From the editor
Living in the moment has never felt more excruciatingly impossible, or utterly essential, than it does right now. On a particularly tough day recently, I decided to make a list of the things that bring me the most joy. It comprised three things. Firstly, the creative energy of being bundled in a meeting room (or the pub) with my brilliant colleagues as we plan these very pages. Secondly, travelling to new and exciting places. And lastly, but certainly not least, spending time with my friends and family. It was an exercise that cemented what is important to me, but also what has been taken away. All that was left? Hope. And the belief that those things are not gone forever.
Personally, planning for the future is one of the few things guaranteed to boost my spirits. Can’t book a holiday? Create a list of the places you want to visit (p120), dream about what you’ll wear (p98) and scrapbook the highlights from places you’ve already been. Can’t see your loved ones? Write letters, finally get all those camera-roll memories printed out and plot how you’ll spend your next moments together. Can’t date? Use this time to reassess what you want (p74) and take yourself on a date instead. I can promise you the conversation will be stimulating, and your date will be a total babe.
Most importantly, when the uncertainty of the future feels overwhelming, take things back to basics. Turn off the news, mute your notifications and be here in the moment. Concentrating on life’s little pleasures and shutting out the big worries isn’t weak, it’s strong. It’s you looking after yourself. Paint your nails (p22), work out (p37), refresh your summer wardrobe (p56), look after your skin (p92), get better acquainted with your body (p111), escape with a good book (p16), cook, paint, jigsaw or just eat a whole goddamn tub of ice cream in front of Netflix.
The future is out there waiting, but don’t forget it’s also happening to you right now. So spend it making yourself happy.