There are people in our lives whose presence becomes part of the rhythm of who we are. They cheer us on, celebrate the little things, offer encouragement when we need it and somehow make ordinary moments feel more meaningful. Just a few weeks ago, my family lost my beloved mother-in-law, someone very dear to us, one of our biggest cheerleaders. Her support was steady, genuine and deeply felt. Losing her has brought a quiet kind of reflection. It has asked us to pause, to feel gratitude for the love she gave so freely and to begin imagining what life looks like as we carry that love forward in a new way..

For me, May and June are already tender months of remembrance. They are a time when I think often of my own father, who passed in 2021 and whom I miss every day. Anyone who has lost someone close understands the longing for one more conversation, one more laugh, one more chance to share a small story or everyday moment. Those moments are never wasted. The phone call, the visit, the extra few minutes at the table, the simple—"I love you"—they matter more than we often realize. Take the time.

As we age, many of us become more intentional about self-care, wellness and making choices that help us live with greater strength and balance. At the same time, watching our elders age or saying goodbye sooner than expected reminds us that wellness is also about connection, compassion and how we care for one another.

This month, as we celebrate the men in our lives, our issue, Men Built to Thrive, explores men’s health, mental health and the many important topics in between. True strength is not about carrying everything alone. It is about being supported, staying connected, asking for help when needed and creating a life that allows body, mind and spirit to thrive.

I also hope this issue becomes something you share with someone you care about, especially the men in your life. Leave it on the kitchen counter for your husband, father, son, brother, friend or colleague. Pass along an article that made you think of someone. Start a conversation that might not have happened otherwise. Sometimes wellness begins with something as simple as, “I thought you might like this.”

One of the greatest joys of publishing Natural Awakenings is hearing from readers that find it to be a meaningful resource. I love hearing that they save articles, try new approaches, share ideas with their families or discover a practitioner, practice or perspective that helps them feel better supported. Men’s wellness deserves thoughtful attention. It deserves openness, encouragement and practical tools that speak to the whole person; not just physical health, but emotional well-being, purpose, resilience and connection.

May this season remind us to hug our loved ones, speak love freely and create small acts of kindness that help us find joy, even through life’s changes.

With gratitude,

Erica Mills, publisher