letter from publisher
HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET Many friends have asked what’s going on with our front yard since we’ve been stuck at home. “Josh is clear cutting it,” I reply (somewhat) jokingly. He started with the 10-foot azaleas that bordered our property— they got cut back to knee height. Then two crepe myrtles, three river birches and a leyland cypress were removed to allow full sun to shine on freshly laid sod. I cringed through the whole process. I worry about the birds that nested in the azaleas, I miss hanging our hammocks from the shady trees and it pains me to watch the amount of water that is being used for irrigation. We have also lost a lot of privacy and at times I feel exposed even from inside our house.
As uncomfortable as it can feel now, I know that eventually these sacrifices will pay off. The azaleas had become overgrown with weeds that were impossible to manage. Within weeks of being cut back they were filled with lush, new growth and within a year they’ll be functioning as a privacy border once again. I’ve noticed the birds adapting as well—a mama bird built a nest in one of our hanging planters and it’s been a joy to watch her three babies hatch and grow. While I’d prefer a lawn-free landscape, our two active boys can’t imagine life without a place to play soccer, so we chose a hardy type of grass that requires almost no watering once established. The remaining river birch and our neighbor’s oak tree will eventually provide a canopy over our yard for shade that the grass can tolerate. And with fewer trees, our herb garden and perennial flower beds stand out more. Change always requires a shift in perspective. When Natural Awakenings decided that this month’s theme was going to focus on travel, it never occurred to us that the whole world would be living under safer-at-home orders and social distancing requirements. Our writers adapted to the times with articles like “Transformative Staycations: Finding Respite and Adventure Close to Home” and “Everyday Adventures: Taking to Vans and RVs for Life on the Road.” This month’s issue also offers home workout ideas, brain boosters and mood-lifting recipes. It’s usually hard to cut out things that we’ve grown attached to, whether it’s a 10-yearold tree or the freedom to go wherever we want, whenever we want. But when we do, we often make space for new developments and a fresh outlook on life. As we make our way through the third month of this new reality, take time to reflect on the things you’ve given up, the adjustments you’ve made and the challenges you’ve overcome. Acknowledge the positive impacts these choices will have on you in the future and celebrate the seeds of new growth you’ve sown. With gratitude,
GULF COAST EDITION PUBLISHER Meredith Montgomery EDITING TEAM Michelle Bense Josh Montgomery Anne Wilson Michael Wilson Gabrielle Wyant LAYOUT 13 Moons Publishing DISTRIBUTION MGR. Stephanie Klumpp
CONTACT US P.O. Box 725, Fairhope, AL 36533 Ph: 251-990-9552 Fax: 251-281-2375 HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com Publisher@HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com
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Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition
HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com
