Note From the CEO

rise from the ashes

It’s time to get our phoenix on. The phoenix is a mythical bird from Greek mythology that is said to live 500 years before bursting into flame and burning to ashes. Then, it rises, reborn from the ashes. The phoenix is a great metaphor for life in general. To rise like a phoenix means to emerge from a catastrophe stronger, smarter and more powerful. That’s the challenge that is now facing all of us.

We all lost something significant in the pandemic: loved ones, health, businesses, jobs, homes or relationships. We lost the ability to travel and to be with kids and grandkids. Sadly, there is no way to avoid the never-ending and unforeseen challenges of life. There is only confronting them and finding a way forward.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Rising from the ashes requires optimism and belief. It takes resilience and the ability to pivot. It takes Passion + Perseverance, which is the title of our cover story this month. The pandemic nearly destroyed Maxine and Kirt Earhart’s restaurant business. A passion for the business they love gave them the strength to persevere. But they couldn’t have bounced back alone. None of us can. It takes a community of support and encouragement.

We’ve lost much in the pandemic but, hopefully, not our desire to bounce back, our willingness to help others, and our belief that the rest of our lives can be the best of our lives. As Maya Angelou once said, “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

We’re battered but not beaten. Together, we can rise from the ashes.

This issue features photography from our new collaboration with award-winning photographer Mike Dunn. @MIKEDUNNUSA

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Volume 46

PUBLISHER

Jackie Carlin

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ashley Heafy

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Katie Styles, Sarah Brown

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Doris Bloodsworth

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Jill Middleton

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Emily Cummings

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

George Diaz, Amy Sweezey, Kay Van Norman, Carl Honoré, Dr. Vonda Wright, M.D., Matthew Heafy, Jonathan Taylor, Mary Shanklin, Mary Lou Janson, Jane Harrison

GROWING BOLDER PRESS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Marc Middleton

PRESIDENT

Robert Thompson

COMMENTS

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