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Health and Wellness Issue JA N UA RY 2 02 6

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10917 Hwy 92, Suite 150 Woodstock, GA 30188

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Lifestyle Letter

January 2026 PUBLISHER

Marco Rossi | marco.rossi@citylifestyle.com

The start of a new year is often filled with excitement and a sense of renewal. It’s a time to set new goals, embrace fresh opportunities, and dream about the year ahead. For many, though, January can also bring a sense of pressure—a reminder of resolutions left unfulfilled or the weight of expectations. This issue of Woodstock City Lifestyle was crafted with the goal of offering something different: inspiration for long-term, sustainable improvements in physical, emotional, and mental health. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. Whether it’s in business, health, or relationships, it’s not what you do occasionally that makes the difference—it’s what you do most of the time. Consider this: you wouldn’t go on vacation every day, but planning a couple of trips each year is a realistic and restorative goal. Similarly, indulging in a rich dessert from Pie Bar isn’t an everyday event, but it’s a delicious treat now and then. This year, focus on small, consistent actions that lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Join a fitness class, carve out moments for rest, and don’t forget to savor life’s pleasures. It’s the “most of the time” choices that shape our lives. Here’s to a healthy, happy new year—we’re rooting for you! S A R A H A G E N , E D I T O R I A L C O O R D I N AT O R @ W O O D S T O C KC I T Y L I F E S T Y L E

E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R S

Sue Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com Sara Hagen | sara.hagen@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

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Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Woodstock City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Woodstock area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Woodstock City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S

10 28

Featured

14 22 28 6

22 Departments

Smiles Everyday

Patient Transformations, Education, and Dedication at Cherokee Smiles

Local Faves Have a Fresh New Year

Nutritious and Delicious Flavored Water Infused with Antioxidants and Vitamins for a Healthier You!

Practical Tips for Resolutions

Lifestyle Letter

Business Monthly

Our Town WELLNESS

Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE

Education Corner HEALTH + WELLNESS

Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

Self Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Mental Wellbeing HEALTH + WELLNESS

Events

GREAT HEALTH AWAITS YOU!

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STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Good news happening right in your neighborhood.

Inspiration for your best local life.

Exclusive giveaways.

Hidden gem alert!

Local content by local creators.

SCAN TO CONNECT

Closing Deals in High Heels I am Bonnie Timms, a closing attorney with Cook & James. My number one priority is to be available to my clients; I’m here for you! Visit our website for more information on how we can help you with your next closing.

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Woodstock city LifestyLe™ JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

JANUARY 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Little River Park Woodstock's exciting new park, Little River Park, is slated to open this year. At 110 acres, it will double the greenspace in Woodstock and become the city's largest park. Stay tuned for more information!

Bizarre Coffee Turns 5 Our favorite local coffee shop just turned 5! Bizarre Coffee has been an enriching addition to the Woodstock and Canton communities.

Photography by @bizarrecoffeecompany

New Gather & Bloom Location Gather & Bloom is a standout in downtown Woodstock. Now, Lauren, the owner, has opened a new location in Acworth. We are proud to support Lauren and Gather and Bloom. Go pick yourself up a bouquet today!

Photography by @gather.and.bloom

Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / W O O D S T O C K

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

YOUR SMILE STARTS HERE REICH DENTAL CENTER NOW OPEN IN WOODSTOCK! At Reich Dental Center, we’re all about making every smile feel confident, healthy, and cared for! Your comfort comes first — always. With personalized care, cutting-edge technology, and a team that feels more like family, we’re here to make your dental visits something to smile about! All in a space that’s modern, welcoming, and designed with you in mind.

