Page 6 - New Orleans Living December 2014

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Publisher's Note
Publisher’s Note
Change is a constant in most of our lives. Each December, as we come to the close of another year, I look back on what changed; how I reacted to it; and what I learned. This year, I became more aware of what makes me happy, and I learned that love is the most important thing to me. I only want to create what generates love and kindness in this world — and I am constantly meeting new people who are in tune with this mission.
I have been blessed, both in business, to
be able to do what I love, and personally, because I have so much goodness in my life. Meeting new people and making friends has always come easily to me, and I hope that
I never stop encountering new people who inspire me, motivate me and make me smile.
Take a minute to think about your closest friends. How did you meet them? Did your connection result from a chance encounter, a shared interest or another friend who introduced you? Although we cannot anticipate these meetings, we can make the most of them when they take place — by being our genuine selves.
When we are kind and genuine as a matter of course, and open-minded in our view of the individuals whose lives briefly touch our own, we are open to receiving wisdom in whatever way it might present itself. You never know how a stranger might change your life. Every person we meet can affect us profoundly, just as every situation in which we find ourselves can teach us something new.
I have learned to fully embrace this fact. It is essential to acknowledge that everyone
is valuable in his or her own way, and to understand that we can learn from one another. Every new person we meet is capable of expanding our horizons. My friends Pedro and Laura come to mind: With their joyful approach to life, they’ve taught me how to have more fun, but our times
ZOE McLELLAN
New Orleans Lady
+Food Trucks
Infiltrate New Orleans Merry-Making Gifts
neworleansliving.com
DECEMBER 2014
BLACK & GOLD
The Unstoppable Jimmy Graham
Ring in the New Year in Style!
together are also very meaningful to me.
Since I never know when I’ll bump into people who will unveil truths before me, I try to extend to everyone I meet the same
generosity of kindness, care, compassion and understanding that comes so naturally when I see old friends.
When we assume everyone we meet is special and treat them that way, we can develop a strong connection quickly. By making an effort at all times to adopt a positive attitude toward others — whether they are young or old, rich or poor, unschooled or well-educated — we can help prevent our emotions from blinding us to the valuable insights that may lurk in difficult or distressing situations.
I am eternally grateful for all of the blessings in
my life, from my incredibly supportive family and friends, who make me laugh, to my team at New Orleans Living, who help me create a publication that embodies the voice of the New Orleans community.
I invite you to take the time to look back at
what the past year has taught you and to grow from those experiences. I am looking forward to meeting all of the new people who will cross my path, and to approaching each one of them with an open heart.
With love and blessings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!
New Orleans Living l December 2014
Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances. – St. Vincent de Paul
On the Cover
Aarón Sánchez and John Besh
Maria Muro