This October, marks my seven-year anniversary as publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island (NALI), 
and when I look back over these years, I can’t help but notice how much has changed, how much has stayed the same, and how much I have learned.
What is the same? Well, this issue, for instance—every October our theme is Chiropractic Care. We have made it super easy for you to find the best chiros out there—chiropractors that have been part of the NALI family since the start and help make this magazine possible.
What has changed? Well, first and foremost, ME! When I chose a career in publishing, back in 2012, I left a high-paying, high-pressure job—a job I was good at and loved—and became a publisher. The decision was guided by my change in priorities and a desire to be home more with my kids. There is change again on the horizon—a possible shift—because my children are older now. There is a huge difference between a 10-year-old and a 17-year-old, and an even bigger difference between an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old. Seven years ago, I was given an amazing opportunity to own a lifestyle company that offered freedom for me to focus on the job of being a mom. As they grow older, they need me less, and I am faced with the potential for change, for self-evolution.
Now what have I learned? I have learned so much these past 7-years, I could write a book! Lately the lesson I am focused on is that there is no “right” and no “wrong”, but instead, “right for right now” or “wrong for right now.” I have learned there is a time for everything; that is why God made seasons. So, while I mourn the summer that leaves us, I look forward to the crisp winds and golden sunsets that await us with the coming of fall (oh, and the candy corn—not gonna lie; I’m sort of addicted!).
When I began this journey seven years ago, I also started SUP surfing, and through that hobby, I became interested in the Hawaiian lifestyle. The Hawaiians have it right, especially those that live the Hawaiian huna. Huna is a Hawaiian term for “the secret” (LOL, the Hawaiians knew “the secret” well before it was ever a best-selling book). I decided to sign my publisher letters with the Hawaiian phrase “malama pono,” which means take care of you. Pono is actually part of huna, and as a standalone phrase means “effectiveness is the measure of truth.” I ask myself frequently, “Kelly, how effective are you at taking care of your truth?” Do you ask yourself this?
What is your life’s mission, and to what degree are you effective in that mission? Most importantly, I think we need to marry this question with time. I was effective in 1998 marrying my soulmate, and in 2003 as a corporate leader, and in 2012 as a publisher and mom. Each time, I was right.
Our October issue includes tons of inspiring and motivating articles covering a vast array of topics. I am 
especially drawn to the one about game changers, which highlights youth changing the world for the better—youth that are effectively in this time of their life measuring their own truth with the efficacy of their work. I am reminded that I want to be a person doing that. Perhaps you will be reminded too. If so, share your mission with us; place it on social media and tag @NaturalAwakeningsLI. The time… is now!
Malama Pono,
Kelly Martinsen, Publisher
