My editor, Kathy, suggested she might quit if I write one more gratitude letter. However, this issue marks our fifth anniversary of publishing Natural Awakenings of Central New Jersey. Publishing the best, most rewarding magazine on the planet. This I did not do alone, I never could have, so you know my thoughts must be about gratitude.

We are sure we have made a difference somewhere along this journey with a story, a quote, or possibly we have introduced you to a change for the good in whatever manner it came to you. Our gratitude lies in that service.

Making a difference takes a village as they say. In our case, this same village makes our North edition work too. So, I must say thank you for the help, guidance, and wisdom of the people around me, without whom I doubt I’d be sitting here today writing my thoughts. I need to thank my wife, Asta, who supports everything I do. My managing editor and Central edition graphic artist, Kathy, is the bedrock of the product. Her years of publishing experience helped guide me, as a brand new publisher, into being okay. Kim, graphic artist and layout professional for our North edition, joined our team last year. Together, they have been with Natural Awakenings a combined 26 years. The loyalty, dedication, and pure joy of working with them makes them the best. Our distributors are our distributors because I trust them; they are trustworthy and have our best interests at heart. How grateful I am to be surrounded by these people.

We know making a difference is also rewarding. All the good times, all the joy, all the laughs, and the few “pull your hair out” moments have been worth it. Personally, I love what I do. I visit people, I make friends, I build good positive relationships with my advertisers. These are people who care, people who are making the world a better place. Publishing Natural Awakenings is a blessing, not a job.

Thanks to my tribe for being who you are. At the head of that tribe is you—the reader. There are not enough words to equal the amount of gratitude I have for the loyalty and love you have expressed for what we have put together for you every month.

Yes, this is our fifth anniversary, and it has flown by (as you know, time flies when you’re having fun). The dedication and promises I made from the beginning still apply. We are dedicated to improving in all we do. Remember, we love to hear from you. Your input helps, and is the key to our success. Take a moment to let us know how we’re doing, how to grow, what you want more of from us. We can’t always make a change overnight, but we keep at it. Sometimes growing feels like a crawl, but “in the moment” is where I want to be. Twenty-five years from now I want to be writing about our 30th anniversary. Of course, my goal of living to the century mark will be the sweetest thing about that writing.

With peace, love and laughter,

Joe Dunne

PS: A note from Kathy: Joe without gratitude is a day without sunshine. And Joe knows I’m the same way. :)