We're Better Together!

Straight Talk from our Community Compass
February 2026

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Myrna Beth Haskell: It’s been colder than I’ve ever remembered in New York, but I’ve managed to be out and about to cover a few things for our readers. Besides the “Out & About” section of our Compass this month, where I report on The Anne Frank exhibit in New York City, readers can find my review of the Broadway musical The Great Gatsby in Myrna’s Musings. As a reminder to readers who are experiencing the unprecedented cold weather this year, please be aware of your body’s warning signs. Changes that come with aging can make it harder for older adults to recognize that their body is becoming too cold. The National Institute on Aging has an informative article titled “Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults.”

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Recently, I went to a collage-making workshop at Pan’s Garden in Palm Beach, Florida’s first all-native botanical garden. It’s named for the bronze statue of Pan of Rohallion that graces the garden’s entrance pool. Designed by Frederick MacMonnies in 1890, the statue depicts Pan – the ancient god of shepherds who protects and guards the flocks – in idealized human form, playing his enchanted pipe of reeds. Ann Bach, a Palm Beach artist, led the workshop, inspired by indigenous birdsong. We used cardboard, glue, and crepe paper to craft our impressions of the birds. 

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I wanted to point readers to the wonderful trip I took to Japan with my family (our annual "Culture for Christmas" trip). It's in the Out & About section of this month's Community Compass. If you're wondering about our "Culture for Christmas" tradition, find my article in Sanctuary.

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We’re starting the year a little spicy at Gigi Trattoria. Despite a frigid January night, 36 women turned out for our first Sex Talks gathering — and the conversation was anything but cold. The evening was such a success that we’re now collaborating with Amy Novatt, M.D., and Melissa Eppard on a three-part series. Designed for fem-identified people 30+, Sex Talks creates a warm, empowering space to explore hormones, intimacy, pleasure and connection. Sign up for Gigi e-news. Find GynoCurious on Instagram.

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Does comparing yourself to others bring you down? It’s so easy to get into a habit of “toxic comparison” — feeling that you or your life is “less than” what other people have. Here’s a tip for freeing yourself of this no-win habit. If you find yourself comparing yourself or some aspect of your life to what you think others have, simply pause. Then reset by mindfully channeling your thoughts and energy into creating more of what you want (e.g., love, connection, romance, energy, or joy) in your own life. By shifting your focus to creating rather than comparing, you’ll find far more joy and freedom.

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​This winter has slowed me down in unexpected ways. Photographing snow, ice and cold has made me pay attention differently — to how light shifts, how ice changes what I see, how quiet can sharpen a moment. I’m still learning, especially how winter reshapes familiar places into something new and temporary. Shooting in the cold hasn’t always been comfortable, but it’s taught me patience and presence. These photos come from noticing what happens when I stay long enough to really look.

Some Photos Representing Our Experiences
Slideshow Photos: Courtesy of Team Members

"Working with others on a publication where your team members’ sense of vision, direction and purpose are completely in tune with yours is extremely rare. The working relationship and positive environment at SANCTUARY is definitely something special, and I couldn’t be more proud of the result. I value the exemplary contributions and hard work that every member of our team has provided in order for us to put together unique and relevant content each and every month. I'd like to send a special shout-out to my senior editors whose years in the publishing industry and wide range of expertise help to make my job so much easier." 

​~ Myrna Haskell, Executive Editor

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Learn more about the women behind Sanctuary:

Our Team

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"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever."
~ Amy Poehler
Actress, Comedian, Writer, Producer