As a kid growing up in Montana, I heard the phrase ‘Montana values’ what seems like a million times—on political ads, in conversations... it just really came from everywhere. But Montana values are a lot more than buzzwords, and what I saw Montanans doing was a lot more powerful than two words could ever be.

Montanans have always looked out for each other, taken care of each other, genuinely cared about each other. It’s in the way we drive; giving space, not passing on a double line, the two finger wave. It’s in the way we care for the land, not crossing property lines, shoveling a section of sidewalk beyond our own, mowing an overgrown lawn to help out a neighbor. It’s in the food we prepare and share from grains and animals native to Montana. It’s in the commitment to public lands and streams.

Montana is like a sibling who learns early on how to share, and be kind, and Montana values stretch beyond rivalry into truthful care.

I haven’t heard the phrase in a while. I haven’t seen the actions, either. I’ve seen exhausted Montanans doing the best they can with what they have, and it’s just enough to get by without lending much. It’s more honking and finger flipping than usual. It’s more rushing and less being.

There are some honest folks out there willing to say they don’t understand what Montana values are, but want to. Take the time to speak to one of us eye to eye with the intention to understand what we were taught to believe about our responsibility to the place we call home. Or just observe, and act accordingly.

It’s obviously a special state, Montana—not just another star on the flag, but a state of mind as well. It’s that vibe that draws more and more humans to our state, and it’s that vibe that needs to endure to keep Montana valuable and valued.

Hearing and seeing more of what I grew up with would be really helpful as the year ends. It’s a great month to show a little extra gratitude for what we have here, for who got us here, for what we’ve built as a community, and for who we can continue to become together.

Pull together a little more patience, courtesy, friendliness, generosity, and action to help others this month; it’s all free, and will be appreciated.