As we enter the holiday season and welcome back our winter residents and visitors to Southwest Florida, it’s a wonderful time to take a deep breath of gratitude.

For me, when I’m in a state of gratitude and thankfulness, life seems to open up and flow more freely. I feel more connected to the world around me, more receptive to possibilities and better able to appreciate life’s simple gifts.

Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it invites us to pause, recognize what is good and focus on what sustains us. This month’s feature story, Growing Our Capacity for Gratitude, reminds us that gratitude is more than a fleeting feeling; it’s a practice we can nurture every day. 

I’m delighted to introduce Lisa Brown, founder of Free Flowing Health and featured on our cover! With a background in professional culinary arts, integrative nutrition and wellness education, Lisa combines her passion for food and health through personalized chef services throughout Southwest Florida. From weekly meals to special in-home dining, Lisa and her team make nourishing, delicious food convenient and enjoyable, without sacrificing flavor or precious time. Read editor Linda Sechrist’s interview on page 30 to learn more about her unique approach to healthy eating.

There are few things more rewarding than seeing someone you’ve known and respected for years make a meaningful difference in others’ lives. Dr. David Perlmutter, a longtime Naples resident, nationally recognized neurologist, bestselling author and longtime friend, is one of those people. I’ve also had the privilege of having him as my physician. Though he has stepped away from private practice, his passion for helping people live healthier lives continues to reach audiences worldwide.

In this issue, we feature our interview with Dr. Perlmutter about his newest book, Brain Defenders: Harness the Power of Your Immune Cells to Protect Your Brain for Life. His work explores the connection between metabolism, the immune system and brain health, offering fresh insights into supporting cognitive well-being as we age. (See interview on page 24)

We live in interesting and challenging times! I hope this month’s Natural Awakenings brings you a smile and offers inspiration for your wellness journey. Be sure to sign up for our digital edition so you never miss an issue, delivered by the first of each month. 

In Deep Gratitude,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher