Written by our Founder and CEO, the Celebrations Pulse letters aim to engage with our community. By welcoming your ideas and sharing your stories, we want to help you strengthen your relationships with the most important people in your life.
Watching and reading about the wildfires in Southern California stirs a wide range of emotions. There’s anger and heartbreak from the fire itself, like how it started, why it was allowed to spread so quickly, and the devastating toll it has taken.
And then there are the stories that inspire hope. They’re the ones about neighbors using garden hoses to protect each other’s homes, strangers rescuing those fleeing the flames, restaurants opening their doors to serve free meals to displaced families, and more.
These stories remind us that while the destruction can be overwhelming, humanity’s ability to rise above adversity can be a more powerful force. In these moments, we see compassion, selflessness, and an unshakable determination to stand together.
The spirit rising from Los Angeles offers lessons for everyone. It challenges us to think about how we can carry this sense of compassion and unity into our own lives — not just in times of crisis, but every day. After all, community is about relationships, and it is within these connections that we find our greatest strength.
A closer look at community
When Dr. George S. Everly, Jr., and I set out to write Lodestar: Tapping Into the 10 Timeless Pillars of Success, we knew it had to include a discussion of the role community and relationships play in our lives. It felt fitting to conclude the book with this topic, as so much of personal growth ties back to the strength of our connections.
But what is “community” and how do you strengthen it? And why does it take a major natural disaster like wildfires and hurricanes for the “community” to come together, at least in the eyes of the media?
To me, community is the living and breathing web of our relationships. It’s built from the connections we share with our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and it expands outward into the broader circles of our neighborhoods, towns, and even shared interests or values.
The family is the most foundational layer of any community. The ancient philosopher Aristotle famously said that love within the family forms the bedrock of a virtuous society. Within our families, we first learn trust, empathy, and the support systems that guide us for the rest of our lives.
This core foundation extends into our connections with neighbors and friends — relationships that might seem casual but can have a profound impact. Studies have shown that even small interactions, like saying hello to a neighbor or your mail carrier or chatting with the local barista, enhance our sense of belonging.
As our circles widen, we begin to see how these individual connections contribute to the larger fabric of society. Charles Darwin noted that interdependence and cooperation are what hold communities together. Modern research confirms this: Strong social networks are critical to resilience and well-being. Communities thrive when individuals bring their kindness, empathy, and understanding into collective spaces.
As our circles widen, we begin to see how these individual connections contribute to the larger fabric of society. Charles Darwin noted that interdependence and cooperation are what hold communities together. Modern research confirms this: Strong social networks are critical to resilience and well-being. Communities thrive when individuals bring their kindness, empathy, and understanding into collective spaces.
Strengthening relationships and community
What’s preventing us from building strong communities? I believe it's the gradual weakening of our relationships. As I’ve written many times in Celebrations Pulse, our modern world makes it harder to sustain the kinds of connections that once came naturally.
Even the simplest relationships are under strain. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for family dinners, shared activities, or simply conversing may seem trivial, but these small acts of care are profoundly significant.
Beyond the family, we’re facing what researchers call a “friendship recession,” coupled with an epidemic of loneliness. Institutions that once anchored our social lives — like churches, community organizations, and civic groups — are often being replaced by the glow of screens.
In a world defined by its relentless pace and pressures, it’s tempting to retreat into our own bubbles, focusing on our individual challenges. Many turn to TV, streaming platforms, and social media for the illusion of connection. But these digital interactions, while convenient, lack the depth and fulfillment of real, face-to-face relationships.
Strengthening our communities starts with rebuilding our relationships — prioritizing meaningful connections over fleeting interactions. It’s about carving out time, even in the midst of busy lives, for the moments and people who matter most.
Use your power
Relationships are not merely a luxury or an afterthought. As Dr. Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, says: “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too.”
Fortunately, nurturing those bonds can be done through simple, intentional actions: linger a bit longer over family dinners, reach out to an old friend, or greet a neighbor with genuine warmth. Even the smallest gestures can harness a power we all share — one that we can use to weave the united fabric.
All the best,
Jim
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AUTHOR
Jim McCann is the founder, CEO, and chairman of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. as well as a business leader, author, and philanthropist with a passion for helping people deliver smiles. Devoted to helping others, he also founded Smile Farms, a 501(c)3 organization that provides meaningful jobs in agricultural settings to young adults and adults with developmental disabilities.
