“Anyone can give up, its the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” Dr Seuss
I read this quote and it just blew me away. The author was a bit of a surprise, as it seems to be quite a departure from his ‘Green Eggs & Ham’ or ‘Sam I Am’ prose, but it rings true in regards to many different things that I have lived through over the years. My very own vibrant children have helped me to experience some of these life challenges in ways that I never could have imagined back when they were just little tikes.
As important as growing in our personal lives is, it’s essential that we nurture business relationships as well. With that in mind, I’m excited to announce a new opportunity for local healthy living and green business owners to get together and discover new ways to partner and make connections that will help us grow our businesses.
Starting in the month of September, Natural Awakenings of Wayne County will be sponsoring a special healthy living, healthy planet business to business networking group – Grow Green Business Mixer. This group will meet once per month, on the 2nd Monday of each month at 10:30am, beginning September 12, 2011. The meetings, which will be hosted by different businesses all over Wayne County, will consist of each guest giving a 60 second commercial about their business, followed by a 15 minute presentation by the host business. Light refreshments will be provided by the host with a chance for networking afterwards. The idea is to learn a little bit about each business represented and then have an opportunity to connect.
The cost is $10 per monthly meeting which will go to benefit a local charity of choice selected by the monthly host. Be sure to bring lots of business cards, and register in advance due to space limitations. Visit our website to sign up as an attendee or if your organization is interested in hosting an upcoming meeting. naturalawakeningsdetroit.com
This month’s issue is chock full of information about local green businesses and events that I am so eager to share. Yoga Fest 2011 is Michigan’s largest yoga event and will be a wonderful chance for yoga instructors and enthusiasts to connect with fellow yogis, explore new styles of practice, enjoy meditation, chanting and concerts and enjoy the lovely Song of the Morning Retreat center in Vanderbilt, Michigan. Admission to the event is charged per car load, so gather up some friends and road trip out to this great local event. SongoftheMorning.org.
Speaking of local, I’m thrilled to be highlighting Greengos in our Community Spotlight this month. They take green to the limit, even to the extent of using locally sourced ingredients and biodegradable containers for their carryout service. They offer a “flexitarian” menu, so that there is really something for everyone at this Grosse Pointe Park dining destination.
We’re truly blessed to live in Michigan surrounded by so much beauty in all seasons, but all our lakes and rivers are ideal for summer beach days. When the kids are out of school these resources are a wonderful way to encourage less screen time and more healthy, fun physical activities. Spending time outside does require some precautions, however. Dirty Girl Farms offers an all natural sunscreen available online and at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
In the homestretch of finalizing this month’s issue things got a little stressful. Our article Big Lessons, Little Teachers, by Erin Eagen, is about tuning in to the wisdom of the vibrant children in our lives. Spending time with the younger generations enriches our lives as much as it does theirs, and when we’re open to receiving, they often end up teaching us some very meaningful lessons.
The possibility of learning lessons from our kids doesn’t stop when they grow up. I’ve come to know this firsthand as my own children have grown into young adults. Just today, amidst a flurry of last minute, magazine publishing activity, my daughter brought home a wall plaque that reads “Keep Calm and Carry On” and that’s exactly the reminder that I needed. I hope this little gem, or maybe something else in this issue will be helpful as you navigate the inevitable bumps on life’s journey.
Feel Good, Live Simply, Laugh More
Mary Anne