Earlier this year I took some time to drive across the state of Florida from my home in Sarasota to see some friends staying in Boynton Beach. Although we’d kept in touch via phone, text messages and even Zooms, it had been years since we’d seen each other in person, and I was looking forward to our time together.

Along with the fabulous conversation, we enjoyed seeing the sun rise and set together. We laughed and reveled in perfect patio dining at Sazio Italian in Del Ray and enjoyed an oceanside brunch at The Dune Deck in Lantana. We drove to Palm Beach and window-shopped the upscale stores as we casually strolled down Worth Avenue. We drove A1A, soaking in the sunshine and salt-water air of the Atlantic Ocean.

But my favorite part of the trip was an enchanting garden oasis.

As described on its website, The Four Arts Garden is a “lush and tropical paradise” — and I couldn’t agree more. Separated into a variety of themes, the garden walks you through several different types of plants, trees and greenery as part of the Society of the Four Arts near the marina. Representing Chinese culture, Spanish gardens and several other botanical motifs, you can also admire numerous sculptures within the gardens. These sculptures, some created by Florida residents, truly enhance the majesty of the already fascinating and lovely area.

I greatly enjoyed our free walking tour that lasted no more than 30 minutes. It truly felt as if we entered into a quiet portal that flowed with peace and tranquility, lifting any residual burdens one might’ve unknowingly brought in with them.

Perhaps it reminded me of my mom’s ever-expanding flower gardens outside my parent’s home back in Kansas. Or I might’ve been lost in amazement at the size of the elephant ears on display. Or maybe it was the quiet atmosphere that somehow pushed away any noisy traffic from the adjacent street. Regardless of the reason, the peaceful nature of the gardens along with the beauty of my surroundings left a grand impact on me.

I suddenly started taking as many photos as I could from different angles. I snapped quick shots of my friends and allowed them to get a few candid shots of me. I stopped and voluntarily stood still, simply to breathe.

We quietly left the gardens, and I instantly wished we could’ve stayed longer — however, I also remembered Sarasota has a well-known botanical garden I’ve yet to experience (perhaps a future blog will showcase my visit). And instead of feeling loss because it was over, I decided to hold the joy and beauty of the moment.

My ability to choose joy over loss is one of the more conscientious decisions I’ve come to explore each day I arise in this life I now lead. My brief stroll through an enchanting garden oasis now earnestly reminds me being in the right place with the right people at the right time is a gift to treasure . . . and that a garden with clarity is more rewarding than a mind full of noise, any day of the week.

— Carrie Cox, account executive