“Well I got it running again,” said my dad. He was talking about his car. My dad has definitely not succumb to the American, throw-away mentality. He will try to fix just about anything rather than replace it, especially cars. Dad mentioned that he might be in the market for a new car, but apparently the time just hasn’t come. After all, his current car is like a teenager. Actually, it is a teenager. It is older than my nephew Nick, who graduated from high school last year. It has more than 200,000 miles and like the energizer bunny, it just keeps going.

At this time of year I can relate to that bunny. Our 5th annual Healthy Living Expo is next month which means a busy February as we take care of all the details. The excitement is building and each year brings something new. This year we are thrilled to have a Honda hybrid car on display to ‘fuel’ discussions on alternative energy sources. Plus, Dr. Harold Brooks, CEO of Global Renewable Energy, will be speaking on the future of renewable energy.  My car isn’t at 200,000 miles yet, but I’m interested in learning more about my future options.

The best part of a community event such as this is spending the day with so many great people. We always hear stories of special connections that are made during the expo, often the beginning of new professional or personal relationships. “Fabulous relationships come from clear minds and clear hearts. Open minds are the keys to open hearts,” says Byron Katie in our feature article Love: an unconditional experience of the Heart. Each year as the community comes together to share tips and techniques for healthy living, it is exhilarating to be among so many open minded people.

To celebrate February as the month of love we are focusing on relationships. Discover four life changing questions from Byron Katie that can help you see each relationship in a new light. Consider nutrition tips to protect your heart on page 34 and find out why dogs can make great dates on page 23. Plus, if you are considering sweets for your sweetheart, you’ll want to learn how your choice of chocolate can impact the planet. Then try our test of a good chocolate bar. I plan to repeat that test as much as possible!

Happy Valentines Day!

Kris Urquhart, Editor