Publisher’s Letter

Taking care of oneself can be a full-time job. Often, it’s not quick or easy, but the dividends it pays over a lifetime are priceless. The commitment and dedication to good physical and mental health habits travels a path of self-discovery—learning what is most important to you and about the will you didn’t know you had.

The magazines Prevention together with Natural Awakenings have preached the same message for decades.  That following proven good health habits can help prevent suffering from disease and pain. 

We are also told by every doctor with a list of letters behind their name that exercise is good for physical and mental health. It can also be expensive. Belonging to a stellar gym, committing to fitness classes, taking a wellness vacation — each of these bring bountiful benefits. On the other hand, free options also feed body, mind and soul, such as going for a walk, sitting in nature, or playing with your pets or children.

The key is doing something you love because doing what you hate makes no sense. 

What we put into our body matters too. We are swimming with perspectives on food choices:  GMO, No-GMO, organic, meat, no meat, sugar, the “best” water, etc. I always try to “eat clean”. My experience has led to a few rules: no fried foods, no high fats, no empty carbs. I listen to my body knowing that if I don’t, I’m the one that pays the price.

When it comes to supplements…well, there is a crazy amount of information out there as to what is needed, best or simply unique. I do take pre- and pro-biotics, but what difference one billion or 15 billion means to my gut biome is beyond me. 

Taking care of our mental health is also incredibly important. My early years taught me to keep secrets, don’t share this or that.  Asking for help or showing vulnerability to anyone was taboo. It felt like a prison at the time, and now we all know that it was. Today, life coaches, spiritual coaches, group therapy, therapists, and so many more assets are available to help free us from trauma, find inner connection and healing.

Opening up and getting help is what we promote today. Depression is real. Anxiety and panic attacks can be debilitating. Unrealistic thinking can undermine personal growth. The list goes on and on. Addressing mental health has come a long way but the biggest hurdles to reaching out are still pride, ego, shame and reasons unknown.  

While we are making fantastic progress in the mental health arena, much more is needed. “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world” as Barbra Streisand once sang, is absolutely true. So, here is a big shout out to all those who are making a difference in someone’s life. 

With peace, love and laughter, 

Joe and Asta Dunne, Publishers