As the vibrant hues of spring paint our world with renewed energy, I find myself in awe of the beauty and growth all around us. It is especially rewarding this time of year to stop and notice the blossoms on the trees and the flowers emerging after a long winter. Yes, there is birth and rebirth everywhere and how fitting since Mother’s Day is approaching. Every day now we’re reminded of the nurturing spirit of motherhood that encompasses us all, so let’s take a moment to honor not just traditional mothers, but all those who embody the essence of nurturing and love in various forms, including Mother Earth.

Whether you’re a biological mother, a caregiver, a mentor or a friend who provides unwavering support, your presence enriches the lives of many in countless ways. This year I feel blessed to be able to spend Mother’s Day with not only my children, but my mother, too. To me this is truly the greatest gift of all.

Awakenings—our annual Women’s Wellness edition—far and wide. It is a journey of holistic wellness, exploring issues that that are top of mind for women and practices that can nurture the body, mind, and spirit. From the expert advice of local trichologist Maureen Toohey on the issue of hair thinning and loss to the Ayurvedic therapeutic herbal-oil cleansing treatment, Shirodhara, for stress, explained by Cross River’s Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, this month we consider an entire spectrum of women’s health topics and treatments meant to promote well-being and help you reach your wellness goals.

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and our Healing Ways department offers an integrative and functional medicine approach to identifying and treating this condition which currently affects 476,000 Americans yearly. Since Lyme is often misdiagnosed and can lead to severe health issues if untreated, plus we know this is rampant in our region, I’m pleased to bring you the most recent advances in medicine that can offer hope. Diagnosing it remains complex, due to its varied symptoms and unreliable lab tests, so be sure to turn to page 24 to learn more.

Are you ready to spend the day outside at one of our many local farmers markets? The month of May marks the time when many are resuming outdoor operation, and we’ve included a special Farmers Market guide for you on page 28. It includes all three of the counties we serve and I encourage you to save this page and refer back to it all season. (It will also be posted on our website WakeUpNaturally.com.)

Thank you for your continued support and presence on this journey to natural health and wellness. I encourage each of you to find what brings you “awe” this month and see where that leads. Not only will it be good for your health, but for your big picture happiness/purpose as well.

Erica Mills, Publisher