Words by: Taylor Penny
Art by: Mellyn Sun
Three years ago, my New Year’s resolution was to stop being a people pleaser. I decided that I wasn’t going to allow others to invalidate my feelings or let their wants get in the way of my own. But I did, and 2022 turned into 23, 24, and now 2025.
This year, however, is different.
… The Ins and Outs of 2025
Words by: Nicole Huynh
Art by: Nicole Huynh
To the prewritten, paved laneways of societally scripted ‘shoulds’. Exploring unmapped alleyways that call to me brings my heart so much more stability than quote on quote success ever could.
Respectfully disrespectful,
Nicole
… Game of Life
Words by: Samuel White
Art by: Luca MacIsaac
There are benefits to the world of self-growth; healthy meals and organised lives can definitely help clear up problems. We may feel capable of being perfectly effective in whatever we set our minds to, and that by conquering ourselves, we can conquer the world. But do we actually understand what we are buying into?
… Over GrowthWords by: Ash Dowling
Art by: Ash Dowling
people are surprised when I say
that I am more religious than my parents.
… Surprising Growth
Words by: Dayna Lim
Art by: Julia Park
Nothing reminds me of ageing quite like the way seven hours of sleep still does NOT suffice.
… My Second PubertyWords by: Molly
Art by: Pipi Joannou
From the infamous alleyways to the cosy cafes and bars we love, Melbourne is known for its small places.
For some of us, our homes are the same. So, when it comes to brightening up our balconies, tiny backyards, or wanting to make the switch to sustainable living, gardens are the way to go.
… Plant to PotWords by: Faye Lim Wintour
Art by: Janae Hunter
Tangled veins of a noose, were my lovers yet a bane,
Evergreen was the field before the engulfment of flames,
I grew roses from the diamonds of pain,
All to hear the eulogies of my plains.
… The Grass is Greener
Words by: Leeann Bushnaq Art by: Carla J. Romana
From the outside, the path to any kind of success, growth, or progress takes one of two routes. We see growth as scraping through the rubble. We see it as the might it takes to overcome setbacks and dig through the lowest of lows to get to the peaks. Or, we see it from the “started from the bottom now we’re here” perspective.
… Superstitions
Esperanto Magazine 