Another new year, another trip around the sun. Do you feel any different? Likely not. Do you feel like you’re on a new path? Perhaps. Do you find yourself reflecting on all the shoulda, woulda, couldas from past years? Probably. 

Most of us are conditioned to pause every January 1 to take inventory of our lives and make promises to ourselves that we may or may not keep. The desire for change bubbles up from our core like lava from a volcano, only to subside to a trickle as life’s daily challenges take over and we lose focus of the promises we’ve made.

If that happens to you, don’t despair. After all, it probably took years for you to establish whatever habit you’re now trying to change. You might need a little help from an expert or a coach, but you can do it. They say it takes about 30 days to establish a “good” habit, whether that’s working out or saving money. After that you’ll guilt yourself into staying on task, even if it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. 

But not all problems can be solved with a New Year’s resolution. Some situations are better left to God or the universe to handle through the natural flow of things. Sometimes it’s wise to stop pushing in a direction that seems difficult, like trying to force a puzzle piece where it doesn’t fit. Doing that can produce unintended, often undesirable consequences. If instead you stop, take a deep breath and let the situation work itself out, that puzzle piece will slide in right where it belongs and the picture will become clear.  

With this edition of Natural Awakenings, we give you the tools to make the changes you can and should make, and insight to help you navigate more nuanced situations.

Our cover story, “Health in the New Year” (page 26), outlines 10 wellness trends that you should consider adopting in 2022, from mindfulness to telemedicine. And if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint this year, check out our Eco Tip column, page 16, where you’ll find a few easy ways to do it.

In the “stop and breathe” department, there’s our Wise Words column on page 34, where we talk to author Peter Russell about the healing power of letting go. As he explains it, “letting go” entails several things: not being attached to outcomes, surrendering desires, accepting the present, opening to a higher power, relinquishing the ego and practicing forgiveness. Along the same lines, this month’s Inspiration column, page 40, is a powerful essay on “Why Words Matter.” Together, these two columns could provide balm to the national soul.

We’re delighted to spread the word about a pair of new wellness businesses in our area, Lovelock Healing Arts (page 8) and Charge Gulf Breeze (page 9). We’re also grateful to Candace Parmer, of Radiant Body Thermography, in Fort Walton Beach, for explaining how a technology commonly used for early detection of breast disease can help pinpoint the cause of chronic pain, a problem affecting millions of Americans. 

Wishing you peace and good health in 2022.