letterfrompublisher
The most common way people give up their
power is by thinking they don’t have any.
—Alice Walker
T
his month, as we go to the polls (and hope-
fully each of you will exercise your right to
vote) we have an opportunity to have our
voices heard. Much as we hate to say it, with what’s
at stake in this election, for whom we vote is sec-
ondary to making sure we vote. If we don’t get out
and cast our ballots, we miss an opportunity be part of the solution, to bring
about change (we can believe in) and to really make a difference. Don’t believe
that your single vote won’t be heard; together, we are a powerful force.
It’s much the same with bringing about changes in the local economy, the
food we have available, our healthcare options, jobs and just about every other
important issue confronting us. We vote, in these cases, with our wallet–and our
time.
Whenever you purchase a product or service that is in line with your beliefs
and values, you are casting a vote in support of that product or service. And really,
when you have the choice between something you support and something you
don’t, and you choose the latter because it’s more convenient or less expensive,
you’re actually voting against the very thing that you want.
We know, especially in these tough economic times, that one’s fi nances are
often the motivating factor in making many of the choices we do. Often, it’s a
choice of purchasing something we don’t support, or nothing at all. There are go-
ing to be situations like that and sometimes it can’t be helped.
However, you do have many opportunities to make the better choice even
though it’s less convenient. That’s really what we’re talking about. Maybe it’s going
out of your way to fi nd the store carrying organic or natural meats or produce.
Maybe it’s setting time aside to visit a Farmer’s Market on the weekend to get
vegetables that are not only organic, but locally grown. And maybe it’s just going
to the gym, taking a yoga class or studying a martial art; or taking an evening to at-
tend a local seminar or presentation; or visiting a local holistic, natural or alterna-
tive health practitioner; to fi nd ways of keeping healthy and fi t.
These examples, and we know you can think of more, are ways we can all
make a difference. For if we patronize the businesses and practitioners whom
we support, they will prosper. As they prosper, they will grow and become more
readily available. As they become more readily available, they will become more
accessible and affordable. In the long run we all benefi t. That’s how it works. Vote
with your wallet–and your time–whenever you can.
The role of Natural Awakenings in our community is to bring you the informa-
tion you need to make those choices; to help you live longer, healthier lives. This
month, you’ll want to read the Conscious Eater’s Guide and learn about GMO’s,
irradiated food and cloning as it relates to the food you eat. And check out the
article on how large-scale livestock production affects our environment. These
articles, along with others on fi tness, health, green investing and more are here
for you to learn some of the things you need to know in order to make those wise
choices–and support the products and services that are most benefi cial to you,
your family and the environment. Everyone wins.
So, until next month, stay happy and healthy...naturally!
www.MichiganHealthyLiving.com
November 2008
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