Dear Readers, 

Positive recognition and encouragement are always appreciated—no matter who you are or what you do. 

The fact that Susquehanna Life magazine is a finalist in the 2019 Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards for the second year in a row is inspiring! (See details here) We’re grateful to be recognized in what is considered the most prestigious national awards program for magazines. 

At press time, we don’t know if we’ve been named the winner, but it almost doesn’t matter. The appreciation alone is enough to keep us feeling good for a long time!

What are your hopes for achievement in the coming year? What would you accomplish if you had the time? Money? Energy? Initiative? 

Too often we hold ourselves back from new experiences, and the success we’re capable of, by self-imposing roadblocks. We have every reason in the world why it won’t work or can’t be done—whatever it is. That’s how we cope with a fear of taking a chance and moving outside our comfort zone. 

Self-actualization is a term, originally introduced by the theorist Kurt Goldstein, to describe the motive to realize one’s full potential. The concept was brought to prominence in Abraham Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs theory” as the final level of psychological development, achievable when all basic needs are fulfilled and the “actualization” of the full personal potential takes place. According to Maslow, we all have “the desire for self-fulfillment—the tendency to become actualized in what he/she is, potentially.” 

Taking a chance on something—whether it’s a new love interest, venture, career, skill, activity or friendship—should be a part of our everyday experience. It’s how we can move forward and grow, when we choose to. And isn’t that what life is about—pursuing new experiences that allow us to figure out what we like to do and who we like to do it with, toward the ultimate goal of becoming self-actualized? Ideally, it’s a lifelong pursuit that never ends. 

As we head toward the start of a new year, we invite you to share your innermost dreams of self-actualization. We’re calling it VisionQuest 2020—the search for the most innovative, heartfelt ideas for making 2020 your most significant year yet. 

Maybe you’ve always wanted to start a business? Try a new sport or hobby? Become proficient in a particular skill? Travel to a far-flung destination? Tell us your dream-idea, how you will go about achieving it in 2020, what obstacles you face, and how you’ll overcome them, in an essay of about 500 words. We’ll pick the best VisionQuest idea and feature its creator in a future issue.  Your self-actualized life begins today. Happy Winter! 

Sincerely,

 

Articles from our Winter 2019 Issue:

Why Sustainable Farming is So Critical to Our Future: Business Life

There’s a transformation taking place on farms across the United States. Read More » 

By The Book [Winter 2019]

Browse these book recommendations in a variety of genres. Read More » 

Lifestyles: Size Doesn’t Matter When You Want Great Reading

The Little Free Libraries phenomenon, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, now can be found in every state and roughly two dozen countries. Read More »  

Cooking at Home: Good Luck Pork and Sauerkraut

Green cabbage (sauerkraut) and abundant fat of the pig (pork) symbolize riches and prosperity for the coming year, according to Eastern European or German (including Pennsylvania Dutch) t... Read More » 

Susquehanna Life's Winter 2019 Dining Guide

Best Vegetarian Restaurants, as Chosen by our Readers Read More » 

Garden Shed: How Plants Help Us Navigate the Dark Days of Winter

As winter settles into Central PA, and cabin fever begins to tendril around our green thumbs, we look for ways to dig deeper to sustain our need for plants. Read More » 

Winter Illumination 2019: Hokusai Says

Winter Illumination with Roger Keyes' "Hokusai Says" Read More » 

Our Natural World: Pennsylvania’s Wild Cherry Kingdom

"Walking in the humid light of June, I passed the fox-orange body of a huge, splintered black cherry tree. Behind my steps on the woods road, a rushing sound startled me as a tree fell in... Read More » 

Now & Then: There’s Something About an Abandoned Building

There’s something about abandoned buildings that intrigues Shane Kiefer. In them, he sees stories too precious to be forgotten. And he uses his camera to memorialize them. Read More » 

Tell Us Your Story - Susquehanna Country: A New River View

As citizens of the Susquehanna bioregion, we are heirs to a unique identity which connects us all. We are linked by an irrevocable bond: Susquehanna country. Read More » 

Fairs & Festivals - Winter 2019 in the Susquehanna Valley

Events happening this Winter 2019 throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Read More » 

Origin of the Christmas Club: Regional Buzz

You don’t hear or see much about Christmas Clubs these days but the tradition that began 110 years ago of saving money for Christmas is still functioning in many parts of the nation. Read More » 

7 Must-See Holiday Attractions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is known for its hometown holiday celebrations. Here are seven that are worth a visit! Read More » 

Letters To The Editor [Winter 2019]

Readers share their thoughts on previous issues. Read More »       

Web Extra:

Haunted Vista

A rock maze opens up to a panoramic viewpoint at an abandoned mine full of ghost stories. Read More » 

Mission Statement: Founded in 1993, Susquehanna Life magazine is the original lifestyle publication for Central PA, highlighting the region’s most captivating stories and undiscovered gems in a national-caliber publication. And the Susquehanna Life brand is an effective, cost-efficient multi-media platform on which businesses and organizations like yours, that produce a high-quality product or service, can partner with a brand with these same principles and attributes to meet and exceed sales goals.