I’ve been reflecting on how I approach life now that the kids are grown and the calendar has more room for fun. Yet, even with this newfound freedom, I’ve caught myself treating joyful moments like items on a to-do list. Need to bake a dessert for the party? Done. Time to book that hotel for our getaway? Check. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t savoring these experiences—I was just completing them. Recently, I’ve started reframing my inner dialogue. Now, instead of “I have to bake dessert,” I think, “I get to create something delicious.” Instead of “I have to book the hotel,” it’s, “I get to pick the perfect spot for an adventure.” These small shifts are helping me embrace joy more fully.

This mindset shift reminds me of the Zen principle of shoshin, or beginner’s mind, explored in First Thoughts and New Experiences [page 18]. It describes shoshin as a way to approach life with curiosity, openness, and gratitude. Expert Shawn Brown shares: “This is where we live, but when we think of the future or ruminate on the past, we are pulled out.” By embracing the present moment—even a wobbly yoga pose—we can let go of old patterns and create space for more joy.

With the holidays behind us, I’m reminded how even a little sugar from festive cookies and pies can affect mood and energy. As highlighted in Serving up Happiness: Foods for Better Moods, small shifts toward nutrient-dense foods can make a big difference. Amy Fox, a functional food coach, reminds us: “Think of each meal as your ‘nutrition prescription.’ These choices almost always predict how you’ll feel in a few hours.” This wisdom inspires me to reset my habits and focus on balance—an essential step to sustaining joy into 2025.

This month’s issue is packed with inspiration to start the year right. Explore sustainability in The Upcycling Lifestyle: How To Make Anything New Again. Discover natural ways to boost fertility in Advancing a Couple’s Fertility: Natural Solutions for Women and Men [page 22]. Get crafty with New Uses for Old T-Shirts. Treat your palate with recipes like Gut-Friendly Broccoli Nut Soup  from Serving up Happiness: Foods for Better Moods [page 24]. And for a dose of pure companionship, explore Bonding With a Dog: Fun Tips To Build Trust, Calm and Companionship [page 30].

Here’s to joy, curiosity, and fewer cookies in 2025!

Kris Urquhart
Publisher