CHOICES Magazine

Life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery; from the moment we are born to the day we take our last breath. In this journey, the power of self-awareness, reflection, and creating space for growth can be truly life-changing. The key to transformation lies in our ability to adjust the course of our lives with intention, guiding ourselves in new and empowering directions.

Mary Ronnow has been a successful entrepreneur and licensed Master Esthetician for over 30 years. She is the founder of The Skin Institute in St. George, Utah, and the co-owner and founder (along with her daughter, Lieren Pearson) of The Skin Institute International in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also the owner of Starry Nites Ranch in southern Utah.

In the wake of a recent lawsuit claiming that hackers may have stolen Social Security numbers for every American, the nation faces one of the most severe cybersecurity breaches in history. The implications of such a breach could be devastating, as Social Security numbers (SSNs) are the cornerstone of identity verification for financial institutions, government agencies, and healthcare providers.

I was too strong for too long. I believed in the lies of self-sacrifice and putting others’ needs ahead of my own. I became adept at masking the constant pain, pushing myself beyond my limits, and learning to live in chronic stress and disease…

Most of us move at a faster pace than is best for us, and this can be anxiety-producing, ungrounding, and de-stabilizing. Practice slowing down your internal speed as much as possible.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to maintain and improve our health is more important than ever. While diet and exercise are often emphasized, one powerful yet sometimes overlooked avenue for enhancing well-being is the act of creating art. Engaging in artistic activities isn’t only for professional artists; it’s a therapeutic practice accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

As we wrap up this special holiday issue focused on health and wellness, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our loyal readers. Your continued support throughout the year has driven every article, tip, and story we share. It’s been an incredible journey, and we are so grateful that you’ve chosen to be part of our community.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, the demands on your time, energy, and focus can be overwhelming and you are often wearing many hats—running a business, managing your household, nurturing relationships, and pursuing personal growth. In the quest to succeed, one resource tends to be overlooked, even though it is our most valuable asset: our health.

In 2015, I hit rock bottom. I was in pain and despair, watching the young, healthy woman I once knew fade away. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. Confusion, rejection, and fear consumed me, and I worried that the pain I was experiencing would define my existence. Through my tears, I thought, “If this is how my life is going to be, then I’m ready to be done.”

How many hard lessons about self-care and burnout have you learned during your entrepreneurship journey? If you’re like most entrepreneurs, the list is long. We’ve all been there—working long days, skipping vacations, putting off workouts, saying yes to every client, surviving on five hours of sleep, or grabbing whatever food we can because we’re too busy.

Most of us have a love-hate relationship with the holidays due to a variety of reasons—family, food, and surprises of all kinds. Holidays are bittersweet. For some, it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and welcome little ones into the family.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to escape the constant drumbeat of “hustle culture”—the mindset that glorifies busyness and relentless pursuit of success. This pressure often leads to burnout, leaving us feeling like we’re on a never-ending treadmill, exhausted and chasing a version of success that feels more like survival.