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Winter 2025-26 Editor’s Letter

By Aryn Henning Nichols | Winter2025-25

Winter 2025-26 Inspire(d)

At Inspire(d) Magazine, we write positive stories about neighbors doing good things. The idea is that folks will read these stories and think, “Hey, we’re not so different from that neighbor! If they can do it, so can I!” We hope readers will then be inspired to go out and create positive change in their community as well.

It’s this relatable, “we’re not so different!” part that is key to the process of inspiration. Our stories aren’t about famous or unreachable people in other parts of the world. Our stories are about people who live in our same communities, who visit the same stores and eat at the same restaurants. People who walk the same trails and send their kids to the same schools. We are all – all of us– connected in our communities in some way. And we all have much more in common than we think. 

The theme for the Winter Inspire(d) is “What do we have in common? Engaging across differences.” This issue closes out an entire year of themes built on questions for our readers (watch for my recap “Looking Back/Looking Forward” post this winter for musings on all those themes). 

This issue’s theme morphed as the year marched on. I found myself saddened by the divisive language and defeatist attitude I’ve been seeing in my social media feeds (of course, taking all social media with a grain of salt) and in my conversations with friends. We are quick to anger, quick to blame, and quick to fall back on that age-old “us versus them” mentality. But here’s the thing: We are a “we.” And we’re not so different that we can’t find common ground and come together to make a better world. 

So, we do the work. We highlight the people doing good. We see through the divisive language to the beauty of a community that comes together.

Our talented winter cover artist, Jamie Schwaba, says the Driftless community – and its beauty – is a huge source of inspiration for her art. Our two winter Community Builder stories feature great folks in that community: Diana Wilson-Thompson and Wendi Wilson-Eiden of Coffee on the River in Lansing, Iowa, and Liz Bucheit, a dedicated member and builder of the Lanesboro community for nearly 30 years.

Our mental health writer, Olivia Lynn Schnur, shares tips for engaging with others despite our differences. It’s a tough topic – and a tough thing to do – but it’s worth the effort, especially as we come together for this holiday season.

While you’re gathered together, give the young people around your table a pat on the back. Decorah Middle School students did a great job thinking about what we have in common in the Future Focused section in this issue. Eighth-grader Elsa Propson reminds us that we are all connected by wonder under the same breathtaking sky.

Winter provides a wonderful opportunity to really take in the Driftless sky and gorgeous geological features that are often hidden behind leaves and vegetation the rest of the year. Read about our unique landscape in Craig Thompson’s conservation piece, and then check out new writer Marge Loch-Wouters’ tips for winter hiking, plus a short listing of some of her favorite winter spots to hike in the Driftless.

I’m happy to highlight one of my besties for this issue’s Sum of Your Business Q&A. Lisa Lantz, owner of The Getup in Downtown Decorah, is such an inspiring business owner and friend. And finally, our probituary features a long-married couple, apt for an issue highlighting what we have in common. Fostering relationships, even with our spouses, takes work and compromise. 

We believe in you all, and we believe in our mutual respect, connection, and collective power. Let’s end this year focused on these important touchstones, and start off 2026 with hope for the future.

Looking forward,

Aryn Henning Nichols

In this issue, you’ll find:

What do we have in common? Engaging across differences. Artist Jamie Schwaba • Community Builders – Diana Wilson-Thompson and Wendi Wilson-Eiden / Lansing – Liz Bucheit / Lanesboro • Paper Project: Hopeful Notes • Finding Common Ground • Mental Health: Engaging Across Differences • Bubba’s Fund • Future Focused: What Do We Have in Common? • Sum Biz: Lisa Lantz of The Getup • The Driftless: A Geological Doughnut Hole • Driftless Winter Hiking • Probit: Karen & Dan Hurst • And More!

Read the whole thing online here:

Listen to our winter playlist while you read!

Listen to the Spotify playlist that Aryn put together while making this issue! What do we have in common? Let’s work on engaging across differences! <3

While you’re checking out that playlist, check out our Christmas one, too!

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