The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus once said “The only constant in life is change”.

I don’t think any philosophical insight has ever resonated with me more profoundly, or more poignantly. As someone whose job is to create a brand new magazine every month – filled with stories about future fashion trends, upcoming movie and music releases, new art exhibitions, the latest luxury hotel and restaurant openings and profiles on up-and-coming talents – my career has been built around highlighting the changing world. 

However, until recently, my personal life has remained relatively unchanged, a rock which the tumultuous seas of the outside world could crash against, but could not shift. I’ve been married to the same wonderful man for 28 years, surrounded by three beautiful and clever daughters, and living in a house overflowing with animals that demonstrate the power of unconditional love every day. 

But now the change I had kept at bay for years has finally infiltrated my life. Between my husband working full time in Saudi, sending my youngest daughter off to college, and the loss of my constant companion Moose, I find myself in uncharted territory. Figuring out how to deal with my new normal has been challenging, and I’ll admit that I currently feel a bit untethered.

Thankfully, what has given me hope is looking around and seeing how others have confronted change in their own lives and come out the other side stronger for it. 

Our cover star Brooke Shields is the perfect example of someone facing a major change in her life head-on. On the set of our cover shoot, we bonded over the fact that we both had become empty-nesters at the same time. We compared notes on how we’d been handling such a major transition – and yes, we commiserated over our loss. But we also discussed how these shifts had made room for new challenges to come into our lives. 

“I think this is the period of time in my life where almost everything I am doing is pretty much outside my wheelhouse. But you know, it’s ok if you’re uncomfortable – I would rather be uncomfortable, but still growing and learning and contributing,” Shields told me during our interview (page 58). 

Between becoming the CEO of her own haircare company, writing a new book and being elected president of Actors’ Equity – all in the space of this year – Shields has shown me through her actions that it’s possible to chart your own course through change. To be intentional with not only how you deal with it, but that you can also decide for yourself the changes you want to make, rather than just react to them. 

“Now is the time to figure out what all this has been for. I can’t just sit around waiting for something to happen. I now know I have to be much more proactive in my life. I have to create the opportunities I want,” Shields told me, and I couldn’t agree more.

Embracing change is also a fundamental aspect of the stories shared by each of the four regional women we highlight in Generation Inspiration (page 82). They have all shown such bravery and determination in their desires to follow their dreams and build a life for themselves as they envisioned it, rather than letting outside forces dictate their fates. 

In the article Up Close & Personal (page 54), a walk-through of Naomi Campbell’s new exhibition at the V&A Museum proves to be quite the celebration of the supermodel’s impressive career in fashion and her impact on it. She has been an advocate for change, representation and empowerment for generations. And in From Ear to Eternity (page 130) the incomparable Maria Tash speaks candidly about what it took to bring the art of piercing into the mainstream, while never compromising on her vision. 

In fact, as I flip through this issue and look at all of the powerful examples of change and transformation depicted in its pages, I find myself feeling uplifted and inspired. As I look forward to this new chapter in my life, I am suddenly rather excited by the opportunities that could be right around the corner. I’m ready to embrace changes brought on by design and determination rather than just outside forces. 

With that in mind, I will leave you with a quote from one of my favourite modern-day “philosophers” – Oprah Winfrey… “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” 

Enjoy the issue, and please let me know what you think!