“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last October I happily celebrated my 60th birthday believing that these next decades will be the best of my life! As we welcome the New Year, “Aging Gracefully” is the theme this month. By redefining what it means to get older and finding deeper meaning, we can embrace aging with grace and gratitude, rather than resist it. Within these pages you will find many tips for vibrant health—no matter your age. And, remember: Age is just a number.

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? Or did you pick just One Word to focus on? When I received my renewed passport last autumn, I imagined my 2024 word to be Explore.”  However, I have just changed it to “Nurture” because I have a new family puppy on the way! 

We all know that well-intentioned resolutions based on “will power” alone can easily fall off track (just like muscles get exhausted when pushed too hard). Local life coach Nikki Paschar can help keep us on track. See page 13 where she shares how to keep Successful Resolutions.

Another favorite article is on the benefits of pet companionship. For the past three decades, I have always had a canine family member, and I offered pet-sitting services. My elder Golden Retriever passed two years ago, and I have immensely felt this void. After researching many breeds (from Great Pyrenees to small Papillons), I have discovered the Spanish Water Dog. From a respected breeder in Pennsylvania, the High family of Mountain Top Spanish Water Dogs (on Facebook), I am bringing a 9-week old puppy (named Pepe) home next week. This will be a wonderful start to my New Year and the decades ahead. (At the moment, there is still one puppy available from their 10/29/23 litter. Her name is Cali. I would love these siblings to grow up nearby in Central Florida.)

Finally, Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp is celebrating their 30th year anniversary. You will notice some design updates and discover new ways to participate on pages 26-27.

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy New Year!