I know that February, and more specifically, Valentine’s Day, seems to be synonymous with love and romance. For me, February is all about passion. But shouldn’t every month be? When I’m talking about passion, I don’t mean the heart-shaped candy box and kiss-print boxers associated with the commercialization of the holiday. And I don’t mean passion that disappears shortly after the candles burn out and the chocolates are gone. I’m talking about the passion that’s deep in your gut—the feeling that makes you care deeply for a person, a cause or an activity. The passion that gets you excited about doing what you do, and being who you are.

We couldn’t have found a better example of such passion as we did in Evan Strong. Our feature on this highly decorated athlete details how his passion for board sports gave him the courage and determination needed to overcome a devastating accident that took his leg at age 17. Now in training for the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Winter Games, Evan talked with us about his journey from a talented teenage skateboarder to a strong-willed amputee fighting his way back, to the world’s top para snowboard/boardercross competitor. He also gave us a glimpse into his other passion—living green.If you are an avid Green Living reader, I suspect you share a similar passion. At Green Living, we strive to fuel that desire for living a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle through our magazine and website content and the connections we foster between our readers and advertisers. 

If you are new to Green Living, we hope to ignite that passion in you as well. Our content is as varied as our audience, and we hope to find a connection with each of you in some way.

We continue to include a variety of topics on how to live, work and play green. Our February issue includes tips from buying the perfect gems to growing beautiful roses. If a healthy lifestyle is what most intrigues you, we have stories and a special advertising section dedicated to health and wellness. Do you suffer from wanderlust? Our eco-travel section highlights romantic getaways. If you’re a movie buff, the Sedona film festival has a category dedicated to environmental issues and sustainability. For those who love to cook or just have a love of chocolate, we have recipes to sate your appetite.

Passion is simply defined as a strong feeling of enthusiasm. So this month, whatever it is that piques these feelings in you, embrace it. I think you will discover that, with passion in your life, every day will feel like a holiday, overflowing with joy, love, abundance and a strong sense of fulfillment.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Happy YOU!

Cheryl Hurd
Editor-in-Chief