Publisher Letter

Dear Natural Awakenings family, 

As the crisp air of November settles in and the leaves complete their golden dance to the ground, my heart feels especially full this year. Gratitude has always been the heartbeat of this season, but this November, it feels deeper, richer and more personal than ever. You see, I’ve been blessed with the arrival of my third grandchild—and with that, my role as “Big Mama” expands in the most beautiful way.

There is something sacred about the generational flow of love. Each grandchild carries a piece of history and a glimpse of the future. My first taught me the sheer delight of being called Big Mama for the very first time. My second brought a rhythm of joy that reminded me of life’s spontaneity. And now, this newest blessing has added yet another layer of fullness to my heart. Together, they are my living legacy—daily reminders that love multiplies, never divides, with each new heartbeat. 

Being called Big Mama is more than a name—it is a calling. It means being the lap where little ones feel safe, the voice that shares wisdom passed down through generations, and the heart that holds space for each child’s unique light to shine. It also means modeling gratitude not only in the grand moments, like welcoming a new baby, but in the small and ordinary ones too.

Gratitude isn’t just about giving thanks for the blessings we can see, but also for the space to grow into who we’re meant to be. It’s about appreciating the process as much as the outcome. Just as autumn teaches us to let go of what no longer serves us, gratitude teaches us to hold fast to what matters most. Family, love, health, purpose—these are the treasures that shine brighter than gold. I encourage you to pause and reflect on your own seasons of gratitude. When we begin to notice the abundance in our lives, we discover that gratitude multiplies, opening the door to even more blessings.

As I cradle my new grandson and watch my older grands run, laugh and discover the world, I’m reminded that legacy is not about what we leave behind but what we pour into the lives we touch right now. For me, that begins with being Big Mama—grateful, present and overflowing with love.

May this season of gratitude remind you of the abundance already within your reach and the joy of embracing both the milestones and the moments in between.

Gratitude and joy,