FIRST for Women‘s Editor-in-Chief Liz Vaccariello remarks on the greater meaning of her daily walk in her letter to readers this week. Pick up a copy of the print magazine, featuring an exclusive interview with the cover star Martha Stewart, at your local newsstand or grocery store, as well as via the Magazine Shop.
Most days on my morning walk, I see the same older gentleman approaching from the other end of the path I travel. I’m usually walking my dog, Milo, a mixed breed of mostly hound who likes to approach, sniff and greet all who pass, canine and human alike. I know this gentleman has memory loss of some kind because always, as he’s petting Milo’s head, he says the same thing: “He’s such a soft dog, a friendly dog. What’s his name?”
Every day, he gets to meet Milo for the first time, and every day as we part, he says, “Thank you for letting me meet Milo. It’s a real nice thing to pet a dog.”
My daily walk means many things to me. Hello, boosted mood, clearer mind, higher energy—and, oh yeah, column ideas! But when I meet Milo’s friend, I’m reminded that it’s the simple things that bring us happiness.
What topic would you be most eager to see covered by FIRST for Women in 2025?
So many of our pages are devoted to helping you do things, prevent things and improve things. You’ve also told us you strive for better health and calmer days so you have time for life’s small delights. “Simple Joys” and “Bliss Break” are two places where we hope to capture the essence of that goal.
Thank you to the dozens of readers who send us stories about their meaningful moments, treasured items and the kindness of strangers. We couldn’t do these popular pages without you.
On behalf of the grateful team here at the magazine, I wish you peace, prosperity and good health through the season and beyond. Thank you for reading FIRST for Women.
Follow me on Instagram @lizvaccariello
We love hearing from you! Messages from some of our readers
We see you
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Sharing ideas
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Something for everyone
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