Traditionally, January is a time to set intentions for positive change in the coming year. Sometimes we make resolutions based on these good intentions: We might want to join a gym, quit a bad habit, lose extra pounds, volunteer, write a book, speak our truth, spend more time with family or live more sustainably. We look to the future, seeking to improve our lives in big and small ways.

As new publishers, the three
of us are resolved to maintain a sense of balance amidst the fast-paced busyness of our careers and the tight schedule of magazine deadlines. Over the years, each of us has learned how necessary it is to pause to take a deep breath, make time to practice yoga or have a massage, take a walk in the fresh air and laugh and play with our families, friends and pets. These activities “fill our cups” and provide the fuel that keeps us going.

Tending to our mind, body and spirit with an eye toward optimal balance is
a universal path we hope to inspire through these monthly pages and the January Health and Wellness issue sheds light on the journey. Kathleen Barnes’ feature ar- ticle on “Alternative Goes Mainstream” suggests new ways in which conventional medicine might work in partnership with complementary care beyond integrative trends already underway (page 14). Doctors Matthew and Allison Lapp explore the relationship of our multi-dimensional selves with our healthcare providers and healing on page 19. Current controversial discussions about the U.S. healthcare system point to the need for alternative, whole-person approaches to wellness.

We encourage you to consider tapping the expertise of those in our Practi- tioner Profiles and elsewhere in these pages; all are champions of holistic health and sustainable living and are ready to help. Why not resolve to support their good work and your own journey by visiting them over the coming weeks and months? What a great way to inspire change in the world, by starting with ourselves and what we can do to support green and holistic businesses in our own community. As you know, that which we nurture, grows.

Please keep in touch, and let us know how it’s going for you. We invite you to visit our website to stay informed of community events, email us your ideas and suggestions, and friend us on Facebook. We would love to hear more from you in the coming year, to learn from you and with you as we step ahead into our won- drous lives.

To a promising new year together,

Jacqueline Mast, Kendra Campbell and Lois Schultz, Co-Publishers