November is a season of reflection and appreciation—to embrace gratitude, connect with loved ones, and nourish what’s most important in life. As time marches on, these reminders become even more potent, which brings me to the theme for this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings: Grateful Aging. So, before another holiday rush, let’s explore some meaningful ways to cultivate wisdom, resilience, thankfulness, inner peace, and well-being in the midst of those inevitable transformations that come with each passing year.       

On that note, our feature article for this month is all about, “Earning Wisdom as We Age.” Across many cultures for several millennia, elders have been the keepers of traditions, stories, and connections to the earth and one another. This sacred ancestral knowledge was born of deep self-actualization and valuable life experience, both in times of abundance and challenge. Even as our society continues to move forward, we can still carry these lessons from the past and uncover wisdom of our own to share with future generations.  

While we’re on the topic of sharing wisdom, this month’s “Healthy Kids” article focuses on the importance of teaching children to be thankful. Gratitude might feel like a basic seed to plant, but we cannot underestimate its potential to inform a child’s entire outlook on life. Research shows that gratitude has a positive effect on kids’ mental health, emotional regulation, connection with their families, and generosity toward their communities.  

Of course, we would be remiss to talk about November without any mention of food—it’s the season for feasting, after all! Our “Conscious Eating” article makes a delicious case for featuring soups at the holiday table. There’s something cozy about a warm bowl of soup with a nourishing broth and seasonal ingredients like rainbow carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and leafy greens. It’s one of the tastiest ways to celebrate fall’s bounty.    

As we inch closer to the end of another year, I want to express just how grateful I am for each member of our local wellness community here in Southwest Florida. You continue to welcome Natural Awakenings into your lives each month, and this is never lost on me. So, on behalf of our whole team, thank you—It’s an honor to walk this journey together!