Let’s extend a hearty, warm and gracious welcome to 2023! We made it, y’all. For many of us, it was another wacky and wild year filled with all kinds of zany twists and turns, jump scares, and gobsmacked mysteries to be solved—but we did it. We successfully navigated our way through the labyrinth, solved many tricky riddles and puzzles along the way, and here we are. I’m feeling a welcome sigh of relie

Think back to this time last year and where you were on this day. What was going on in your life at the time? Did you have any challenges that seemed insurmountable or was life running smoothly? Did you feel stuck, or did you feel hopeful? Was your outlook bleak or were you ready to take on the New Year with gusto?  

Now, spend the next few minutes reviewing the timeline of all the events that occurred over this past year. Did any of your problems find solutions? Did new people show up in your life to help you along your way? Can you look back and count so many blessings you couldn’t even have fathomed on this day one year ago? 

No matter what your mindset was on this day in 2022, I can imagine that many amazing changes occurred that you couldn’t have dreamed of at the time. We’ve had oodles in our personal lives, along with several exciting developments in the Natural Awakenings world. 

For instance, we’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Erin Mayfield is joining our Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida editorial team as a medical advisor. Dr. Mayfield couldn’t be a more perfect match; she’s uber passionate about nutrition, fitness, quality sleep, stress management, and healthy relationships. She’ll be sharing her expertise in Lifestyle Medicine with us as a regular editorial contributor. Be sure to read more about her in the news brief on page xx and check out her article on Lifestyle Medicine on page XX. 

We also have some big news on the national level with Natural Awakenings magazine. KnoWEwell Regenerative Whole Health Hub just acquired Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation (NAPC), bringing together two companies dedicated to inspiring and empowering WELLthier Living. With more and more people embracing conscious lifestyle choices, this merging of two super-powers in the healthy living arena will foster even more meaningful community connections while offering broader access to more holistic health resources. Of course, the team at Natural Awakenings Northwest Florida is excited for the expansive opportunities this union will create. See the news brief on page XX for more details. 

While working on this month’s editorial, we see there were exciting developments in the works for many of our advertisers that are being brought to life in 2023. Healing Motion Founder Kirsten Wilkinson announces several upcoming events including an in-person trauma-informed yoga training, an online somatic coaching series, in addition to private sessions. See news brief on page xx for more details. 

If you’re still wiggling your way through any challenges from last year’s labyrinth—keep going! There will be plenty of signposts along the way that will guide you in the right direction.  And if you’re feeling amped and ready to embrace this beautiful New Year, may you be filled with all the love, light and energy you need to meet all the amazing moments yet to make themselves known.  

Blessings on your New Year’s journey!

Daralyn and Scott