Make an appointment today by calling or scanning the QR code below. reichdentalcenter.com 770.901.2221 | 7670 Main St Woodstock, GA 30188

Furniture • Home Decor • Interior Design

Start the new year with a ref reshed dining space. Shop our collection in-store! Showroom: 249 Arnold Mill Rd. - Woodstock | 404-909-2526 | Outlet: 250 Arnold Mill Rd. - Woodstock | 678-842-8411 www.southernskywoodstock.com | Instagram: @southernskyhome JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

SMILES

E ve r yd ay Patient Transformations, Education, and Dedication at Cherokee Smiles

ARTICLE BY SARA HAGEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BURGOS MEDIA

O UR TOWN | WEL L NESS

CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

Kendra Ousley always knew she wanted to be a dentist. As a teenager, she discovered her passion for the field through mentorship from a family friend who happened to be a dentist. Combined with an experience-building high school program, she learned that she loved the hands-on nature of the job. Today, Dr. Ousley has over 14 years of experience in dentistry. While Cherokee Smiles has been in the Woodstock area for 16 years, it is now under new ownership with Dr. Ousley and her team. Dr. Ousley has been with the Woodstock community and Cherokee Smiles for 6 years, and owning the practice gives her autonomy with her small, dedicated team and brings a fresh perspective to the long-standing practice. Treatments that enhance confidence and aesthetics are a significant part of dentistry in 2025. Patients are focused on cosmetic options more than ever, says Dr. Ousley. Invisalign, a common and often more desirable alternative to wire braces, is increasingly utilized by all age groups, not only teenagers. Dr. Ousley says it's a more accessible option for people who can't wear wires due to comfort or career, for example. Dr. Ousley's most cherished moments with patients are those that occur when they complete their transformation. Whether it's veneers, Invisalign, implants, or even slight changes like partial dentures - when a patient's face lights up at the results, she knows she's doing what she was meant to do. No matter the scale of treatment, patients' self-esteem and confidence are the bread and butter of Cherokee Smiles.

CHEROKEE SMILES Learn more about Cherokee Smiles and schedule your first appointment at cherokeesmiles.com or call them at 770-591-8446.

O UR TOWN | WEL L NESS

“No matter the scale of t reat m e nt , pati e nts’ s e l f- e s t e e m and confidence are th e brea d and butter of Cherokee S m i l e s .”

Her twin passion alongside transformations is empowering patients with education. Despite dental technology and treatments advancing, many people still lack essential knowledge about oral health, such as flossing and its long-term impact. Flossing is a vital part of a basic oral health routine. Floss every day and keep your teeth clean whenever possible. These are the two most important messages Dr. Ousley conveys. "If you have a cavity, don't jump to pull it out, because it's never the same," she says. It's always best to explore every option before removing a tooth. The broader philosophy behind her passions for education and patient transformation is a commitment to compassion and meeting patients where they're at. It's as simple as treating people with kindness. At Cherokee Smiles, Dr. Ousley meets patients where they're at. She works to establish trusting and empathetic relationships with her patients. Going to the dentist can feel anxiety-inducing for some. Building an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable and listened to makes all the difference.

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE

Local Faves

Bi z ar re C o f fe e Bizarre Coffee is a funky and creative coffee shop located in Downtown Woodstock. Check out their popular menu items including cafe lattes, cold brew, bagels, sandwiches, and more.

Woodstock Flowe rs and Gifts Woodstock Flowers and Gifts is the perfect choice for beautiful flowers and gifts for any occasion. They offer fresh flowers, green & blooming plants, gourmet baskets, chocolates, and balloon bouquets.

Deep Roots Wine Marke t Deep Roots Wine Market offers a unique wine tasting experience with wines from all over the US, and visitors can also enjoy small plates from the kitchen.

C hat t aho o c h ee Nat u re C e n ter Explore metro Atlanta’s nature destination. Enjoy trails, exhibits, programs, and events on 127 acres of forest, wetland, and river habitat.

