RDNZ_10-11_Oct_Nov Issue

A s we step into another bus- tling season, it is natural to feel overwhelmed by rapid change. Technology reshapes our routines daily, yet true brilliance today isn’t found in artificial intelligence—it lives in innate human gifts like creativity, empathy, and sound judgment. Our cover story, The New Genius (page 72), explores how nurturing these qualities anchors us in an un- predictable future, offering practical habits to cultivate your focus, starting with the quiet joy of reading. This edition also invites reflec- tion on personal milestones. Having recently hit a rather loud birthday, catching my reflection—silver hair behaving less like actual hair and more like a watercolour brush— made me wonder where the de- cades slipped to. It inspired 20 Things I’d Tell My 25-Year- Old Self (page10). If only I could advise that ner- vous young cadet in her brown interview suit to stop sweating the small stuff, hold onto every bit of real Finding Our Balance in a Complex World estate, pick up a pickleball paddle, and invest heavily in the therapeutic genius of dogs! Ageing is an immense privilege, and there remains plenty of fire in us yet. For seasonal fun, discover 13 sur- prising facts about witches (page 31), followed by Christopher Waggoner’s inspiring initiative gathering thou- sands of Halloween costumes so no child misses out. On page 48, Geoff and Denise Purdie share their moving story of facing a sudden blood cancer diagnosis, finding hope and an extraor- dinary village of support at the Leukae- mia Foundation’s Bridgestone Blood Cancer Centre. Packed with brain games, classic humour, and film re- views, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the journey. SheronWhite, GM of Publishing Write to me at sheron.white@ readersdigest.com.au reader ’ s digest 6 OctOber/NOvember 2026 DEAR READER