Dear Readers;

As we approach the New Year, what comes to mind is transformation, new life and new beginnings. After many frustrating and unsuccessful attempts to keep steadfast to previous New Year's Resolutions, maybe this year's New Year's Resolution should be no resolution at all. Setting ourselves up for failure only worsens our resolve and determination to eliminate the unhealthy habits and undesirable circumstances in our life. Breaking this pattern propels us into looking at the New Year's Resolution ritual in a deeper way. Ask yourself, "Why make changes to my life now and not the rest of the year?" "Is there really something wrong with me that needs to be corrected?" "What will truly bring me lasting happiness?"

In reality, only one resolution needs to be made, and that is to offer ourselves forgiveness. Forgiveness is not something we do for others; it is a demonstration that we love ourselves enough to absolve everyone in our life, including ourselves. It is a way to release a heavy burden from our shoulders, to lighten the load. It is the one decision that allows all other resolutions to naturally fall into place. Our lack of abundance, our struggle with weight, our problems with relationships, whatever blocks us from giving and receiving love stems from a lack of forgiveness. The enclosed article about The Loving Course describes how a weekend intensive workshop enriches lives by helping us to recognize and remove these blocks and to remember that we are united by the divine presence within us all.

In this issue's interview of Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now, he clearly and eloquently explains the significance of living in the present. When we judge what someone has done in the past, we are not seeing that person in the present for who s/he is now, and we obscure our own joy. In Bo Wise's article, A Shift Into New Times, she acknowledges her past errors and redresses them through her loving service to this magazine.

As universal and natural as the emotion of love are the joy and beauty of new life. Our cover stories recognize the extraordinary experience of birth. Balanced Living offers our readers the opportunity to discover renewal, new life, new love in the New Year. Live it in health, happiness and generosity of spirit.

With love and forgiveness,
All of Us at Balanced Living Magazine

We are thrilled to be a part of your wonderful magazine. I love the way the magazine gives details, names, ideas, feelings and opinions. It's not biased and it keeps all types in mind. For example, the recipes can be for those who like meat or those who prefer vegetarian style with tofu. That's the difference between average and excellent! Your magazine stays true to its readers. It's a small world and most people who read the magazine know someone in it. That makes it interesting and fun to read. It brings everyone and everything together full circle.

Renée Fogarty, Westlake, Ohio

In the first issue of Balanced Living I was drawn to the excellent piece on Oaks Spa and its owner Jeanne Massengill. I read the article in full and noted that Jeanne offers a special massage therapy for sufferers of TMJ. I knew at once that your new publication was a blessing as my mother had that morning been complaining of recurring discomfort caused by TMJ. Her doctors had done all that they could. I called Mom to tell her about the Oaks Spa and a week later she had a session with Ms. Massengill. She's looking forward to her next visit

Dana, Cleveland Heights, Ohi

Sharon W., Amherst, Ohio

I am the eighty-four-year-old mom of Pat and Dan Conway and wanted you to know how happy you made an old lady with your great article on Pat and Dan Conway and all the fine work they are doing at Great Lakes. And yes, indeed, I worked for Eliot Ness for almost five years. I'd never heard of him before that. I was 19 and passed my Civil Service Test with flying colors and got the job. Again, my kindest thoughts go with you (and the magazine) for a splendid article.

Margaret Conway

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