Welcome readers to OutreachNC! I’m delighted to be the new editor-in-chief and to present this January issue that was co-edited by Carrie Frye, the former editor-in-chief, and me. We all know that wellness starts from within, and we’re starting 2015 off right by focusing on a healthy lifestyle, sure to inspire positive living.
As someone who was raised living close to my grandparents, this issue reminds me of the importance health played throughout my childhood and can be summed up in a simple act that my grandfather performed after Sunday night dinners. Bellies full, away from my brother, and I rushed to the davenport where my grandfather ritualistically laid out newspaper on the coffee table. On top of the news of the day, he set down a carving knife and a juicy red apple. The next act he performed always inspired “oohs” and “aahs” from my brother and me as he slowly swirled the knife around the outer edge of the apple, creating long, delicate curls of apple skin that was more akin to coiling ribbon dangling off a fancy box. Most of the time, he could unfurl the apple in one long, winding piece. Other times, like in life, the masterpiece broke off too soon. As a consolation prize to tide me over, I indulged on the waxy, bitter edge that sometimes revealed a hint of the sweetness that was yet to come. With a little bit of patience and hard work, he’d finally cut into the apple, revealing the reward just below the surface.
A healthy lifestyle and living are a little bit like uncoiling an apple. Sometimes we achieve our goals the first time out, other times our plans get cut short, but we make the best of it. Many times, we’re unaware of the beauty and excitement that is available in life until our plans are interrupted, revealing unimagined treasures and gifts. This issue is filled with inspiring stories and people who are living their lives to the fullest and making the best of living.
I wish each and every one of you a healthy, happy, and joy-filled 2015.
Sincerely,
Gayvin Powers, Editor in Chief