A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Happy New Year to all WWCMA members!
I want to thank you all for being a member and part of the WWCMA community. As a volunteer-led non-profit organization, your support is paramount for WWCMA to continue meeting our goals and following our purpose.
As we enter a new year and start making many goals for ourselves, I ask you to pause and put yourself first and also be kind to yourself.
At the end of 2025, I was able to take a 3-week sabbatical thanks to my employer’s amazing benefits. I decided that I was going to spend these 3 weeks in nature, without much technology. I rented a house in Sebago Lake in Maine and started my forest bathing quest. Before my time off I was feeling great already. So, I thought! After the first week, my digestion improved, my sleep was nothing short of amazing, my mental health was clearly enhanced and I was able to become aware of an important truth: the way I was feeling before my sabbatical, which I thought was great, was NOT great.
We often think that our normal state is fine because nothing is “broken” and we can handle the day-to-day well, but the truth is that unless you make a significant change, you will not be able to identify what truly feeling great is.
My wish for all of you is that in 2026 you find what makes you feel great again – the places, moments and people (or animals) that bring the best in you. You are the CEO of your life and health, so hire, fire and promote whatever and whoever you see fit in your life.
Join us this year at all WWCMA events and get inspired to be the best version of yourself!
To an amazing 2026.
Valeria S. Tivnan
Board Chair