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March 2023 Editor's Note: Outdo One Another in Kindness

March 2023

by stephanie toews, executive editor

“Always be a little kinder than necessary.” JM Barrie

Last week, I received a phone call from a woman I’d never met. After picking up the February issue and reading my note, Donna called to share a story about the impact of a stranger's selfless act. New to Billings from a small town in South Dakota, she summed up our conversation by saying that while she was initially nervous about moving to the big city, she found the people here to be kind and friendly. I was so encouraged by this that I hung up with tears in my eyes. It made me proud to live in a community like ours and more determined than ever to choose kindness over everything.

What if we all went out of our way to outdo each other in showing love and honor to each human who crosses our path- to be good neighbors? (Don’t miss Marc Johnson’s article about this very thing on page ???). To allow ourselves to be inconvenienced once in a while. To set aside our differing views and see people as people, not political parties. To look up from our phones and make eye contact. To smile, offer encouragement, a listening ear, and genuine compliments. What a beautiful impact this would make. I love the above quote by Peter Pan author JM Barrie because this community, our neighbors, and the world are desperate for more kindness. We are in this life together, battling battles and carrying burdens not obviously apparent through our often-forced smiles, strength, confidence, or social media posts. Yet, when we take the time to make an effort to get past ourselves, we will find that we are really not so different after all. At our core, we crave community, to be seen, heard, and to have made some impact in the short time we’re given here on earth.

You may be surprised to find our Summer Camp Guide in the March issue, a month earlier than in past years, at the request of several camp directors. They fill up fast, so get those kiddos to select their favorites and book them before it’s too late.

As you go about living your best life here, we hope that Simply Local helps you in your quest to do just that. The content in our pages is purposefully chosen to align with our mission to equip communities to thrive; to love where we live.

Love,

Stephanie

Originally printed in the March 2023 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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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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