November 2024 Editor's Note: The Spirit of Giving

October 2024

by Stephanie Toews, Executive Editor

“To do more for the world than the world does for you, that is success.” Henry Ford

As we sit in the calm before the holiday rush, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on what truly makes this season special. While the answer may vary for each of us, it often centers around the people we hold dear. For some, blessings come in the form of good health, healing, reconnecting with a distant loved one, or simply spending time with friends and family. For others, this season is a chance to let go of carefully laid plans and embrace the magic of giving ourselves to others.

In doing so, we begin to heal more than just personal relationships; we can help mend the divisions around us. It doesn’t take much to see the discord in our world. Turn on the news, scroll through social media, and it’s everywhere. While politics and policies may offer promises of solutions, the real power to bridge these divides lies within us. Healing starts with love, acts of kindness, and meaningful conversations. At our core, we’re not so different. We all share the same basic needs: to be loved, seen, heard, and valued. Let’s brighten our community by turning off the news, putting down our phones, and becoming the change. A little more patience and forgiveness, more reconciliation and reconnection, more grace and gratitude, less taking and more giving.

This month’s issue kicks off the holiday season by celebrating Montana makers who turn their passions into handcrafted treasures. Each story is unique, every creation beautiful, and your purchase supports their dream. Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide offers a wonderful way to shop local businesses and artisans while gifting thoughtful, meaningful items. And in the same spirit of giving, we explore how local families are instilling generosity as a tradition, shaping the next generation through acts of kindness. These pages are filled with good news, encouragement, and inspiration for living our best lives right here.

Amid our busy schedules, countless demands, and an ever-changing world, true joy comes from shared laughter, meaningful conversations, the gift of being present, and the warm embrace of family, friends, and neighbors. This holiday season, let’s treasure these connections and the love they bring.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

Originally printed in the November 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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

Stephanie Toews

Stephanie is finding joy in the journey of faith, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. Writing is her therapy and one of her favorite creative outlets.

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