Another holiday season is past and we’re looking at the clean slate of 2013. As years pass I am increasingly aware of the way time flies; ever more appreciative of each moment. Good things are happening in my home community of Tampa Bay. I have high hopes for our future.

The theme of this month’s Natural Awakenings is "Start the Year Well." That fits my New Year frame of mind perfectly. I’m committed to realizing my goals for good health spirit-, mind- and body-wise. Eat smart; exercise; water aplenty; time to treasure friends and family; and the list goes on.

I was blessed to spend some quality time with my family in Wisconsin during the 2012 holidays. Such times are good reminders of the nurturing nature of love. I’m a big fan of traditional celebrations, and this family gathering was so full of holiday joy.

On the other hand, Wisconsin in the heart of winter reminds me how happy I am to live here on the west coast of Florida, weather-wise. We’ve got warm tropical breezes; sun-filled blue skies; absolute weather perfection. And for the occasional chill in the air? I like to go for the layered look and enjoy the inevitable return to soothing, heavenly warmth that blesses Tampa Bay. All in all, I’ve returned home rejuvenated and ready for whatever this new year brings. I’m excited at the possibilities. The natural health community is growing here, becoming a mecca for those seeking to realize the powerful potential of this field.

This January 2013 issue is jam-packed with food-for-thought features and rich community insight. In our Conscious Eating feature ("Sustainable Weight Loss," page 28) award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig lays out some tips on reaching weight loss goals in a holistic frame of mind. Good sound advice on the whys and wherefores of the nutrients we put into our bodies. If taking vitamins is on your list of resolutions, you’ll find our Healing Ways feature ("Be Supplement Savvy," page 30) another good read. Natural health practitioner and master herbalist James Occhiogrosso suggests ways to choose wisely for the utmost results.

Have a great month and think positive for the New Year.

As always, open your mind and read on.