As this year comes to a close, I find myself thinking about where we are as we turn the page on the first quarter of this century. It seems both quick and slow at the same time. Lately, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for the moments that lifted my spirit, returning to the memories that still make me smile. With the holiday season upon us, we’re invited to pause and recognize the good that has guided us through the year as well. I have always believed that mindset shapes the way we move through the world, and December has a way of reminding me of this. Like many of you, I find joy in the traditions and gatherings that bring family together. Still, some of my strongest bursts of joy come from the quiet, unexpected pauses that make life feel full.

This year has reminded me that joy is not something we wait for. It is something we invite in with intention. It grows when we notice it and grows even more when we share it. I encourage you to look for the places where joy already lives in your life. Hold it. Name it. Pay attention to how it feels in your body and in your thoughts. Let that feeling keep you grounded as you step into a new year filled with possibility. I hope that this month’s issue, centered on the theme of embracing joy, will remind you that we are all connected through the moments of joy we choose to create and share.

Some of the small things I find joy in include reconnecting with old friends and feeling as if no time has passed; trying a new recipe and watching it become a household favorite; sitting with my dogs and enjoying their steady company; driving with my family and noticing the simple comfort of being together; the relief of silence; concerts; new classes; and the late-night conversations that turn ordinary days into bright spots. Joy shows up in many forms, and I have learned to trust that it always finds a way in when I make space for it.

This month’s articles are meant to spark ideas and offer gentle reminders of what joy can look like in your daily life. Some pieces will help you reconnect with wellness habits that support a clearer mind, while others highlight simple shifts that open the door to more balance and meaning. My hope is that these stories help you see the joy that is already present and that you feel inspired to create more of it in small, intentional ways.

Thank you for being part of this community and for welcoming Natural Awakenings into your homes each month. I am grateful for your support and for the many ways you share your own journey with us. May this season bring you peace and unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the year turns.

Happy Holidays,

Erica Mills