This month’s theme is all about living with purpose and passion. Seeking my own purpose prompted me to move to Arizona more than five years ago—a place where I didn’t know a soul—to start a business for which I had no real experience, just the desire to do something that felt big for me and new. I was itching for that next thing, so excited and so ready that there was no room for fear. The fact that I could do all this and do it in such a beautiful, warm locale to boot sealed the deal. 

I hadn’t taken a “passion test” or completed any kind of formal process such as that mentioned in this month’s feature, “Fashion a Passion-Driven Life.” I just knew that I wouldn’t survive much longer in my 9-to-5, sitting at a desk behind a computer, talking on the phone, working-for-somebody-else position. My life had devolved in great measure from the routine of working, getting ready to work or recovering from work, and after eight years, I was feeling listless and posing the same question as many mid-lifers: “Is this it?”

I didn’t have a solid idea of where to start, or even any long-buried dreams to pursue. I’d had as a role model a confident, successful businesswoman, and I wanted that for myself. I liked the idea of creating something that was mine and also had something to offer to others. I wanted to test the waters outside of what I had known my whole life. Except for college, I’d never lived in another city, but had dreamed since childhood of living in a beautiful place where the sun shines every day.

I had been meditating and making lists of goals. For at least a year-and-a-half, I’d had “own a business” on my wish list, but I was completely clueless how I would make that happen, how to begin or what kind of business it would be and what it would mean. 

My corporate job had been good to me. Approaching 40, I’d sought out the security I didn’t have in my social services position at the time—a retirement plan and the potential of earning enough money to buy my first home. It worked, and within a year I had bought a home and started a retirement plan. I had graduated from my drafty older apartment and created some financial security for myself, but my brain was mush and there was no pitter-patter in my heart. 

I can now say that I’m living with joy and a sense of fulfillment from a number of sources; Natural Awakenings being a big one! There is more than enough of everything. It’s a thrill to produce our local monthly issue and to see Natural Awakenings fulfill our life-affirming purpose every day of liberating lives! 

I love to see our community grow and connect in unity and shared purpose, and with great enthusiasm I am proud to announce that our third annual Conscious Living Guide is now on the stands! Thank-you to all our participants for allowing us to represent you over the coming year in this important community resource! 

Our next passion for the magazine is producing a community event—stay tuned for details over the coming months! 

With gratitude and love, 

Holly Baker, Publisher