Letter from Publisher
Nov 27, 2020 09:30AM ● By Jordan Peschek
At Natural Awakenings, we are rethinking the holidays. With our mission to promote healthy living on a healthy planet, we continuously strive to bring you fresh ideas and research in these realms. As our readers know, healthy and green living is not just about regular check-ups and recycling, but integrating healthy habits into our daily lives in such a way that they become natural and enjoyable. For example, we can reframe the way we look at many of our activities and festivities around this time of year. Getting creative for the holidays can be fun, healthy and cost effective.
Happy Holidays,
Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
Our Eco Tip shares great ideas for simplifying the holidays without skimping. Rather than contributing to gift box waste buildup, why not offer those you care about a gift that gives the planet a little breathing room. For instance, try making and gifting one of the recipes in this issue, such as Christmas Cocoa Crunch Bark, a DIY soup or spice mix, or Spiced Nuts with Coconut for a gift that has full flavor and nutritional benefits.
A new book is a great gift idea as well. As our lives slow down this winter in correspondence with shorter days and colder nights, many will find a renewed appreciation for reading. In this issue, we share two phenomenal new books published by local writers, Ann Ruane and Rachel Callaray. If you enjoy supporting local, you could buy two copies of each, one to enjoy and one to gift.
While on the subject, be sure to explore the article “Pay Where We Play”, which explores the benefits to the individual, community and planet of buying local. Supporting local shops and purveyors not only invokes positive emotions, it also helps those around us thrive. And there is less waste produced by supporting local than by purchasing products online or in big chain stores.
As we finish celebrating the holidays, we face the start of a new year. For those who have lost loved ones, you have our deepest sympathies. If there is anything we can take away from 2020, it is this: adversity can weaken us, or strengthen us—it is our choice as to how we react.
Pre-COVID, life was a fresh pair of jeans before the first wear: cleaned, pressed, folded. Then they went through a year of mud, grass stains, spaghetti spills and growth spurts. The pants became worn and torn; at first glance, they look a bit more ragged. After this whirlwind of a year, we all probably look and feel a bit more ragged. However, many of us have found renewed appreciation for things we had lost sight of, as well as a resilience and strength in a year of challenges and changes.
We fall, we laugh, we work and play. Stains happen and they make the world more colorful. Wear and tear in that favorite pair of pants is a visual reminder of life being fully lived.
As we move into 2021, I wish for you a renewed state of health and happiness, and a recognition of the strength acquired through navigating the unexpected challenges of 2020.
Happy Holidays,
Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
