365 Squarey Monsters: Don’t forget it’s anniversary season

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Don’t forget it’s anniversary season

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Don’t Forget — It’s Anniversary Season

Wedding season gets a lot of attention, but every “I do” creates something worth celebrating year after year: an anniversary. These milestones give couples a chance to pause, appreciate what they’ve built, and recommit to the future.

Life can easily push anniversaries down the priority list. But what I’ve learned is that every year together counts — and taking the time to celebrate each one helps strengthen the relationship for all the anniversaries still to come.

👉 See how to make every anniversary special

A Very Special Work Anniversary

The people who make the biggest difference in a company aren’t always the ones in the spotlight. Often, they’re the ones quietly making sure everyone else can do their best work. For me, one of those people has been Patty, who last week marked 34 years as my executive assistant.

She joined us when we were still learning how to become a real company, bringing the experience and steady hand that helped transform entrepreneurial hustle into long-term success. When we asked Patty for the secret to staying at one company for 34 years, her answer was simple: “Fun.” I’d add one more word: purpose.

👉 The story of one remarkable 34-year career

When we hear about a medical breakthrough, we rarely think about the years of work that made it possible. Andrea Lopez lives that process every day. In this week’s Celebrate Your Story , she shares her remarkable journey into cancer research, explains how CAR T-cell therapy is changing lives, and discusses why great mentors can change a career. Listen to our conversation on this week’s podcast.

Every generation of leaders faces moments when the old playbook no longer works. AI is one of those moments. This week, I kick off our Leadership Lessons series on Power & Impact by revisiting conversations with Reid Blackman, Dr. Gary King, Azeem Azhar, and Eric Gertler about making better decisions, embracing continuous learning, and leading with confidence when the future is still taking shape. Listen to the first installment of Leadership Lessons.

WHAT I’M READING: The Wall Street Journal recently published a wonderful story about a man who began sitting in a park with a simple sign asking strangers, “How’s your day going?” Six years later, those conversations have grown into a movement helping people feel less alone. I often write about loneliness and our need for connection in the Celebrations Pulse. This story brings that theme to life, reminding us that sometimes all it takes is a question — and the willingness to listen. I think you’ll enjoy it.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? Some of the best Celebrations Pulse stories have come from readers. If there’s a life transition, family tradition, celebration, or community story you’d like me to explore in an upcoming letter, I’d love to hear from you.