First, thank you for your continuing support of my Substack magazine.
In the summer of 2023, I crossed Canada in my van, visiting communities to share joy, hope, and positivity. On quiet nights in Eastern Ontario, in my van, I began writing simple reflections and posting them on Substack. Your warm responses, comments, and shares encouraged me to keep going.
At first, these were just a paragraph or two: gentle reminders about finding joy and holding onto hope. But the community grew, and I was humbled to see many of you become paid subscribers, believing in the value of these small offerings.
That support pushed me to take the work more seriously. In just two years, the readership has grown to 12,000 people who regularly engage with my articles and magazine, with many becoming committed subscribers.
In 2026, I felt ready for the next step and launched a print magazine, published once a year. I chose an annual schedule so the pieces could be read slowly, revisited, and truly absorbed, and so the project would remain sustainable in a difficult publishing landscape.
I imagine this magazine like a yearbook: something you keep, return to, and look forward to each year. I also believe there’s a real need for work that spreads joy, offers practical guidance, and supports mental wellbeing.
Print has its own beauty. A physical magazine can travel with you to the beach, a hotel room, a garden, or anywhere without internet. It frees you from screens and notifications and lets reading become quiet again.
At the heart of this publication is a commitment to mental wellness, resilient joy, and deeper understanding across difference. It’s meant to be a sanctuary in print, where positivity is earned, emotions are honored, and even sadness is acknowledged as part of our shared humanity.
I’m grateful to share that 1800 people have ordered the magazine, from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. Most orders are from the U.S., followed by Canada, then the U.K.; on a per-capita basis, Canada leads.
More than the numbers, I’m grateful that the message is resonating. Your support has reminded me that print still has a future, and that there is still room for work that asks us to slow down, pay attention, and keep something lasting on our shelves.
A few people have asked why the magazine is priced as it is. It’s fully independent: no grants, no sponsors, no ads. I funded it with my own savings, and the price reflects the true costs of editing, design, premium printing, and shipping.
When you purchase the magazine, you’re not only buying a product; you’re supporting an independent publication and helping it continue.
Thank you for ordering, even when it feels expensive. If you’d like to hold printed words that warm your hands and mind, you can subscribe or order a single issue. Thank you for making space for this work in your life.
Yours truly,
Gurdeep
