Sometimes life takes you in an unintended direction, which is where I find myself at the moment. Several additional responsibilities have landed in my lap, stealing some of my time and attention away from the magazine.  When this initially occurred my first instinct was to panic. How would I continue to meet our advertisers’ and readers’ expectations each month?

Luckily for me, a support staff emerged just when I really needed it most. This staff, largely comprised of women, is keeping our ship on course, ensuring the health and smooth sailing of Natural Awakenings of South Central PA. It is to them, and to all our female readers who set the course for not only their own healthy lifestyle, but often times their family’s, too, that w present this month’s Women’s Wellness issue.

Our feature article, “Aging Gracefully” reminded me of some wise words I once heard someone say, “Around age 50 is when we begin to become human beings. Until then we don’t have a chance, because we have not yet learned how to accept life on life’s terms. We keep thinking our will is running the show. We think that things happen because we make them happen. It’s not until we get beaten down a few times that we gain some compassion and realize that it is the heart that matters.”

I tend to define aging gracefully as more a process of acquiring grace with age. As we endure life and the lessons that go along with the ticking away of years, our hearts open to many things that went unnoticed and unappreciated in our youth. To this I say, “Hooray!” because outward beauty is always trumped by the inner beauty cultivated by the wisdom of time. Don’t let lines and wrinkles, pooches and sags remind you of the years behind you; instead, rejoice in their presence, fully aware that you wouldn’t be who you are today without them.

Thankfully, mindful doctors and anti-aging specialists are developing new regimens and therapies to help us maintain our physical health, mental clarity and joy for life throughout our youth and latter years. Detoxification and hormone support are just a few that we highlight this month. With the right approach and attitude, a long, healthy, happy life can be experienced by all. So bring on the years and all that comes with them. That is life!

Wishing all mothers, young and wise, a lovely Mother’s Day this month! And reminding everyone, especially Michele, Helen, Nancy, Helene, Theresa, Beth, Rachael, Angela, Lucy, Christina and Patty to feel good, live simply and laugh more.

Dave Korba, Publisher