When Small Town Words Feel Heavy

Choosing uplift over gossip and remembering the heart of true community in Southeast Alaska

The past couple of days have felt heavy.

Heavy with words I’ve been reading… heavy with the tone that seems to be floating around this little town in Southeast Alaska. Words that, if I’m being honest, made my heart a little sad.

Small town living is something I’ve come to understand over the years. In a small community, everyone knows your name — and usually a good portion of your business too. That closeness can be beautiful… but it can also bring its own set of challenges.

Because when community is healthy, it lifts people.

That’s how I was raised. My parents taught us to uplift one another. Don’t speak ill of people. Love, honor, and respect those around you. Show up when someone is in need. Be the person who adds strength to the circle, not noise to the sidelines.

So when I see the opposite — the gossip, the quiet tearing down of others — it’s hard for me to grasp.

Why do people do it?

Is it insecurity?
Is it hurt speaking through people?
Is it wishing for something someone else has?

Maybe it’s complicated. Maybe it’s human nature on its worst days. I don’t claim to have the full answer.

But I do know this: speaking poorly about your neighbor, your friends, your own community… it chips away at something bigger than the moment. It erodes trust. It dims the spirit of a place that could otherwise be strong and supportive.

We may have lost a little something over time.

And maybe — just maybe — it’s time to get that back.

I love my family.
I love meeting new people.
And I genuinely love being a cheerleader for other people’s success.

There is room for all of us to win. There is room for kindness to be louder than criticism. There is still space in this small town for grace, for encouragement, for choosing love on purpose.

At least… that’s what I still believe.