September always makes me think of new beginnings—back-to-school energy, shifting seasons, and in my family, celebrating my mother’s birthday. My mother, Sharon Bruckman, has been publishing Natural Awakenings for more than three decades, so healthy living has been part of my world for as long as I can remember. This month’s focus on gut health reminds me how much of my own foundation for wellness comes from her.

There’s one saying of hers that I’ve always loved and carried with me: “Pay now or pay later.” She often uses it to explain why the extra investment in organic and high-quality food is worthwhile. Her point is simple: investing in our health today—through what we eat, how we care for our bodies, and the choices we make—saves us from paying a much higher price down the road.

As Dr. Madiha Saeed reminds us in this month’s feature story on page 24, “Food is medicine. Every bite can either help or hurt.” My mom lived by this truth long before it was popular language, teaching me that our daily food choices are powerful investments in our future health.

Her wisdom continues to guide me through life. She shows me that true health isn’t about rigid rules, but about cultivating balance in mind, body, and spirit. She models kindness, self-awareness, and care for the planet, reminding me that wellness is about far more than food; it’s about how we show up in the world.

This month’s feature, “Balancing the Gut: Investing in Our Inner Ecosystem,” compares our microbiome to a garden—one that thrives when nourished with wholesome food, sunlight, and attention, and struggles when neglected. Just like any garden, our inner ecosystem requires consistent tending. My mom has gifted me with the tools to nurture both my inner and outer gardens, enabling me to restore balance when life pulls me off track.

Now, as a mother myself, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share these teachings with my daughter Zylah. Not everyone grows up with a parent who emphasizes the importance of health, compassion, and connection to nature, and I know how lucky I am.

As you read this month’s issue, I invite you to reflect on the gardens you are tending within yourself. Every small, intentional choice matters—whether it involves choosing whole foods, taking time to savor a meal, or simply showing yourself kindness. Each step is an investment in your future well-being. As my mom says, “Pay now or pay later.”