365 Squarey Monsters: The stories that bring us closer

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The stories that bring us closer

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The Stories That Bring Us Closer

I used to think storytelling was something you had to learn. But it’s one of the most natural ways we communicate. Stories help us explain ideas and understand one another across generations. And when we learn to tell them — and listen for them — they can deepen the relationships that matter most.

👉 Discover why stories are such a powerful form of connection

Another Way to Stay Connected

There’s more to Celebrations Pulse^® than we can fit into a Sunday letter. So I’m expanding our community on Substack, with previews of what’s ahead, stories you may have missed, special finds, and a few surprises along the way. And for a limited time, there’s a special welcome gift for new subscribers: a free copy of my book, Lodestar.

👉 Join me on Substack — and receive a complimentary copy of Lodestar

How We’ve Spread the Word for 50 Years

When I opened my first flower shop, getting the word out meant treating customers well and hoping they told their friends. Over the next 50 years, newspapers, radio, the internet, podcasts, and social media transformed how we reach people. But one thing hasn’t changed: The best stories still travel the same way — from one person to another.

👉 See how we’ve told our story over the years

In this week’s episode of Power & Impact, I sit down with Joe Lazer, a writer, marketing executive, and AI strategist who has spent his career studying what makes stories work. We talk about why storytelling is such a powerful way to build trust, communicate ideas, and strengthen relationships — and why those skills may matter even more in the age of AI. Watch our conversation.

In Celebrate Your Story, I sit down with bestselling author and journalist Jennifer Wallace to talk about our need to matter — to feel valued and know that we have something of value to contribute. We explore why that need is so important for children and adults alike, and how we can help the people in our lives know they matter. Discover why mattering matters.

WHAT’S YOUR FALL RITUAL? The rituals we return to each fall give the season its rhythm — apple picking at the same orchard, a Saturday football game, a favorite family recipe, or a drive to see the leaves. The ones I love most have a story behind them, and I’d like to hear yours for next week’s Celebrations Pulse.

Tell me how your tradition started and what keeps you coming back each year and send a photo if you have one. I’ll pick five submissions at random to receive an autumnal surprise from our family of brands.

👉 Share your stories for a chance to win