As we approach the season of thanks and giving, things will look a little different at our house this year. We’ll probably have fewer guests at our gatherings, and may even have less food on the table. We won’t be doing as much shopping for gifts this year; most will be homemade treats from our garden. But we won’t have lost an ounce of gratefulness. On the contrary, we’re more grateful this year than ever. 

We’re grateful for the birds and squirrels that kept us entertained throughout the lockdown. We’re grateful for the telephone that kept us in touch with our loved ones, for the high-speed internet that kept us connected and able to still earn a living, and for the books that have given us a safe place to escape. (We never thought we could be more grateful for books, but we are.) 

We’re grateful for the people in our lives who’ve been able to keep a positive outlook—especially our children, who are still excited for the future and the change they want to see. This year they witnessed the sort of ideal-fueled passion and action that they’d only watched in movies or heard about when we would reminisce about the ’70s. Now they’re seeing firsthand the emotional turmoil of a nation and the vital importance of taking a stand, even as they dissect their own feelings and souls to uncover what really matters to them and what’s right.

We’re also grateful for our health, a gift so many have lost this year. And so we’re especially proud of this magazine, whose mission is always to promote practices that are good for the body, mind and spirit. This month’s issue has an important article on diabetes, which used to affect one in 100 Americans but now affects one in 10. The good news is that 90 percent of those cases are type 2 diabetes, which is both preventable and manageable through lifestyle. Read more on page 32. This month’s theme, natural beauty, is also about health, as so many personal and skincare products contain potentially harmful chemicals. On pages 20 to 23, you’ll find tips for DIY products using plant-based ingredients—including some sweet recipes from local entrepreneur and esthetician Eve Blair, inventor of HoneyMed. You’ll also find some great gift ideas. 

OK, nobody’s grateful for “pandemic weight,” but if you need some perspective on the subject, turn to page 32 and our Fit Body article, “Body Gratitude.” As writer Marlaina Donato points out, one of the best ways to stay on track with diet and exercise is to stop beating yourself up about your perceived imperfections. Seems like a balanced way to approach this, um, unique holiday season.

Fortunately, the change of seasons does have a way of reminding us of past holiday seasons, which also lends perspective. As the memories flood our minds, we can see a life full of ups and downs. So whatever your current state of mind, remember that it's the ride of life that makes the entire journey worth the effort. If you stop and reflect on the good parts of your past, and erase the bad parts, you’ll gather a huge inventory of things to be thankful for. Try to appreciate what you see before you, and if what you see is challenging, remember that nothing stays the same. This moment will change, and likely for the better. 

With gratefulness,

Scott & Daralyn