This time of year, and this month especially, everyone is talking about thankfulness, gratefulness and giving thanks. But what does it truly mean to be grateful—and how does that bring us happiness?

A favorite quote of mine year-round has been, “It is not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy.” Kristi Nelson breaks this down in an interview about starting out with gratefulness, and ending up with happiness, on page 38.

Worried about getting through the holidays on a gluten-free or other diet? It’s easier than you think! Check out the tips on page 27, plus a delicious recipe for a gluten-free, dairy-free pumpkin pie.

Once again, our Plant Medicine section is a thing of beauty. On page 36, Kathleen Barnes dives into natural ways to reduce pain in “Better Options Than Opioids”, which includes yoga, meditation, acupuncture and—you guessed it—marijuana and CBD oil. We are continually amazed by how helpful natural plant medicine can be for all kinds of ailments.

For something new and different as we come into the holiday, consider a beautiful, soul nourishing Taizé service to connect with your spiritual center (page 12). According to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Tucson, “Taizé is ecumenical and affirming, rooted in the openness and welcoming nature of the Taizé Community in France.” The candlelight services feature songs, spoken and sung prayers, meditation, musicians and more.

We can’t believe it’s already been almost another whole year of Natural Awakenings being on the forefront of offering leading-edge solutions for everything in Tucson. We are thankful for you all!

In gratitude,

Holly Baker