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Letter from The Publisher

Peggy Malecki

It’s October, already? It seems like we were just gearing up for summer, planting tomato seedlings and enjoying the lengthening daylight. Now we enter another magical month of colorful leaves, crisp morning air, pumpkins, fall vegetables and a new season to enjoy.

                 October also marks the beginning of our ninth year of publishing Natural Awakenings Chicago. Talk about time flying! Our team has published 96 issues of Natural Awakenings Chicago since launching in October 2010. That first issue featured 350.org’s Bill McKibben on the cover, just one of the many folks working to make a difference in our health and the overall wellness of the planet we’ve covered at a local, national or international level.

                 Thank you to our readers who have embraced Natural Awakenings, reading and sharing our pages each month, supporting our advertisers and attending the many events we feature. Thank you to the multitude of businesses throughout Cook, Lake and McHenry counties that distribute Natural Awakenings. And a huge hurrah to our advertisers, who make this magazine possible.

        An ongoing theme in Natural Awakenings revolves around making informed choices and getting actively involved to make a difference in our lives, our families, our communities and our planet. We owe it to ourselves and the next seven generations to stay abreast of the issues that affect all life on the planet, as well as to take a stand and do something to have an ongoing positive effect on this world we all share.

        This month, writer Linda Sechrist’s article, “Youths Step Up to the Global Challenge,” focuses on some of the amazing work that young people are doing, taking an active role in building a positive future and becoming game-changers for our world.

        I believe we all can be game-changers in our own lives, our families and our communities by continuing to educate ourselves and taking steps in our daily lives that make a difference. The time is now; we’re never too old (or too young) to take a stand and take action. As I’ve encouraged readers many times in this column—focus in on what matters to you, actively learn about it and get involved.

        Find a local issue or organization that resonates and get started in your own style. Volunteer as a helper, take the lead or support those who do with your time or donations. Or, begin to change your own game by making new choices in your food and buying habits, your wellness routine and other aspects of your life.

        Our efforts may be small or they may be big (and, honestly, they may fluctuate from day to day), but don’t underestimate their effects. It’s pretty easy to start small with daily efforts, it just takes a conscious effort to make a change. Using a recyclable mug at the coffee shop, riding your bike to the store or switching to a plant-based diet for a couple of meals each week may not seem as impactful as leading a national campaign or becoming a community leader, but all of our consistent efforts add up to real change. They tend to make us feel good, too.

        Whether you’re just starting out, finding your voice and redefining your life’s direction, or if you’ve been at this awhile, I hope you’ll take some time to think about the steps you can take to learn something new and get involved. Our choices are our voices.

Enjoy a fabulous October!

Peggy