The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. –Bob Marley
By far my favorite article this month is our Naturally Inspired piece on Miguel Rodriguez, a local wrestling coach and mentor, who is an inspiration to his town of Long Beach, N.Y (see page 32). The article is such an awesome reminder of what we as human beings can do for one another. I smile as I think that last month’s favorite was also the Naturally Inspired piece, which featured Karen Serva, mom of a medically fragile child. Both of these individuals are my friends—one a friend since our teenage years and the other a friend in my adult life. How blessed is that? I have seen firsthand what they are capable of doing on behalf of others when they put their minds to it—and, trust me, just knowing these two people personally is truly INSPIRING.
In last month’s letter, I asked you not to be afraid to shine your light and be brilliant. This month, I encourage you to make a point of surrounding yourself with inspiring people. We are blessed to live in a nation where we are afforded free will, which we can use to choose who we wish to associate with. This past Memorial Day, we were reminded that we have freedoms due to the many sacrifices that have been made by the brave men and women in our armed services. A good way to honor these sacrifices is to spend your time wisely with people who support you and lift you up and to steer clear of those people who are stuck in a self-imposed prison of self-doubt and anger.
In the News Briefs section, you will see that the Natural Awakenings publishing family held its publishers’ conference in Florida, which was said to have been amazing. I wasn’t able to attend, so I asked my friend—another publisher—who was there, what it was that made the experience so great and what knowledge she gleaned from it. I was looking for publishing insight, so you can imagine my surprise when she laughed and said, “It was transformative; and when I left, I knew I had to get new friends—that the friends I have actually SUCK.” I laughed with her and said that I hoped I wasn’t one of the people that would have to be let go. After reassuring me, she said, “I realize that these women that I play tennis and golf with at my club, they are not real and that I’m not really interested in continuing in un-inspiring relationships.” Good for her! I look forward to hearing about her journey making new friends in her 50s—friends that inspire her.
It takes guts to walk away from what is stagnant or toxic in your life. When you do, though, you realize that you have made room for people that are truly inspirational. This is not a simple calculation of out with the old and in with the new. It is looking at your friends and asking yourself, “Do the people around me have integrity and do they affect me positively?” If the answer is no, then what are you waiting for? Walk—actually, RUN. If, however, when you review your posse and see people that inspire you with their strength, their integrity and their light, then honor those friendships with the gift of time. One thing for sure, we only have so much time on this Earth; free will affords us the opportunity to determine how and with whom we spend it. Choose wisely.
Malama Pono!
Kelly Martinsen, Publisher
