sense of community. Mother Teresa said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” True generosity comes not from the size or value of the gift but from the love…
The Beauty of Change
A Season of Transformation At Charlson Meadows, fall is a time of radiant transformation, a season that invites us to reflect on change as a powerful and often beautiful force. Angie Weiland-Crosby captures this spirit perfectly when she writes, “Fall rouses the spirit of change to color your soul brave again.” As the leaves turn to fiery…
Joyful Endurance
Lessons from the Zinnia At Charlson Meadows, the Giving Garden is a special place of beauty, and this season, it has been filled with the vibrant blooms of zinnias. Known as the flower of joyful endurance, zinnias thrive in conditions that might cause other flowers to wither. They bloom through drought, under the heat of…
Renewal and Flight: Lessons from the Osprey
At Charlson Meadows, we are fortunate to observe a family of ospreys nesting on a tower near the Life Journey Trail. This year, a young female fledgling fell from the tower before she could fly. She was found dehydrated with an abscess in her mouth caused by an embedded fish bone. Thanks to the quick…
Knowing When You Are Ready:
Lessons from Nature From my office window at Charlson Meadows, I have watched many families of young geese. Over a speedy 10-12 weeks, they transform from fluffy goslings into birds I can barely tell apart from the parents. Just now, as I write, I see their bath time splashing in lake. One day, while working…
Embracing the Cycles of Nature:
Natural cycles govern our world, from the waxing and waning of the moon to the changing seasons. Just as we cannot control the moon’s phases or the arrival of a thunderstorm, we must accept that some aspects of our lives are beyond our control. Processing Disappointment through Nature’s Lens: Just as a sunny day can…
The Gifts of Green
At Charlson Meadows, we believe in the transformative power of nature to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Among the many gifts of our natural surroundings, the color green stands out as a potent source of healing and tranquility. When our guests enter the gates this time of year, they are welcomed by the green…
