Happy November! I can’t believe we are entering into the last two months of 2015. Where does the time go? It seems to be passing faster and faster and there are so many moments I want to savor without them speeding by. I have two years left before my high school junior, Davis, heads off to college, and only four more years with my younger son, Sy. There is so much I still want to do, share and enjoy with them before they are more independent and less connected.

I have heard that time seems to go by more quickly as we age because each year becomes a smaller percentage of our lives. When I was 10, one year was 1/10th of my life. At 44, one year is a mere 1/44th. It makes sense, but at the same time it’s a hard concept for me to wrap my head around. Bottom line, the lesson is to enjoy. To savor each precious moment with family and friends, in beautiful places, contemplating interesting (or even mundane) thoughts, engaging in stimulating conversation, reading good books, enjoying some downtime…

The magic of enjoying life, every fleeting moment of it, is to simply be in each moment of it. Not rehashing the past or worrying about the future, but fully experiencing the here and now. Often easier said than done, I know. However, by just having the awareness and intention, we can begin to make subtle changes in our ability to be more mindful which can positively affect our often hectic, over-planned and over-scheduled lives. Helen M. Luke so aptly states it in her poem, “Important” –

We hurry through the so-called boring things
in order to attend to that which we deem
more important, interesting.
Perhaps the final freedom will be a recognition that
everything in every moment is “essential”
and that nothing at all is “important.”

As you look back on 2015, think of those “essential” moments that stand out. They are likely the ones in which you slowed down and allowed yourself to relax and let go in the experience. Do that as often as you can.

I hope you also enjoy your experience of reading this issue—settle in and receive the wonderful information and ideas being shared in “True Wealth: Living a Life We love Is Real Affluence,” “Happy Feasting To All: Tasty Rituals That Deepen the Holiday Spirit” and “Grateful for Everything: Create an Attitude of Gratitude All Day Long,” & more!

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

Jessica Coffey, Publisher