T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE

Histor y Che roke e History Cherokee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and educating Cherokee County history. Visit them and discover some of the events, artifacts, and educational experiences they offer.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Cherokee SmilesDental

Experience dentistry in a whole new way at Cherokee Smiles Dental. From the moment you arrive, our friendly team is here to make every visit stress-free and enjoyable. With the latest dental technology and a team of skilled professionals led by Dr. Ousley, we provide exceptional care tailored to your unique needs. Whether it’s aroutine cleaning or a complete smile makeover,you can trust us to deliver treatment with both expertise and compassion. Dr. Kendra Ousley Your trusted dentist in Woodstock! All ages WELCOME at Cherokee Smiles!

www.cherokeesmiles.com 770-591-8446 9020 Hwy 92 St 102 Woodstock, GA 30189

Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of. Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you? Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.

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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “WHY” BEHIND WELLNESS ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES AND PROVIDED

The New Frontier of Health AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT

Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, or unwell, even when their medical tests insist everything is “fine”? Why are we prescribed quick fixes instead of being given real answers? Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, root-cause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.

1. “WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”

Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered

EDU CAT ION C OR N E R | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

2. “HOW DO I FIX MY ENERGY, BRAIN FOG, OR SLEEP WITHOUT 20 MEDICATIONS?”

Dr. Gillett: Start with a good, comprehensive lab panel to assess nutrients and hormones. Then build the foundation with sleep. My favorite tool is the 10/3/2/1/0 rule: • 10 hours before bed: No caffeine • 3 hours: Avoid large meals and alcohol • 2 hours: No vigorous exercise • 1 hour: No bright blue or white light • 0: No snoozing and no inconsistent sleep/wake times Aim for 7+ hours of high-quality sleep. When sleep improves, energy almost always follows.

3. “IS MY GUT ACTUALLY CAUSING ALL THESE OTHER PROBLEMS?”

Dr. Gillett: Gut health influences most major health issues, but it’s rarely the only problem. Diet is my second pillar of health for a

EDU CAT ION C OR N E R | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

reason. Exercise, sleep, and stress reduction all improve gut function too. Even simple tools like self-hypnotherapy apps can reduce gut-related symptoms.

4. “WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”

Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.

5. “WHAT DOES FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ACTUALLY DO DIFFERENTLY?”

Dr. Gillett: True functional medicine is root-cause medicine, not cookie-cutter supplement regimens. Imagine an older adult with

cognitive symptoms who receives multiple prescriptions from a conventional doctor. A functional approach might uncover something entirely different: B12 deficiency, hearing loss, and vision impairment. Fix those, and cognition often improves dramatically with no medications required.

6. “WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE TEST THEIR HORMONES, AND WHICH TESTS MATTER MOST?”

Dr. Gillett: Most adults should get a baseline hormone panel between ages 18 and 28, or earlier if they have symptoms like poor sleep, unexplained fatigue, or changes in heart rate. A proper panel includes testosterone, estradiol, fasting insulin, CMP, lipids (including Lp(a)), A1C, morning cortisol, IGF-1, DHEA-S, vitamin D, and ferritin. These markers catch metabolic and hormonal issues long before symptoms become severe.

7. “WHAT LONG-TERM TESTS ACTUALLY HELP PREVENT DISEASE, NOT JUST DIAGNOSE IT?”

Dr. Gillett: Preventive care is evolving rapidly. For heart health, I recommend Coronary Artery CT Angiography (CCTA) because it detects soft plaque that calcium scores miss. Knowing this data early informs you what is needed to prevent a heart attack. Instead of asking your doctor “Do I need cholesterol medication?” ask “Do I have plaque in my arteries?”. Full-body MRIs can be useful too, but they often find harmless abnormalities, which can lead to unnecessary stress or testing. Always weigh the pros and cons with a clinician who understands your goals.

A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT

“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.

New Year. New Chapter. Unfiltered conversations for designing what’s next– in family, lifestyle, and business.

Love this interview with Dr. Gillett? Hear the full conversation in our premiere episode.

