Thankfulness and gratitude fill my thoughts in this holy season. After our first 18 months of publishing the Natural Awakenings Dallas Metroplex Magazine, we are already the go-to media resource for green, healthy and sustainable living. I feel privileged to have been directed to shepherd this endeavor, sharing educational, cutting-edge information and supporting healthy people in a healthy community on a healthy planet in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. The opportunity to spearhead this publication is a sacred trust that has been bestowed on our publishing family.

We do our best each month to bring you credible, thoughtful, relevant, up-to-date information, intended to inspire and expand our natural and sustainable living communities. Together, we are working in concert with our Creator to wisely and progressively honor the Earth and control society’s detrimental impacts. We desire to be God’s executives, charged with supporting a harmonious balance of nature’s elements, embracing all plants and animals, as it was created to be. What an awesome calling.

In this special season of giving and gratitude, we zero in on that which is most important in our lives—sharing special moments with family and friends and reaching out to bless others. We love feeling the mounting generosity and compassion in the air and are glad to catch an extra boost of holiday spirit.

This month’s feature article, “Do Good, Feel Good,” by Lisa Marshall, sheds light on the well-documented helping – health – happiness connection so evident during the holidays, but still valid year-round. Current research continues to explore how a helping attitude may actually improve our emotional and physical health. Of course, we know firsthand how it just plain feels good to make someone else smile. In her article, “The Greatest Gift of All,” Shannon Pressley adds local flavor to the idea of giving and doing good for our neighbors.

In keeping with this theme, Wayne Dyer’s “Five Intentions for the New Year” suggests doable daily practices that help us make good ideas our daily reality. Our article by Dr. Guy Francis,  “Mental Health of a Higher Order,” is a must read, as well.

If you’re spreading good cheer by hosting holiday gatherings, you’ll want to sample Debra Harrigan’s special recipes. This local nutritionist likes to present a new twist on old favorites that are perfect for your next event.

Finally, we offer timely and thoughtful insights by local green and sustainability hero and steward, Trammel S. Crow. In this installment, “Everything is Greener in Texas," Crow challenges us all to share news of Texas ecological milestones. Just email your submission to [email protected].

May you and yours enjoy a peaceful, joyous and safe Christmas season. We look forward to seeing you soon, as we ring in the New Year with our annual Health and Wellness issue.

Blessings always,

Bernice Butler, Publisher