I love that we regularly have the opportunity to step into a whole new year to reflect upon lessons of the past year, mentally turn the page and begin fresh with a clean slate. As we embark on 2019’s adventure, filled with new hopes and dreams, I’m reminded of this quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” According to the King Center, these words were his modern take on Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Dr. King and scripture from our instruction manual —together they inspire me to move ahead, to make the changes in my habits and attitudes that I know are necessary if I’m going to live my best life.

That said, I’ll admit to being daunted by the idea of setting intentions for an entire year. After vacillating between grandiose plans, which in the past have fizzled out quickly, and small goals that can be achieved effortlessly, I’ve decided to take a radically different approach. Instead of making my life better by adding things, I will let go of what does not serve me well. Given that the human body, the Earth and our environment were created to be interdependent, inherently possessing everything they need to survive and thrive, I have to think I’ll be much better off shedding the unnecessary.

We all have the ability to free ourselves of burdensome possessions, habits and attitudes; nagging memories of the past; worries about the future; and even concerns over what others think of us (i.e., stress). Ultimately, it boils down to our willingness to let go, forgive, accept and live in gratitude. Every positive change in life begins with shifting our own perspective.

In keeping with our New Year’s theme of renewal and rejuvenation, we’ve packed this annual Health and Wellness issue with empowering information to help you claim optimal health so you are equipped to live your best life yet. A major focus this month is functional wellness, which targets whole-body function, rather than individual body systems. You’ll notice frequent admonishments about reducing stress, and that’s no coincidence. The well-documented relationship between stress and physical and mental health helps explain why our attitudes, perspectives and belief systems are so important, and why no discussion of optimal health is complete without a discussion of stress reduction.

As always, we are delighted to offer many timely and insightful articles about health—including the health of our environment—contributed by members of our North Texas wellness community. We hope you will find something that encourages and helps you to live your best life in 2019.

I’m honored to step into another year with you as we continue our journey together.

Blessings,

Bernice