from us

In each of our households, our families have a unique dynamic. We make decisions based on what specifically works – or does not work – for our unit to optimally and healthfully function. It is important that we consider how to keep ourselves and our children well, and address ways to ensure that we thrive throughout our lives and into old age. This issue, Natural Family, explores some of the tools that can be utilized in order to determine the best approach for our own family. We all fall into patterns, and it is up to each of us to integrate that which serves our family and let go of those thought and action patterns that do not. We can empower ourselves instead of simply resorting to thinking, “It was good enough for me when I was a child.”

It can be difficult to break out of the patterns we learned about health and parenting during our own childhood experiences. In addition, it can be even more challenging to be surrounded by others who question our decisions. Thankfully, a national nonprofit organization that recently formed a local chapter in Northeast Ohio can help parents with these and other needs. Debbie Radvar's article, “Holistic Moms Network: A Community for Holistic Families,” describes that this fabulous organization “believes that coming together as holistic parents and supporting one another is empowering because it offers support and validation.” Members of this organization meet regularly, offering parents respect and guidance in making informed decisions about their families' health.

One of the most important measures in parenting is to impart wisdom to our children. In one of our cover stories, “A Wellness Approach for Children,” author Jane Sheppard explains, “When raising healthy children, it is important to focus on more than just the physical aspects of wellbeing. A child's emotional health also must be nurtured and strengthened, and a mental attitude of wellness must be developed.” Her article goes on to detail the importance of teaching children about the strength contained within their bodies and the power of their own choices to keep them healthy.

When our families do need medical attention, we may feel that we must relegate ourselves to the care covered by our health-insurance companies – generally not holistic options – in order to afford the care. However, in his article, “Tips for Making Your Family's Health Insurance 'Holistic Friendly,'” Daryl Kulak explains, “…you can make health insurance and holistic health-care work together – it just takes a bit of effort and a change of mindset.” He goes on to detail how we can change our approach and investment in insurance in order to use the modalities that we deem most beneficial for our families.

Most of us have a number of people in our lives who are not related by blood, but the strength of our bonds to them causes us to consider them family. In our second cover story, “Your True Family,” Rev. Tony Senf explains, “We all have had people in our lives who we felt were more like our sister, brother, father, mother, son or daughter than our biological counterparts… our 'True Family' includes friendships or connections we have made over an extended time period – loved ones from many different times and places in our lives.” He describes how these people in our lives provide support and encourage us to express ourselves and explore our talents.

We hope that this issue encourages you to examine your approach to your own family members' gifts, intellect, wellness and other individual strengths, as well as the interrelationships and interactions in which these are shared and displayed. Know that it is within your power to create positive change – for your family and for yourself.

With peace and love,

Balanced Living Magazine