Scan to Listen JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

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GATHER & BLOOM HAS EXPANDED!!! You can now shop our locally crafted gifts, attend our workshops, and get a custom bouquet made in both our Woodstock and Acworth Locations! Our Acworth location is now open at 4873 N. Main St. in Downtown Acworth! We’d love to see you there! We will have different gifts and be offering different amazing workshops at each location! Come make this holiday season extra special with us at Gather & Bloom! 8582 Main St. Woodstock, GA | 678-403-2577 www.gatherandbloomboutique.com | V @gather.and.bloom

GET INSPIRED E AT & D R I N K

YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING

SHOP LOCAL JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HAVE A FRESH NEW YEAR! NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS FLAVORED WATER INFUSED

WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND VITAMINS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU!

If there is one change you can make for your overall health, it is to drink more water! Our bodies need water. Water helps fuel every cell, tissue, and organ, keeps you hydrated, and helps with weight loss, healthy skin, bone health, and digestion. Take it to the next level and create infusion beverages by mixing and adding these ingredients to your water. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!

BLUEBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER:

STRAWBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER:

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of blueberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of diced strawberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water

DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

ORANGE, LEMON & LIME INFUSED WATER:

CUCUMBER, LEMON, AND MINT INFUSED WATER:

INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup sliced thin lemon rounds • ¼ cup sliced thin lime rounds • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup of sliced thin cucumber rounds • ½ cup sliced thin lemon or lime rounds • 10 mint leaves • 8 cups filtered water

DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.

DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours. CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

BENEFITS: • Blueberries: Low in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries are very nutrient-dense and contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. They can help with bones, skin, and blood pressure health. • Cucumbers: Cucumbers are about 95 percent water, have antioxidants that help lower blood pressure, contain vitamin A and are high in vitamin K. • Lemon/limes: Both are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant, which can benefit your skin, blood pressure and immune system. • Mint leaves: Mint’s anti-inflammatory properties can help your digestion, fresh breath and are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. • Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C, which can help your skin and immune system. They are anti-inflammatory and have potassium which can help with blood pressure levels and calcium for healthy bones. • Strawberries: Are loaded with antioxidants, low in sugar, may help improve blood sugar and cholesterol, and inflammation. Strawberries are rich in phytochemicals, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. Try these delicious and healthy recipes or choose your ingredients and create your own!

“You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!” 24

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF CHIROPRACTIC EXCELLENCE! Dr. Daniel Martin, DC, is bringing his 30 years of expert chiropractic care to Longevity Wellness and Med Spa. Don’t miss this limited-time offer to prioritize your wellness. To celebrate this milestone, enjoy an expert adjustment for just $30 for the entire month of January!

Don’t miss out—schedule your $30 adjustment today! Dr. Daniel Martin, DC

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770-578-0785

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HAPPY

NEW YEAR! NEW YEAR, NEW PEACE OF MIND!

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7133 HWY 92 Woodstock, GA 30189 | 770.835.4909 emanuelofamilychiropractic.com JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

ARTICLE BY WOODSTOCK CITY LIFESTYLE

Practical Tips for Resolutions We all struggle with maintaining New Year’s resolutions, sometimes even in the first month. Whether you want to establish a fitness routine, learn a new skill, or read every day, we’re sharing our tips for sustainable and practical self-improvement.

SLOW AND STEADY

It is easy to compare ourselves to people on social media who have developed the exact habits and lifestyles we aspire to. Let’s take a step back and ground ourselves. Nobody shares their failures on social media. The weeks and months of performing poorly and failing? It doesn’t make for good engagement. Behind every “here’s how I did it” post is hundreds of hours of unglamorous effort. There’s value in slowly curating a new habit or skill. The time allows us to reflect on why we decided to pursue it and how to make the experience better for our individual needs. Above all, it increases the chance of long-term success.

PROGRESS IS NOT LINEAR

Take reading every day, for example. If you’re approaching this goal, having not read a book in 5+ years, any movement

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

towards it is positive, ideal even. Reading two pages and never picking up the book for a week? Still an improvement. You’ll find that being kind to yourself and measuring any progress as moving the needle in the right direction helps meet your long-term goal.

