Happy New Year! The older I get, the faster the years seem to fly by. I can’t believe another year is upon us, yet I am always excited by the prospect of new beginnings. They offer us the opportunity to pause and reflect upon the choices we have made and determine if we want to continue along that same path or create different opportunities for ourselves.

I hope to fill 2014 with more activities that broaden my mind, strengthen my body and feed my soul. I got a head start this past month with adventures in Ashtanga and Svaroopa yoga, modalities I had not tried before, and had fun at my first Nia class. I even signed up for a couple of personal development programs at the Chrysalis Institute, scheduled for this spring. Meeting many amazing local business owners as I visited shops, took classes and attended local networking events, has me eager to make more connections in the new year.

Our natural living community is growing and thriving in the greater Richmond area. I am thrilled that you are joining us and look forward to sharing new horizons of health, wellness and sustainability with you. You can begin with our 2014 Annual Community Resource Directory in this special issue. It provides a fast connection with leading local expertise ready to help you and yours live long, happy and healthy lives. You’ll want to keep it on hand for easy reference throughout the year.

William Arthur Ward’s inspiring poem sums up my new year’s wish for you.

Another fresh new year is here. . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest. . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!

To a joyful 2014,

Jessica Coffey, Publisher