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While that view of self is important, it differs from the process of actively loving ourselves. Emotional wellness experts weigh in.

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EDITORIAL

“Nobody is going to save me. I have to save myself.”

Silvana Estrada is, in my opinion, one of the most intimate Spanish-language voices of our generation. The 24-year-old Veracruz, Mexico-born artist is tender in her expression of the ebbs and flows of love and deliberate in her process of creating so that that rawness bleeds through on the track.

From the sweet songs in her forthright introductory EP Primeras Canciones to the solemn singles released over the last month ahead of her debut album Marchita, Estrada’s work is proof that she feels deeply. Her voice, a balm I have consistently reached for on tough days. Whether it’s adding her spin to Juan Gabriel’s “Amor Eterno,” or pouring out soliloquies of sadness released on “Tristeza,” the young songstress is consistent in her examination of love through her body of work.

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How Celibacy Deepened My Sense of Intimacy

In our world of hook up culture and dating apps, remaining celibate can be seen as “missing out.” But for this writer, it strengthened her relationship with her partner—and with herself.

On Loving Ourselves (And Everyone Else)

Two queer singles and one couple share their experience with polyamorous love in a post-pandemic landscape.

“The day that you meet the love of your life is the day you’re fucked.”

In Colombia the church bells ring softly on Sunday morning. Another week has passed, another one is coming–Si Dios quiere.

Mami makes plans to visit loved ones later that day–Si Dios quiere.

All around the world, Latinxs hope and plan for the future, even if moments away, but always–Si Dios quiere.

It’s a sentiment that stays with Colombian-Canadian singer and songwriter Jessie Reyez, pulling her back and forth between two worlds: an English one, a Spanish one, and a space in between both; the continuous awareness of mortality’s fragility. Each day, she’s grateful for another–knowing yesterday could have been her last. It’s equal parts morbid and optimistic. It’s an emotional awareness that helps her work through all things, even heartache.

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