LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R
Let’s start with the name. It’s kind of a
mouthful. I’ve been told it’s not as flashy or as
intriguing as some of its counterparts. I agree. But
it’s honest, and that’s the type of content I can
always promise.
The stories in this magazine should stand as
a timeless source of support. They will make you
laugh, they will make you cry, and some may make
you mad. But above all, I hope they make you think.
Learning to think for myself and not only respect
but embrace what I have to say has transformed
my life for the better. I am healthier, happier and
more thoughtful. Lately, I’ve thought a lot about the
difference between contentment and complacency.
If you take away one thing from this magazine,
let it be that those two words are not one in the
same. One can be content while also striving for
improvement and challenging thyself. In fact, one
should always do those things.
But contentment is necessary when one begins
to push too hard. It’s necessary when one begins to
sacrifice happiness to achieve some sort of societal
construct of success. Contentment challenges the
idea that success equates to zeros on a paycheck,
that happiness comes from success, or that a person
is only valuable if he or she achieves something
society deems noteworthy.
Contentment acknowledges that all humans
are valuable because life itself is valuable, and
that happiness isn’t based on our success, but that
success is based on our happiness. And while living
with contentment is a liberating and fulfilling state
of being, there’s no doubt that it is difficult. There
are continuous challenges to overcome, which is
why this first issue focuses on overcoming.
Making your way through this issue, you’ll come
across stories, playlists, inspiring books and more
that pertain to some of the pillars we believe make
up a content life: balance, challenge, self love,
health, and connections. I believe this issue’s team
has done a marvelous job at diversifying the types
of challenges humans are faced with, some of which
deal with body image and stubborn personality
traits. We also dug in deep and brought up some
of the more taboo and sensitive subjects, like
reproductive rights, depression, and anxiety.
Throughout this magazine’s pathology, one thing
is for sure: we will remain committed to an open,
inclusive dialogue where all thoughts can be voiced.
While I am proud of the diversity already visible
in these pages, I look forward to expanding it. If
you have a story to share or a topic idea you think
is worth discussing, let us know, and I hope you
thoroughly enjoy the first issue of Contentment.
SINCERELY
TAYLOR SEELY