Lessons from 2020

Breathe, exhale, pivot, proceed.

That’s been my personal motto for the year 2020. These past nine months have been life changing for me, my family and so many of us, as if we’ve all been challenged to shift into our highest and best selves. I have learned so many lessons—especially how to navigate my way back to peace and balance daily, no matter what. I’ve had more time alone, a gift that’s allowed me to strengthen my self-care practices of daily gratitude, meditation, prayer, mindful walking in nature, reading, gardening and cooking, and that’s reminded me to cherish my in-person time with family and friends. This year has shifted me. My life has become simpler, which has been a plus. I am grateful for my health, my family, my friends and my inner circle. Time with them has become a precious gift, although I do look forward to group gatherings in 2021.

We have all had to step up our ability to communicate and connect differently, both in business and individually. I learned to Zoom—how about you? It seems that technology has been the connecting force for us all, and it will be critical to helping us support our local communities and economy, which need us now more than ever. A great place to begin is our Shop Local guide, starting on page 20. Read more about the value of investing our dollars close to home in our Green Living article, “Pay Where We Play,” on page 24.

December is a time to reflect on all that we have accomplished and begin setting intentions for January and beyond. This month’s Inspiration article, “Fresh Rituals for a New Year,” on page 38, will prompt you to prepare with a fresh approach for 2021. I plan to keep the new healthy habits I developed in 2020 and let go of patterns and things that no longer serve me, so I’ll be ready for whatever comes next. My faith in living in the present—trusting that everything is always working out for me, and sharing compassion for others daily—keeps me happy, peaceful and grounded.

If you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for your free membership on KnoWEwell, an online community and marketplace designed to transform health care. KnoWEwell is a new platform that provides valuable information, healing success stories and evidence-based resources, and fosters meaningful connections that can help wellness providers, mission-aligned nonprofits and businesses prosper. Read the news brief on page 9 for more info, and see the ad on the back cover for promotional codes.

As always, we encourage you to visit our website, WakeupNaturally.com, to find even more local resources, deals and happenings. In this season of giving, please support our advertising partners, whose goal all year round is to keep you and your community healthy and vibrant.

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

 Dana