Last year was a difficult one, marked by fatigue, viruses, war, protests, politics and increasing examples of the effects of climate change. Focusing on the heartening, the positive and the illuminating is more important than ever right now, which is why I’m so excited to present to you our first issue of 2023, designed to help you embark on this year’s wild ride with a little bit of softness, compassion and clarity.

As we entered 2023, I had the time to take a bit of a break—a chance to rest, take stock of the past year and determine how I can do better in the months ahead. Collectively, we’ve made great strides on all kinds of issues, but there is still a certain amount of foot dragging being done by some—myself included. In our bid to be better in 2023, perhaps we should leave behind…

…comments about people’s weight, appearance or style, no matter who they are. All bodies are good bodies. Play on repeat. 

…making generalizations about entire generations. (“Millennials like this; gen Zs like that.”) Why do we have to put things in neat and tidy boxes? 

…false allies who use hashtags and social-justice movements only to advance their own agenda or fill their wallet. We see you. 

…the glorification of toxic masculinity in songs, podcasts, TV shows, social media and sports. Let’s all be Greta Thunbergs in the face of the Andrew Tates of this world!

…the undermining of women in positions of power as well as ordinary sexism in the workplace. Enough.

…the excusing of anti-Semitic, racist, homophobic or transphobic remarks made by well-known personalities because we like their art, music or style. (I’m not even going to say his name.)

…the minimizing or excusing of the actions of protected abusers while victims are silenced with payouts and non-disclosures. I could go on and on, but, as Michelle Obama would say, when they go low, we go high. In my life, as in these pages, I want to continue to cultivate empathy, attentiveness and curiosity. I want to welcome difference, vulnerability and authenticity. I want to fight for equality again and again so that this year is brighter, better and more human. Shall we get started? 

Happy reading. 

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The February-March 2023 issue of ELLE Canada is available on newsstands now, in print and digitally.

Read more:
Lizzo Looks Outstanding on ELLE Canada’s February-March 2023 Cover
Songs in the Key of Lizzo