Last November, we sat down together to decide our 2025 themes. This issue seemed to decide itself; inspired by our interview with Christine Platt, and her upcoming book Less is Liberation, we dubbed this issue Freedom. 

From the start, our magazine has set out to explore what it means to fully inhabit our messy, beautiful lives, and to cultivate mindsets and habits that enrich them. And for the most part, our lens has been zoomed in close, focusing on how each of us shapes and makes sense of our own life and journey.

In the weeks and months after deciding our theme, it became increasingly clear, given the state of the world, that it was time to broaden our lens a bit. How could we speak meaningfully about freedom without grappling with what was happening around us? How could we talk about personal freedom without collective liberation? And how could we talk about either without acknowledging the forces that shape them? We couldn’t — and we didn’t want to. 

Now, I know an editor’s note usually has a “Welcome! Here’s the issue!” simplicity. But, if you’ll allow me the indulgence, we’re going to do this part just a bit differently, too. I’ve been reading a lot about freedom lately (a LOT – it’s felt like being back in grad school), and there are a few observations I just can’t shake. So I’d like to share them as we open the issue. 

1. Freedom is visceral

My first observation kind of delighted me: In essays, poetry, articles (and memes), personal freedom is often shared as an embodied experience rather than an abstract idea. It seems we like to talk about freedom less in abstract terms and more as something we feel deeply. 

Freedom is… a cool breeze on your face, the thrill of the open road, diving into open water, relaxing without interruption or obligation. Each example hints at the ability to exist, decide, act and move with a certain ease, without undue constraints—but the words don’t quite capture it. Freedom is visceral, a pull deep within us. It’s also worth noting here that when describing freedom, we often reach for the same language we use to describe what it feels like to be fully alive.

2. Freedom is a group project

The way we talk about freedom changes in the context of our shared life; when it comes to how we live together, things naturally get more complicated. A free society isn’t just about the absence of constraints but the presence of justice, opportunity, and mutual respect. 

A free and democratic society depends on constantly balancing our individual rights with our responsibilities to each other. That’s why democracies have laws—not to limit freedom, but to safeguard it, making sure one person’s freedom doesn’t come at the expense of another’s. 

This isn’t meant to be a civics lesson, just a reminder in a culture that often emphasizes individualism above all else that my freedom is inextricably linked with the freedom of others — and so is yours. Our societies will be as strong as our commitment to uphold for others the same fundamental rights we claim for ourselves. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “When freedom is denied to one, it is denied to all.” 

3. Freedom is fragile 

For many of us who grew up in North America in the 80s, freedom felt like a fixture — hard-won by those before us, to be sure, but something we could settle into and enjoy. But freedom is not guaranteed — anywhere. And it’s not something to be taken for granted. As activist Angela Davis said, “Freedom is a constant struggle.” 

Freedom is both inherently political and deeply personal. It shapes not only our individual lives but also the health and vitality of our relationships, our communities, our nations, and ultimately our world. It is the foundation on which we will thrive—or falter—together. 

Exploring freedom

Whether you’re looking for deeply personal insight into the Baltic fight for freedom or a ridiculously cute pet profile (we need some levity now more than ever!), you’re in the right place. 

In our feature interview, Renaissance woman Christine Platt speaks with Elissa Joy Watts about her empty nest, navigating unexpected fame, and the journey that shaped her upcoming book Less is Liberation: Finding Freedom from a Life of Overwhelm. 

A number of compelling pieces explore what history and art can teach us about freedom, the nature of oppression, and the power of collective and creative resistance:

Journalist Marcus Kolga shares a deeply personal account of Estonia’s fight for independence, a struggle that feels especially relevant as new threats emerge. 

Peter Reek reflects on the resurgence of “elbows up” in Canada, inviting us to reflect on our own place in the world today. 

Jenn Cusick offers insights from the Star Wars saga, unpacking its timeless wisdom on resistance, rebellion, hope, and freedom.

I’m also really thrilled to share our book excerpt with you: Loitering, a glorious essay from The Book of Delights by the amazing, award winning Ross Gay.

And there is so much more. We get into birding, hobbies, scarcity and abundance, feeling our feelings, and the liberating power of self-forgiveness. We share an introvert’s take on freedom, and offer some solid lists of things that are still free out there in the world (and how we can help keep it that way).

As you turn these digital pages, I hope you find something that stays with you. Whether it’s a free art download you love, a story that challenges old assumptions, or an idea that invites you to sit with this moment in our shared history and consider your unique place in it. 

And, as always, I’d love to hear from you—please get in touch and share your thoughts.

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For freedom,