There’s something about January in Scottsdale that feels different from anywhere else. Maybe it’s the crisp mornings, the desert sun warming up by mid-afternoon, or the quiet sense of possibility that seems to float in the air. This month always gives me the gentle nudge I need to check in with myself, choosing what I want more of, what I want less of, and what I want to protect fiercely as the year begins.
This year, I’m approaching health and wellness with purpose and precision. Not as a slowdown, but as a foundation for performing at my best. I’m paying closer attention to what fuels my energy, sharpens my focus, and supports the pace at which I want to grow. I’m recognizing that true strength comes from being intentional and disciplined, and that investing in my well-being is what allows me to operate at a higher level.
I’m stepping into 2026 with a commitment to staying strong and centered so I can continue showing up fully for my family, my friends, and my community. Wellness, for me, looks like routines that build stamina, early mornings that spark creativity, and staying connected to the people who motivate and challenge me. I’m making space for the moments that recharge me and the relationships that push me to grow, because they’re what keep me grounded while I pursue bigger goals this year.
And as always, I’m grateful for this community. Scottsdale has a way of turning strangers into neighbors and neighbors into lifelong friends. Whether we’re cheering each other on, sharing local favorites, or simply showing up when someone needs that extra bit of support, this city amazes me year after year.
So here’s to January—a month that invites all of us to start fresh, reset our priorities, and remember what truly matters. I hope you find something in this issue that inspires a small shift or a big change, whatever your season calls for.
Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and grounded start to 2026.
Alicia Haygood
Publisher/Owner