Publisher's Letter

Like many people, I find myself reflecting back—and looking forward—at this time of year. The dawn of a brand-new year brings with it unbridled enthusiasm for all of us at TOTI Media. It also occurs to me there is only one thing that keeps each of us from accomplishing our goals: our own will. Think back to your childhood when a parent or another adult said you would never achieve something or never possibly attain a specific goal or milestone. If you’re anything like me, you instantly developed more determination than you ever thought possible, in order to accomplish exactly what that person said you could not do. When I reflect on those times, it is clear that the same principles of determination and seeing things through apply to all of us, whether a child or an adult. A while ago, I was fortunate enough to visit the Allalinhorn, a 13,212-foot mountain and the highest point in the region of Sass-Fee, Switzerland. My goal was not just to see this spectacular miracle of nature, but also to hike to its summit. I’d be less than truthful if I told you I was not sure I could I do it, or that several times during my ascent I thought about turning back. Fortunately, I was with a group of people who, like myself, were determined to reach the top. I look back now and realize it was not only our singular purpose that pushed us onward, but that the entire group was working toward a shared, common goal. That same type of fortitude and enthusiasm is exactly the basis for how every single person in our organization works together, all year long, to bring you our award-winning Southwest Florida lifestyle publications (totimedia.com). Doing a difficult thing is of course, by definition, never easy. But the reward of accomplishing what you set out to do is an intoxicant unlike any other—it feels so good that it propels you to do more. I believe each of us possesses that type of drive. I also have discovered that by looking within for the singlemindedness to go just one more step, to do one more good deed, to make one more small daily effort to better your life and that of people you encounter, all of our lives—and society—will be enriched. So as we begin a new year, allow me to share my personal goals with you. In 2017, I’m going to seek more challenging objectives, and resist taking the easy road. I'm going to treat each and every person with whom I come in contact with the same respect, kindness and courtesy with which I like to be treated. I believe if we all strive toward these types of simple goals, the results will be immeasurably positive. One of my favorite quotes is by industrialist Henry Ford, who wintered in Fort Myers. He said, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” As we look forward to another exceptional year at TOTI Media, I can’t think of a more appropriate phrase. Enjoy our first issue of 2017, become inspired—and make it your year!