from us

We begin the New Year thinking inward – about resolutions and self-improvement, but Valentine's Day comes up on us quickly, and our thoughts often turn to the relationship we have – or wish we had – in our life. While this issue discusses weddings, it also delves further into various facets of relationships. For example, in his article, “Never too Soon to Love,” Alan Cohen writes about an experience as a teen that changed his life – not because of what he did but because of what he did not do. In his article he encourages readers to realize that we often hinder our own opportunities to find love. He says, “While you may believe that your mate is far down the road, your key step may simply be a leap of faith.” With Alan's advice in mind, share your heart and speak your mind to that special someone in your life.

If you and that someone are planning your “big day,” do not forget to return to your conscientious values. With American couples spending $72 billion annually on weddings, brides and grooms pour their money, time, energy and heart into a day that celebrates their love and unites them as a couple. “At nearly every turn in life, you might ask yourself, 'How can I do this in a more holistic or sustainable way?' A wedding – or really, any type of celebration – is no exception,” Maggie Busser writes in her article “Holistic Matrimony, Natural Nuptials and Sustainable Vows.” Maggie continues, “This is the perfect opportunity to support businesses that share your values, as well as to educate your loved ones about holistic and sustainable living. Plus, your event will truly become a reflection of you as a couple.”

In our second cover story, “My Big Fat Organic Wedding,” Maggie writes, “Franklin and I wanted to incorporate holistic and sustainable elements to create an event that reflected our personalities and values.” Her article goes on to share a number of the holistic and sustainable details from their recent wedding. This article is directly followed by an unprecedented resource: a special advertising section of local businesses that can help our readers integrate holistic and sustainable values into weddings and other events.

Romantic relationships are just one of the associations we have with the many people that come into our lives. Between family, friends, coworkers and even the person with 13 items in the 12-items-or-less lane at the grocery store, we all encounter times of offering forgiveness. In “The Ladder of Forgiveness,” Rev. Tony Senf shares, “Forgiveness brings a sense of physical ease, emotional relief and a psychologically brighter outlook – or simply stated, forgiveness brings more peace, love and joy into your life.” He goes on to write about the seven major echelons of finding ultimate forgiveness.

Regardless of where you find yourself in the romance spectrum, take time to take stock of the relationships in your life. Think about the ones that could be – then take that leap of faith. Consider the ones that are – and find ways to explore them further. And if you are planning your own “big day,” please do make choices that reflect your holistic and sustainable values. Your flowers will smell more fragrant, your cake will taste more delicious, and your conscience will soar as high as your bliss.

With peace and love,

Balanced Living Magazine