Every month, I’m amazed when I see how our talented graphic designer Michele Rose has joined all of the individual puzzle pieces into a cohesive and beautiful new edition. Her artistic magic and brilliant problem-solving skills are evident on every page.

I feel a similar, deep appreciation for every single person on the team, including the writers, editors, proofreaders, marketing and salespeople, web and digital experts, my bookkeeper and the distribution company that delivers our magazines to more than 500 locations. After so many years, we form an exquisite orchestra of well-tuned instruments playing together in harmony. I invite you to take a look at our masthead on page 4 to see all of their names.

As I proof an upcoming edition, I also look at every ad, blessing each advertiser and feeling deep gratitude for their trust in us, as well as their financial support which makes all of this possible. I hope you feel the love and commitment that our team and advertisers bring to each monthly issue.

Our extremely talented senior editor Linda Sechrist did another terrific job this month interviewing several local health practitioners for the feature story, “Menopause: A Normal Transition in a Woman’s Life,” on page 14. When I asked Linda what she had learned after speaking with all of these women, she said, “I was amazed at how much valuable information about menopause and its three phases—perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause—I was able to squeeze into 1,500 words. Medical research has come a long way since the 1700s, helping us to understand the mysteries of a woman’s body, but there is still far to go.

It’s comforting to know that, at each stage, we have access to self-care alternatives (herbs, acupuncture, detox methods) and preventive measures (DITI, medicinal grade supplements, hormone replacement therapy). It’s also sad to learn that while menopause is a natural transition for every female on the planet, the subject is rarely discussed among most women and girls. Indigenous cultures celebrate menopause as a welcome transition that honors women as community leaders. We can learn from them.

Meeting monthly magazine deadlines, going through menopause or experiencing a health challenge can feel overwhelming. When I realize that I’ve stepped out of the stream of well-being, I remind myself that I need to get back into the flow.

By shifting my attention away from all the “doing” and taking a few minutes to appreciate the things that are working and the love and support that surround me, I seem to attract what I need more easily and my world begins to feel softer and more inviting again. This usually requires conscious thought and lots of gratitude, but the effort is well worth it.

To your health and well-being,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher