First Thoughts on The Gurdeep Magazine's Annual Print Edition

The Gurdeep Magazine looks forward to stepping gracefully from screen to page with its debut annual print edition.

First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of my Substack publication. During the summer of 2023, I was on a cross-Canada tour in my humble van, traversing the beautiful landscapes of our nation and visiting communities to spread messages of joy, hope, and positivity. While in Eastern Ontario, nestled in the comfort of my van during those quiet moments before drifting off to sleep, I found myself inspired to jot down some thoughts and reflections. These weren't elaborate compositions—just simple, heartfelt words that I decided to share on Substack.

What happened next truly touched my heart. You, my dear readers, responded with such warmth and encouragement. Your thoughtful comments, shares, and messages gave me the motivation to continue writing. A few days later, encouraged by your response, I wrote more and shared it again. To my delight, just like my dancing, you embraced these writings as well, marking the beginning of an unexpected journey.

In the beginning, these weren't structured essays by any stretch of imagination. They were casual, spontaneous paragraphs—one or two at most—offering gentle suggestions about discovering joy and maintaining hope during challenging times. But something remarkable began to happen: the community around these writings continued to expand, and to my astonishment, many readers chose to become paid subscribers, showing their belief in the value of these simple reflections.

This incredible show of support naturally inspired me to invest more time and energy into my writing process. What started as quick 15 or 30-minute writing sessions gradually evolved into dedicated blocks of one, two, and eventually three hours. The evolution didn't stop there. As time passed, my approach to writing transformed completely.

These days, my writing process has become quite methodical and thorough. Some articles require up to two full days to complete. I've developed a more disciplined approach, reading through each piece multiple times and implementing careful editing processes. What began as casual jottings in a van has blossomed into something much more substantial and meaningful.

The growth has been remarkable in quantitative terms as well. Over the span of just two years, the readership has expanded to include 11,000 people who regularly engage with my articles and magazine. Among them, a significant portion have become committed subscribers, forming the backbone of this growing community.

Now, I feel ready to take this endeavor to its next natural evolution. I'm seriously considering launching a print version of my magazine. This isn't a decision I'm taking lightly—I'm carefully contemplating all aspects of such an undertaking.

The magazine I envision would be published annually—only once per year. This periodicity is intentional for several reasons. I believe the content in this magazine wouldn't be the type you simply read once and discard. Rather, these would be pieces worthy of revisiting, rereading, and contemplating throughout the year. The knowledge and wisdom contained within wouldn't be for mere consumption but for genuine digestion and integration into one's life. An annual publication schedule would provide readers with ample opportunity to thoroughly explore and absorb the content over multiple readings throughout the year.

Additionally, there's the practical consideration that publishing is currently a challenging business venture. An annual publication schedule would help mitigate risk and make the project more manageable than if I were to commit to more frequent issues. This approach allows me to focus intensely on quality rather than quantity.

These are the scenarios I envision when contemplating this annual publication. It would function somewhat like a yearbook—something readers might preserve and cherish. The limited frequency would naturally create anticipation for each new edition, making its arrival all the more special. With mental health concerns growing significantly throughout North America and beyond, I believe there's a genuine need for a dedicated magazine that spreads joy through insightful advice, uplifting content, and practical guides for discovering purpose in life.

I do acknowledge the environmental considerations associated with print publications. This awareness is, in fact, another factor influencing my decision to pursue an annual publication schedule rather than more frequent issues. I believe we must balance various priorities thoughtfully.

I intend for this publication to feature not only my own writing but also contributions from other thoughtful writers. I plan to extend invitations to individuals with profound perspectives and wisdom to share their insights through articles of their own. The publication would feature diverse voices—from everyday individuals sharing their personal stories to trained professionals in the mental health field—creating a tapestry of perspectives and insights.

One of the most beautiful aspects of a print publication is its tangibility and versatility. Unlike digital content, a physical magazine can accompany you anywhere—to a tranquil beach, a cozy hotel room, a peaceful garden, or even into wilderness areas where internet connectivity is nonexistent and digital devices become burdensome rather than helpful. This independence from technology represents one of print's enduring charms.

Imagine having this magazine as your companion during various journeys—while flying high above the clouds, sitting on a bus or train watching the landscape change, or during a hiking expedition to a remote mountaintop where internet signals don't reach. Picture yourself at your favorite glacier, distant from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with your tent pitched under the vast sky, reading thoughtfully curated content without worrying about battery life or connectivity issues.

As nightfall approaches, many of us observe a ritual—banishing screens and electronic devices from our sanctuaries of sleep, a practice that sleep experts widely champion. In this technology-free twilight, a physical magazine dedicated to joy and mental wellness becomes the perfect companion. Imagine turning crisp pages by soft lamplight, absorbing words of wisdom and serenity just before drifting into peaceful slumber—no notifications, no blue light, just the gentle communion between reader and page.

At the heart of this publication would be a sacred trinity: nurturing mental wellness, illuminating pathways to joy amid life's storms, and weaving threads of understanding across our divided world. This wouldn't be just another magazine—it would stand as a lighthouse, casting its beam through the fog of modern existence. I envision creating something profound and substantial—a sanctuary in print where mental wellbeing is honored, where positivity isn't a superficial mask but a hard-won perspective, and where human emotions in all their complexity are embraced. Here, sadness wouldn't be banished to the shadows but welcomed into the light—acknowledged as an essential thread in the tapestry of our shared humanity.

For the launch, I’m offering a subscription model where readers can commit to the magazine before its initial release.

Just in time for the yuletide season, the inaugural issue for year 2026 will grace doorsteps before Christmas bells begin to ring. Imagine the delight on your loved ones' faces as they unwrap not just another gift, but a year's worth of inspiration and reflection—beautifully bound and ready to accompany them through quiet winter evenings and beyond.

Please click here to become a founding subscriber and help bring this vision to life—your early support will be the cornerstone of something truly meaningful. To ensure viability, I might establish a specific target—perhaps 200 advance subscribers—before proceeding with printing. Should this target not be met, I would naturally refund all subscription fees received by December 31, 2025.

Please do leave your comment if you can. I'd greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts on this potential endeavor. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping how we proceed together.