Journeys With Jani

There’s something about a small town. The charm, the familiar faces at the grocery store, the local diner where everyone knows your coffee order. It’s comforting—until it’s not. Because let’s face it: small-town gossip is alive and well, and I can’t help but wonder… shouldn’t we have left that nonsense back in 7th grade?

I get it—there’s not always a lot to do, and sometimes the latest “Did you hear about so-and-so?” seems more thrilling than watching paint dry. But come on, y’all. We’re grown. We have mortgages, jobs, back pain, and kids who are making us grandparents. Do we really need to be spending our energy dissecting who said what, who went where, or heaven forbid, who gained a little weight? (And while we’re at it, let me just sip my sweet tea and remind you that I didn’t ask for that update.)

Here’s the thing: words matter. Gossip spreads faster than a wildfire on a windy day, and it rarely leaves anyone better off. Remember those middle school days when someone would whisper, “Don’t tell anyone, but…” and next thing you know, the whole class is buzzing? Flash forward to adulthood, and it’s eerily the same—just swap the lockers for Facebook posts and passive-aggressive church whispers.

Let me tell you what I do have time for: real conversations, belly laughs, and celebrating the good stuff. Like when a neighbor lands a new job, a friend’s kid gets into college, or someone finally takes that dream vacation (and you know I can help with that). What I don’t have time for? Petty drama disguised as “concern.” Newsflash: “Bless her heart” isn’t a hall pass for being rude.

And can we talk about the energy it takes to keep up with all that gossip? Honestly, I’d rather spend that time planning my next trip, walking my dog, or enjoying a quiet evening with my husband—who, for the record, is entirely unbothered by small-town drama and just wants to watch the game in peace.

So here’s my challenge to you, dear reader: Next time someone starts with, “Did you hear about…?” take a breath. Change the subject. Spread kindness instead of rumors. Because we’re better than this. Life’s too short, and frankly, I’d rather be talking about where you’re going on your next vacation than who Karen’s cousin’s neighbor might be dating.

Small towns are full of heart—let’s keep ours in the right place.

XOXO, Jani