by Stephanie Toews, Executive Editor

“IT’S NOT WHAT THE WORLD HOLDS FOR YOU, IT’S WHAT YOU BRING TO IT.”

— L.M. MONTGOMERY, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

A stranger stopped me outside the latest Anthology Market to talk about this month’s setup. Before we parted ways, she recognized me and told me how much she loves the magazine. Each month, she said, she tears out my editor’s note to share with a loved one. She wanted me to know it makes a difference. I walked away from that conversation encouraged and smiling. I was grateful for the unexpected connection and reminded that someone notices.

During an early morning coffee study, I noticed the barista had really beautiful hair. When she brought our drinks out, I told her, “Your hair is such a pretty color.” She thanked me and lit up. She walked away a little taller and more cheerful than when we first met.

Recently, a school staff member struck up a conversation with my daughter about a shirt and earrings she was wearing. A few days later, she brought my daughter a pair of socks in the same theme because they made her think of her. My daughter felt truly seen that day.

A smile can make a difference. A compliment can brighten someone’s day. An encouraging text or phone call can remind someone they are not alone. Remembering the details that matter to people and making a point to learn someone’s name and use it shows care. Sharing life through laughter, pain, prayers, or sometimes simply sitting in silence with someone is another way we show up for one another.

These small gestures cost little more than a moment, yet they make a world of difference in helping people feel seen, loved, noticed, and appreciated. They remind us to pause and take in the beauty this one precious life holds. We are not meant to carry life alone, and it feels lighter when we walk through it together.

As we move through our days, it is easy to become so distracted that we miss the wonder waiting for us in this one beautiful life we have been given. We can forget that we are surrounded by people who hurt as we do and who might just need a little sunshine in their step.

I hope you are encouraged to call your mom or grandma, even when you do not feel like it. You will be glad you did, and it will mean the world to her. Make time for your family and do not leave things unsaid, because they will not always be around. Speak life over others and notice when someone could use a little extra kindness in their day. Offer an encouraging word when it comes to mind. Carry the burdens of others in whatever ways you can. Choose an attitude that says it is not what I can get out of this life, but what I can give away that matters most.

Always leave the world a little better than you found it.

Love, 

Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Read this article in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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