Cooler weather is here, and along with it, another holiday season. We, at Natural Awakenings Broward, send warm wishes for a healthy, festive month. This month’s issue reflects much of that which is right and good in the world today, as we help ourselves and one another get through whatever challenges we may be facing. We can be grateful for family and friends, even though they may not be personally visiting; family and friends are heartfelt and forever.

Do you like to shop? See our article “Pay Where We Play” on page 20 for some easy-to-understand reasons to spend your dollars within your own neighborhood. Enjoy finding a local farm for fresh fruits and vegetables or perhaps some handmade soaps, supplies or other things that either we need or we see others may need. Shopping local truly helps our community thrive.

“A New Story for the World”, found on page 16, will introduce you to a variety of writers providing diverse conversations for writing new and important stories for today that reflect and build a healthier, more wholesome culture that is in harmony with nature. We are redefining what it is to be part of a healthy global society. Advocates for policy change envelop the concept that what is good for us must also be good for the planet. The broad strokes include climate issues, human rights, social justice and positive change in attitudes and economics. As nature expresses the relationship between the variety of plants, animals and basic compounds, nature’s wisdom is there for us to help solve the “big sustainable questions” that are most pressing today.

Who doesn’t enjoy a sweet treat now and then? With the upcoming holidays and the sharing of special treats, many of which may have been passed down for generations, it’s a time of good eating. Of course, starting new food traditions works too! The Gift of Yum, this month’s Conscious Eating article found on page 22, is ideal for those who like to be creative in the kitchen or to share with someone who does. We will post additional recipes online on a regular basis for your eating pleasure; sign-up on our email list if you would like to be notified.

As a result of many of us having to spend additional time at home, research has indicated that decluttering has been an extension of that location shift. Deciding what items were ready to pass on to a local charity or second-hand store, and what items could be repurposed was the resulting benefit/gift in creating a seemingly less crowded space. Giving of things this holiday season may reflect that process, eliminating any and all gifts that could become the proverbial dust-collector. As items do remind us of our loved ones, remember, memories do too. Our advertisers and local communities offer services and products that could be shared with gift cards. Ask what is important, what may bring joy and memories in the giving of time, energy, thoughtfulness, kindness, acceptance, appreciation and love.

On another positive uptick of a note, Natural Awakenings Broward is expanding its reach into the digital community, offering our readers a more interactive website and providing easy access to additional articles that are relevant to our wellness journey and the businesses that support that goal. We’ll also have calendar listings and special online offerings. Look for notices within the upcoming issues. We’re excited to be able to reach out in ways that are helpful to our readers, connecting the dots, and building awareness of the importance of our own health and well-being. We are pleased to be developing these venues in promoting our journeys of self-discovery and personal awakening. We think it’s a great way to end the year, bringing more helpful and relevant information and hope for a better tomorrow for all of us.

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’” ~ Alfred Lord Tennyson