As we welcome the arrival of 2025, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a season filled with hope, renewal and growth. The new year offers a precious opportunity—a clean slate—to reflect on the past, refine our intentions and chart a thoughtful path forward. It’s a time for both gratitude and resolve.

This annual tradition of setting resolutions has intrigued me for years. Why do we feel so compelled to start anew as the calendar resets? Research suggests that the symbolism of January 1—a definitive line between what was and what could be—provides a powerful psychological boost for embracing change. Many of us gravitate toward health-focused goals from weight loss to wellness practices as we seek to enhance the quality of our lives. I’m also reminded of these words from our instruction manual, in Isaiah 43:18–19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” The promise of renewal resonates deeply this time of year. It helps explain our urge to set goals as we turn the page to a new calendar: we were made that way.

Today’s emphasis on setting health goals at the start of the year reflects a broader cultural recognition that well-being is foundational to achieving our aspirations. Interestingly, studies show that those who begin new habits in January are more likely to stick with them, underscoring the importance of leveraging this natural momentum.

The annual weight-loss rush can be traced to early 20th-century health movements. As a regular at my gym, I witness this phenomenon each January. I’ve done my share or complaining about all the new people crowding out the regulars, particularly when I have to wait for the machines while the newbies just sit on them, engaged in long conversations.

What I’ve learned over the years is that resolutions focused solely on outcomes often fail. Instead, I set intentions that are meaningful and process-oriented. For example, rather than resolving to “lose weight”, I commit to nourishing my body with whole, plant-based foods and making movement a joyful part of my daily routine. This subtle shift transforms fleeting resolutions into practices I can stick with and that enrich my mind, body and spirit.

Holistic, integrative and functional health continues to gain traction as one of the most impactful trends of our time. These approaches honor the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, reminding us that true health encompasses far more than the absence of illness. Whether we do it through mindfulness, nutrition or alternative therapies, adopting a holistic lens empowers us to live fuller, more vibrant lives. Our January edition dives deep into these topics, offering inspiration and tools to support your wellness journey.

For me, the New Year isn’t just about looking forward. It’s an opportunity to release what no longer serves me and recommit to the practices and values that anchor my life. It’s a season of refinement and recalibration, as I aim to align my goals with my greater purpose. I’ve found great joy in transforming intentions into long-term, meaningful habits that shape a life of faith and grace.

As we step into 2025 together, I encourage you to approach the New Year not with rigid resolutions, but with a spirit of celebration and curiosity. Consider how you might mark this fresh chapter with rituals that honor both where you’ve been and where you hope to go. Perhaps it’s a time to express gratitude, connect with loved ones or immerse yourself in nature’s quiet beauty.

As always, I hope you will find much in this month’s issue to help you along your journey to living a healthy life on a healthier planet. Here’s to a year of abundant blessings, thoughtful intentions and meaningful growth.

Until next month,

Bernice Butler
Publisher