Thoughts from the Editor

Growing up in one place has a ton of advantages. You can have a stable environment to discover who you are, who you want to be, and who you want to do life with. But like many people in my situation, I always wanted to move away from “this small town.” To find out what else is out there. As a young man, I was allured by the adventure and the excitement of other places.

I have been lucky enough to live in quite a few other cities, travel abroad, and meet many new people. It’s exhilarating and scary and ultimately, after enough newness, I was craving something that we all want: to belong.

In 2019, my wife and I packed the remnants of our home into a moving van and moved back from Sacramento.

We came home to Visalia.

Much had changed, but I can still remember the familiar feeling of the stale summer heat and smell of cow manure in the air as a group of our closest friends came to our new home to help us unpack. Coming home to be met by warm smiles and hugs from our closest friends is something that’s hard to replicate. To go from being an acquaintance or stranger to being known by friends met an unspoken, primal need in my soul.

Belonging and being known is a core desire for all of us. To have a place to call home, and better yet, to have people who know you and love you is one of the best parts of life.

In a recent report on America’s “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, wrote in his opening letter, “People began to tell me they felt isolated, invisible, and insignificant…. People of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds, from every corner of the country, would tell me, ‘I have to shoulder all of life’s burdens by myself,’ or ‘if I disappear tomorrow, no one will even notice.’”

Isolated. Invisible. Insignificant. This should not be so.

The beauty of Tulare County is found in its people. Our connection, care, and friendship make this place remarkable. Yet, tragically, many people living here may feel invisible or insignificant. Every person has intrinsic worth, and deserves to belong. My hope: We begin to see one another with fresh eyes.

This month Lifestyle Magazine celebrates 20 years. For the past 20 years, this publication has been a herald of community, connection, and care. A place to celebrate the best in all of us, point us towards each other, and support those who need it the most.

Along with his concerns, Dr. Murthy also provides sage advice and a prescription. Let’s shout it from the rooftops inviting all of Tulare County to participate: “Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships. Our individual relationships are an untapped resource—a source of healing hiding in plain sight…. Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service…The keys to human connection are simple, but extraordinarily powerful.”

It’s a tremendous honor and privilege for us at Topograph (the publisher of Lifestyle) to carry on the tradition of community and connection. We pray that our small contributions bear significant fruit in bringing us together for many years to come.

Eric Riley

Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine President / Owner Topograph