The picture below represents a big part of the rewards I have received and continue to receive as a publisher of a Natural Awakenings Magazine. It also depicts and represents what Natural Awakenings is about: building community, linking likeminded people, going the extra mile to spread abundance, education, seed awareness and, along the way, friendships that just happen to appear.

As you might be able to tell from the photo my business is fantastic on so many levels. When I hear “it’s not personal, it’s just business,” I usually chuckle. Nothing could be further from the truth for me. I want it to be personal and intimate. I want to know about you as a person and learn about what you do. With these pieces in place, I can then hopefully help.

That’s part of the passion that drives me—connecting with others on another level. I want to make a difference. For that to happen, it’s got to be personal. Every client, every new advertiser, every loyal advertiser—yes, it’s business but thankfully, it’s also personal.

Connecting holds me accountable and responsible to you, our reader, and to you, our advertiser. Each of us at Natural Awakenings is proud of the fact that we are more than an ad in a magazine. We are fighting to become a difference maker in your life, in your business, in your growth. We are interested and receive so much in return. Not just monetary rewards but the spiritual rewards fills us up. So I love the fact that we are personal.

The picture presented was taken at our third holiday networking party (by far the most attended and successful). Our networking events are open to the public, and those who attended were representative of our likeminded community plus a sprinkling of interested mainstream professionals. The event welcomed chiropractors, doctors, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, dietitians, energy healers and touch therapists, to name a few. It was a tremendous success—fun, friendly, and informative. We accomplished everything I have described. Linking people, helping people, and building community.

As many of you know, I recently purchased North Central New Jersey NA, which covers Morris, Sussex, Union, and Essex counties. We will be bringing the same energy, drive, and dedication into those areas. We have already scheduled our first Connection event, which will be held on March 23 at Thought In Motion, 127 Valley Road in Montclair. Please mark your calendar, and look for the announcement ad in our February issue.

Thank you to everyone who picks up our issues, advertises with us, or just has nice things to say about us.

In peace, love and laughter,