Publisher - March 2021

“Our bodies and souls are our gardens to which our wills are gardeners.”
— William Shakespeare —

I can’t help but smile as I drive around daily seeing the colorful, visual explosion of red bud trees, Bradford pears, azaleas, and all the glorious blooms of the season. With the exception of pollen, which is a necessary evil, this is my favorite time of the year. It’s when we all come out of our shells on Doldrums Lane and shake off the heaviness of winter to open up to the power of sunshine and nature. It is the time of year when growth likes to show out a bit, bloom fully and bask.

Ah. It almost appears that I am no longer talking about flowers, and indeed I’m not. I’m talking about personal growth—something just as beautiful and exciting as spring in full bloom!

Most women (that’s me and you) fill our lives with so much busyness, we tend to put ourselves last on our “who and what to nurture” list. At the risk of “shoulding” all over you, personal growth shouldn’t reside at the bottom of your list. What grows at the bottom of a forest? A few weeds and not much more—just a lot of dead, dried-out, brown pine straw and brittle sticks.

Just as the gorgeous spring flora cannot flourish without basics like sunshine and water, neither can we expect our lives to grow or change without equally basic care and attention. I must point out that when we let plants go too long without water, once we finally remember to water them, it’s too late. This same theory can be applied to our wellbeing, so don’t wait to move yourself to the top of the list.

I like to grow paperwhites in my kitchen window in the spring. I will plant a couple bulbs and wait for them to sprout, grow, bloom and put out one of the best fragrances in the world. These bulbs patiently grow a little each day. It is not until they are big, strong and solid that they put on a show with their blossoms and aroma. That is when they strut their stuff because they’ve done the work to sustain it.

I think us gals tend to want to go directly from bulb to bloom and are usually looking for a shortcut or fast track to do so. Sure, blooming is wonderful, but it is also fleeting. True growth—the foundation to sustain life—takes place in getting strong enough to bloom and support it and still be strong when the bloom fades. For women, this means becoming emotionally and physically strong.

This spring I encourage you to pay attention to yourself. What goals or changes would you like to plant in your personal garden? Maybe it’s a better job, a better financial situation, or a better relationship with a loved one; perhaps it is reducing stress, anger, or sadness, or increasing joy and laughter. Maybe it’s as simple as keeping a promise to yourself like going on a walk three times a week, or hanging out with girlfriends at least once a month. Whatever it is, you have the ability to make it happen. You are the “farmer” of your own life, and if you don’t tend to your garden, who will?

The late, great Robin Williams said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying ‘Let’s party!’” And, speaking of partying, it is Pink’s (our flagship magazine) birthday! The Grandam was just a wee baby pink back in April 2004, when she came out kicking and screaming with purpose and voice. She is now 17 years old and working her way to queen pink! I couldn’t be more proud of her heart, her truth, her authenticity and how she has carried herself all these years. Thanks to our readers and our advertisers, we are so motivated and dedicated to keep our magazines true to our mission: To emPower, Inform, eNcourage and evoKe thought! Our goal is to make a difference in your life, and from the bottom of my heart, I am truly honored to be a part of your life through the pages of this magazine.

Happy Birthday Pink! You are the vessel in which my entire staff and I can inspire others. You make me proud.

Please come celebrate Pink’s birthday with us at this month's Pink Partini on Thursday, March 11 at Driftwood Eatery. See you there—All Women. All Ages! All invited! See the details on page 4.

Think Pink,
Elizabeth Millen