Thousand Miles
Captured through the lens of Mitchell Royel, the moment unfolds like a vivid dream. Now, the air is filled with the intoxicating melodies of Tove Lo’s "Thousand Miles" and "Talking Body," weaving a sensual soundtrack that lingers, inviting you to lose yourself in the rhythm and emotion of the night.
Years ago, I found myself nestled in a quiet corner of a bustling coffee shop, where the rich aroma of freshly ground beans wove through the air like a warm, familiar embrace. Outside, the world rushed by in a blur—footsteps echoing, conversations rising and falling—but inside my little sanctuary, time slowed to a sacred rhythm. With headphones gently cradling my ears, a haunting melody unfurled, stretching endlessly across a thousand miles of raw emotion and shimmering possibility.
That song became my steadfast companion as I poured my heart and soul into crafting the very first issue of my magazine. Each note carried me deeper into the unknown, a tender soundtrack to the leap of faith I was taking. The lyrics whispered ancient truths I hadn’t yet fully embraced—about courage, vulnerability, and the exquisite grace found in surrendering to the winding journey ahead.
I remember how the melody wrapped around me like a soft, familiar blanket, a gentle reminder that even when the path feels endless, every step forward is a sacred dance toward something greater. The song held space for my doubts and hopes, my fears and dreams, weaving them into a luminous tapestry of resilience and grace.
In that coffee shop, surrounded by strangers yet profoundly connected to the music and my unfolding story, I realized this: sometimes, the longest journeys begin not with grand gestures, but with quiet moments of intention and presence. The song taught me that distance—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is never a barrier when the heart is willing to travel.
Looking back now, I see that day as more than the birth of a magazine. It was the beginning of a lifelong devotion to listening deeply—to the music, to my soul, and to the call of my dreams. Every time I hear that song, I am transported back to that corner of the coffee shop, to the shimmering feeling of possibility and promise that carried me across those thousand miles and beyond.
Tips for Embracing Our Own Journey
Create Sacred Space: Let’s seek out quiet havens where distractions fade and our inner voices can be heard. Whether a cozy café or a peaceful nook at home, we make these our sanctuaries for creation.
Let Music Be Our Guide: We allow songs that resonate with our souls to become the soundtrack of our journey. Music unlocks emotion, sparks inspiration, and carries us through moments of uncertainty.
Embrace Vulnerability: We lean into our fears and uncertainties—they are the fertile ground where true creativity and growth take root.
Take Small, Sacred Steps: Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. We celebrate progress over perfection and honor each milestone along the way.
Stay Present: We practice mindfulness to anchor ourselves in the now. Presence opens the door to unexpected insights and deepens our connection to our work and dreams.
Trust the Process: Even when the path feels long or unclear, we trust that every experience is shaping us. We hold faith in our vision and our ability to navigate the miles ahead.
Reflect Often: We pause to honor how far we’ve come. Reflection fuels gratitude and renews our motivation to keep moving forward.
Let our journey be as rich, as soulful, and as meaningful as the song that carries us.
— Mitchell x Ryder