Thinking about this month's theme, Inspired Living, I've been hard-pressed to say what really inspires me. While there are plenty of things I enjoy, learn from and am committed to doing, I'm not sure they quite fit my description of "inspiring". As a person who considers herself sure-footed, authoritative and aware, this has caused me much consternation, so I've been doing a lot of self-examination lately, trying to determine what truly motivates and encourages me and makes me to want to jump out of bed each morning to do it.

One of my first discoveries on that journey was that there isn't just one thing or one category of things that inspires me. I don't know if that's normal, but it's me. I get excited about so many things that trying to sort them out and pare them down quickly became laborious. So I've been forced to define "inspiration" as it relates to me and my life: it's a person, place, thing or activity that brings consistent, lasting joy; that causes me to grow in some way; that creates more space in my life for generosity; and that helps me make a positive contribution to others and the world. Given those qualifications, here's my list of what inspires me:

* Watching the sun rise: It holds the sure promise of a new, God-given day, which at that point, is a clean slate—full of opportunity and possibilities, and mine to do with as I wish.

* Morning devotional: It connects me with God, my creator. It centers me and sets the direction of my day as one of gratitude where I'll be looking for ways to serve others and resting in the security of knowing that God's got my back.

* Creating something new or different: This is my jam. I get so excited to birth something new that will help change the world or my community or my sphere of influence for the good. Moreover, I've learned not to be territorial about my ideas; rather, their value is in getting them out there.

* Looking better. OK, I know this sounds vain, but when I look better, I feel better, and I'm better to myself and everything and everybody around me. I perform better, I'm more energetic, and everything is brighter, more hopeful... better.

* Interacting with someone who has a servant's heart and/or is uncommonly kind, caring and generous. I think this inspires me because this is who and what I long to be. It encourages me and gives me a role model.

* Solving a hard or big problem. This always reaffirms my belief in the presence of God and His faithfulness in directing my steps and guiding my path. It reminds me that as long as I'm alive, I can always do something about my problems.

Figuring out what inspires me has been so valuable and enlightening that I can't believe I didn't do it earlier. Now that I've identified these things, I can lean into them, bringing more joy and inspiration into my life.

In this month's issue, we offer cutting-edge information and inspiration on aging well. In "Growing Younger," Marlaina Donato points out, "No matter which path you follow to aging vibrantly, the most inspiring takeaway is that lifestyle, not genes, determines destiny." Her message truly encourages me because it puts me in the driver's seat as I determine my lifestyle. I can decide how I age and how I navigate life.

In the words of my favorite high school poem, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." And that's where it all starts, for the soul is the place from which all behavior emanates. So with the help of my soulmate—my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—I am going to lean into developing and engaging in better, more inspiring lifestyle behaviors, those that will allow me to live a healthier, longer and more joyful life.

Another bit of inspiration: We are proud to bring you more information on holistic, integrative and functional medicine which you've expressed a hunger for. In this issue, we do a deep dive on some popular wellness therapies and protocols—functional testing, ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These are natural, alternative, integrative and complementary therapies designed to help and heal using the elements God gave us to survive and thrive.

As always, this issue is chock-full of information to help you on your journey to living a healthier life on a healthy planet.

Blessings until next month,