letterfrompublisher
Celebrating 20 Years I’m often asked if I ever imagined 20 years ago that Natural Awakenings would multiply into 90 sister maga- zines across the country. In response, I sometimes share the story of the early urgings from Spirit that didn’t make sense to me at the time and wouldn’t let up. Although I had been asking the Divine to use me and my gifts and talents for some greater good, starting a magazine wasn’t a direction suggested by anything on my resumé.
Ultimately surrendering to the steer- ing and relying on this same inner com- pass to guide me every step of the way has miraculously kept Natural Awak- enings on the forefront of the growing global awakening to a more conscious, natural and sustainable way to live. It’s a passion-fueled mission of- fering endless opportunities of per- sonal and spiritual growth for everyone Natural Awakenings touches. The name itself was ahead of its time. Twenty years ago, many of the complementary healing and consciousness raising tools available today did not exist. Main- stream America was essentially tuned out to the benefits of living a natural lifestyle that’s good for both people and the planet. Today, we like to think that Natural Awakenings is playing a pivotal part in helping this message reach the critical mass required to achieve the beneficial tipping point the world so desperately needs. I loved my new role as publisher from that first day of traveling our com- munity meeting individuals that count among those I consider the most impor-
tant people on Earth. I started benefit- ing right away from being continually immersed in conversations and informa- tion with both local leaders and national experts on natural health, personal growth, spirituality and sustainability. It soon became apparent that our holistic community was widely benefiting from what we were creating together, and I knew we were on the right track. Since the decision to franchise
Natural Awakenings in 1999, I’ve been privileged to have the opportunity to support our expanding publishing fam- ily busily working to bring the advan- tages of natural healthy living alive in their local communities. Much team- work has gone into developing and providing the tools needed to support their success. Sharing ideas on what naturally works provides us all a rich, inspiring perspective on the creative so- lutions and collaborative initiatives that are helping people around the country. Infinite thanks go to our advertisers
for their loyal support that makes pub- lishing this free monthly magazine pos- sible, and for sharing their people- and planet-friendly products and services with our community. Special thanks recognize the first 40 advertisers that shared our vision from the beginning; some of these pioneers are still with us. Deep appreciation extends to our
entire Natural Awakenings staff, sev- eral of whom have steadfastly accom- panied me on this journey for many years. It’s their love, commitment and stellar gifts and talents that bring all the pieces together each month and
keep us delivering our best. Blessings shower our Natural
Awakenings publishers that listened to their calling to join us and picked up the torch, raising it high to bring more light to their part of the world. I am in awe of their dedicated purpose. Thank you, dear readers for pick-
ing up Natural Awakenings each month and joining nearly four million kindred spirits in this journey of relishing an awakened life and creating the kind world we know is possible. Thank you all for continuing to spread the word and spread the love. To the next 20 years!
In deep gratitude,
Sharon Bruckman, CEO/Publisher
P.S. Local photographer Eileen Laibinis shot my cover photo (eyeleenlphoto
graphy.com). Also look for me on the upcoming Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise (page 47), and join me.
WGCU Public Media has recognized Natural Awakenings Founder Sharon Bruckman as one of its 14 exceptional women for 2014 MAKERS: Women Who Make Southwest Florida scheduled to air in April 2014 on WGCU TV and radio.
6 Collier/Lee Counties
swfl.NaturalAwakeningsMag.com
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