This issue marks the 1 year anniversary of Bellesprit Magazine.  Since the original January edition of 2012, this new and free online magazine, with its mission to showcase the ‘beautiful spirit’ within its owner, readers, covers and columnists has met with huge success despite some hardships that Belle Salisbury had to overcome and face.  The fact that the magazine has got off to a really strong start despite such challenges is a testament that this magazine has become a true labor of love and has been received in the same manner of enjoyment in which it was created.  I know for myself that it has been an honor to be part of this family and what has made it a success. As we head into 2013, with 58 columnists, I thought an interview with Belle herself would help us all—both readers and columnists–to feel part of her success. Mandy: How do you feel on this anniversary marking the 1 year birthday of your Magazine and seeing how successful it has become in such a short period of time? Belle: Exhausted! (Belle laughs a little) The goal was to create a forum for sharing knowledge.  I wanted to create something different from classes which ask students to pay for the knowledge they receive.  I saw the magazine as a way to offer people who are opening up to the metaphysical realm and those who desire to enhance their own spiritual path the opportunity to receive information as a guideline and introduction to that which they seek without having to pay for it.  How I see it, none of us are charged when the knowledge was given to us either through Spirit or channelings, so why would we charge to pass such knowledge along? Mandy: Do you feel you achieved your goal? Belle:  More than I ever thought would come to fruition.  I have approved 58 columnists so far; most of them approaching me for the opportunity to contribute to this magazine.  So, think of 58 columnists, many of them hearing and answering the same call that I was. Mandy: Are you surprised by the success, considering all the obstacles you had to face this year? Belle: I did not really see them as obstacles with the magazine but myself personally. In fact, I’m amazed at the ease in how this magazine has grown.  It does not feel time consuming but a labor of love; getting the knowledge out there to others seeking but not knowing where to look. Mandy: As you look at 2013, do you have any New Year’s Resolutions for your magazine? Belle:  That we continue with the original plan and mission of the magazine, and continue to grow to provide a place for those who seek answers to questions; and a place where columnists can provide answers or knowledge through their monthly columns and articles. I would also like to focus on getting the magazine more ‘out there’ through marketing…because everyone contributing is doing it out of unselfish love, and I want them to see the fruit of their labor.  I don’t even do this for myself…it is not about recognition to Belle. Nor did I do this all myself.  It would be impossible to do it all myself.  It may be my magazine, but it is not my success alone. Currently, I am working on getting more likes for our Facebook fan page; to support our magazine.  The more likes we have, the more it helps with marketing…according to a marketing expert I talked to.  The more likes we have, the more attractive the magazine will be to advertisers. I would also love to attract more advertisers to advertise on our website.  The site, as it is, doesn’t really pay for itself at this time.  I would like to use any money it could make from advertising to pay for labor, since many right now who provide labor are doing so for free. Mandy:  Are there any topics you feel the magazine lacks a voice on that you would like to see more of? Belle:  Articles on nutrition, health and healing; herbs and their value, or anything to do with Nature, crystals and how to heal Mother Earth…though I welcome articles of any topic. Mandy:  You have been through a lot in your personal life this year.  Your husband had a heart attack requiring open heart surgery with a 5 way bi-pass, your father passed away in September, and more recently you were hospitalized.  What do you feel kept you going with the magazine? Why do you feel it succeeded despite everything thrown in your own path? Belle:  I did not want to let the readers and columnists down.  I started this project and I needed to see it through.  I had been given permission by others that I did not have to do an issue certain months, but I was given the strength and stamina through Spirit to make it happen, and to see it through.  I believe I was given that strength to carry through a commitment. Even with the severe kidney infection, I wasn’t feeling pain because I could focus on another vibration.  My doctor remarked how much pain I should be in, but my focus was not to leave the December issue incomplete.  So, Spirit gave me the strength to complete it before being admitted [to the hospital]. Mandy:  What are your personal resolutions for January 2013? Belle:  To do everything in my own personal power to focus on the highest intention.  I want to be mindful of my own actions, knowing that how I see the world is going to be the world I create.  I do not want to embrace any judgments of others. I also would like to finish my book.  Five years in the making and… maybe I’m afraid? …or do not afford the time to finish it?  But, I know Spirit wants me to make that time. Mandy:  Do you have any predictions for our readers (pertaining to the world) for the year 2013? Belle:  Energies are going to become what we make of our lives.  Various realities exist if we are willing to create them.  We are coming to realize that we are responsible for our own happiness, and I think this is going to be the energy of 2013.  2013 will bring that awakening concerning what happiness means to us.  For many it will be like coming out of a long deep slumber. I also see people reassessing their values… asking ourselves what are we looking for in life.  Re-examining how money fits into this equation and why this is important to figure out. Change is inevitable if we truly seek to have the happiness we are looking for. Mandy:  Do your guides have any input to share? Belle:  They say now is the time to educate.  Now is the time to grow.  The magazine is divinely inspired to get a message out there.  They wish for us to understand ourselves better and to use this opportunity to release old baggage and allow the healing of a lower density of our existence here on the Earth. Many speak of a devastation of the Earth’s existence therefore creating an energy of fear and acting out of this fear. If we can maintain an energy of faith and belief in a better existence for us as a collective consciousness then we shall have nothing to fear. Mandy: As you can see, it’s no wonder why Belle is loved and adored by all who know her. She is our original ‘Beautiful Spirit’ sharing unconditional love and inspiration to us all through her dream of a magazine that teaches the world. Visit our Facebook Fan Page and be sure to like our page at: www.facebook.com/BellespritMagazine You can follow us on Twitter as well: @BellespritMagaz https://twitter.com/BellespritMagaz If you would like to help out with support of our magazine please visit our web site at www.bellesprit.com to make a donation. To view any of our past issues visit www.bellesprit.com/index.php/magazine/our-monthly-issues You can also learn more about Belle Salisbury and her services at www.bellesalisbury.com]]>