Letter from the Editor

About fifteen years ago, I learned a valuable lesson about caring for my mental health. At the time, I worked for an organization that held very high expectations for those who worked for it, and their lofty performance goals often seemed unattainable. I felt like I had to be on my “A-game” day in and day out. It was pretty stressful. Luckily, I had a manager that recognized the pressures from the corporate office and decided it was in our best interest (there were only eight of us in our office) to take some team mental health retreats every now and then.

One particular day in early June, our manager decided we needed to get out of the office and spend some time in Zion National Park. The agenda for the day was to go on a short hike to Upper Emerald Pools, have lunch, relax, unwind, and recharge our batteries. The hike itself was just over three miles in length and moderate in activity level, taking about three hours to complete (round trip).

We arrived at the park midmorning when the cool canyon air was being replaced by the midday heat waves. Feeling a little impatient while the others in my group laughed and talked with each other, went to the restroom, and visited the gift shop, I decided to head on up the trail before it got too hot, determining to meet up with the rest of my co-workers at the top (plus I needed some alone time to think). I strapped on my Camelback, threw in my peanut butter sandwich and some granola bars, and headed up the trail.

In what seemed like record time, I made it to the upper pools. Feeling overheated, I discarded my hiking boots and soaked my feet in cool water. It wasn’t long before my foot therapy was interrupted by a loud-talking tourist. Normally, I would get up and leave, but what she was saying made me stop and think. She talked about the deer at the beginning of the hike, the squirrels and lizards darting across the trail, and the various lookout areas where one could stop and take in the breathtaking beauty of the canyon itself.

That’s when it hit me: I was so focused on getting to my destination that I had forgotten to enjoy the journey. I had missed all the things that are important to healthy mental and emotional well-being. I wasn’t slowing down. I wasn’t enjoying the scenery. I wasn’t appreciating the little things that make this world we live in and the journey we are on so amazing.

Good health is so important. Getting healthy and staying healthy should be high on everyone’s priority list. As you take some time to slow down and enjoy this issue of our magazine, ask yourself how the information you are reading can help you improve your mental, emotional, and physical health.

Then take time to get outside and breathe in the fresh air. Stop and look around you, listen to the sound of the breeze and the birds chirping, smell the wild honeysuckle and fresh flowers on Main Street, smile at strangers, and remember the journey is more important than the destination.

Brendan Dalley Editor