BREAK UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Do you find yourself less able to watch a movie or read a book with a slowly-moving plot? Or take a walk and listen to the sounds of nature? Social media is meant to deteriorate our attention span. This deterioration seeps into many aspects of our lives. There are ways to train ourselves out of our maladaptive social media habits. The OneSec app can set an “intervention” after you open an app or after a custom time limit. It’s meant to snap you out of scrolling.

3 THINGS

Don’t bury yourself under a daily to-do list. We all lead stressful lives and need to meet ourselves where we’re at. Would you judge a friend for not getting eight to-do list items done in a day? No. So be gentle with yourself. Instead, try to make a list of

“ You’ll f ind that being kind to your self and measuring any progress as moving the needle in the right direc tion helps meet your long -term goal.”

3 things that you can practically accomplish in a day. For example: move your body, read for any amount of time, and cook dinner. You can add more to the list if you feel up to it. But the point is to do what can practically be done in a day, given all our other obligations. It

will feel like an accomplishment to get those three things checked off, rather than leaving four items from a longer list abandoned. We wish you all the success in your resolutions throughout the year!

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY

Values

Health

Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment, and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:

“The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WO O D STO C K

5. Speak your values out loud

1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.

2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.

3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.

4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.

M EN TA L WE LLB E IN G | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS

There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!

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JANUARY 2026

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

D EC E M BE R 3 RD

Framed in Time: Cherokee County in 50 Images The Cherokee County History Center 221 E. Marietta Street Canton, GA 30114 Exhibition of 50 photographs that capture more than 100 years of Cherokee County's history. Divided into the categories of Home, Work, Play, Celebration, Service, Worship, Nature, School, Transportation, and Agriculture, these photographs showcase the beauty, humanity, and history of Cherokee County and those who have lived here. Visit historycherokee.com/events for more info. JA NUA RY 1 ST

First Day Hike at Red Top Mountain State Park Red Top Mountain State Park | 12:00 PM Start the New Year with an invigorating hike on the Lakeside Trail! Explore the history of Red Top and its iron mining, as well as the park's natural resources. JA NUA RY 6T H

10th Annual Project Valentine The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock, GA 30188 Cherokee Recreation and Parks is seeking donations for its 10th Annual Project Valentine project. The donations will be made into goody bags and delivered to Empower Cherokee and Next Step Ministries. Requested items: lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, art or music activities, candy (sugar-free and regular), and other holiday-related items. Donations accepted from January 6, 2025 –February 10, 2025. JA NUA RY 9 T H

Teens: A Night at Hogwarts Woodstock Library | 7:00 PM Teens and tweens are invited to this magical after-hours event at the Woodstock Public Library brought to you by Teen Advisory Board volunteers. Enjoy wizardy snacks, crafts, games, and trivia. Costumes are welcome. Accompanying parents/guardians may enjoy cozy seating, board games, refreshments, and the library's Wi-Fi! Parents/guardians of participants under 13 must stay in the library. Registration is not required. JA NUA RY 1 5T H

Teen Spotlight: High School Musical Woodstock Arts Theatre | 7:30 PM High School Musical centers on the unlikely friendship between the jock Troy and brainiac Gabriella at a karaoke contest. Little did the two know that she would be transferring to his school. The duo decide — against their friends’ wishes and to the dismay of school stars (a drama queen and her twin brother) — to audition for the high school musical. JA NUA RY 3 0 T H

Quarantined Quartet The Falany Performing Arts Center | 7:30 PM The Quarantined Quartet is a family guitar ensemble featuring New York Guitar Academy founders Elysa and Jason Hochman, alongside their sons Joseph and Noah. The Quarantined Quartet represents a fusion of tradition, innovation, and familial unity, who have become known for their character-rich blend of Spanish classical, flamenco, and world music.

EVE N TS

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