In Portland, where I live for the majority of the year, there's this very small window of time that is precious for all of the city's residents. Usually, it happens sometime between March and April. Once we feel our first brush of warm spring air, we know it's creeping up... nipping at our heels and we await anxiously for its arrival.

This period of time is so fast. It only lasts three weeks in a generous year. Portlanders are quick to soak it in.

I'm talking about the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms.

Portland rests at the junction of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, so the waterfront parks are stunning and beautiful and lined with steel bridges and arches. The city lights reflect off the surface of the slow-moving water at night, providing even more light on your drive over the bridges.

The cherry blossoms line the waterfront park next to downtown. Beautiful even rows create this breathtaking canopy of pink above bright shades of green. It's unlike anything you've ever seen.

When the cherry blossoms bloom, you'll see upwards of twenty photographers in the park, taking pictures of families with newborns, engagement photos and capturing the perfect shades of pink against blue skies.

Every year, I try to make it to the park to sit underneath that pink against blue.

This spring, as I was laying on the grass, with my little boy on the blanket next to me, I stared up at those flowers... the ones we wait for. The ones we yearn for. And I started to think, ask questions and look deep into the reflections of my own heart.

In my heart of hearts, I know that I am in full bloom when I am being my true self... when I take off the mask of unrealistic perfection and allow myself to just... be.

I know that I am the most beautiful when I let my heart soar. I am the most beautiful when I am passionate. When I worship. When I love others.

I know that people are drawn to me when I am honest. When I show my true colors and admit my faults. Because you see, people don't like to be alone. And we aren't meant to live life alone.

So, what about you?