Relationships, not wealth, predict happiness and resilience. Small acts of connection transform ordinary moments into meaningful touchpoints. Rituals and traditions build belonging and strengthen bonds over time. Flat Stanley exemplified a paper doll mailed between classrooms to create shared stories across distance. A modern revival, Flat Stacey, traveled with friends to many places—mountains, hot tubs, brunches, Eataly, a Cirque du Soleil show, and international destinations—creating opportunities to laugh, pause, and reconnect. Shared photos of the ritual reinforced presence despite physical separation. The playful practice demonstrated that alignment and closeness often arise from small creative acts rather than formal meetings or plans.
Do you remember Flat Stanley from childhood? That paper-thin adventurer was mailed from one classroom to another, collecting stories, postcards, and laughter along the way. Born from a beloved children's book, he became part of a school project where kids shared a paper cutout of Stanley with friends and families around the world. For those who didn't grow up with him, think of Flat Stanley as the original "viral trend" long before Instagram or TikTok; he was how kids created a shared story across distance.
This summer, a group of my friends and I brought that spirit back. We each made our own version, Flat Stacey; we carried her everywhere. Stacey hiked the Colorado mountains, lounged in a hot tub, grabbed brunch and coffee, popped up at Eataly, wandered the grocery store checkout, and even dared to stow away in the airplane luggage compartment. She joined us at the nail salon, a Cirque du Soleil show, at gas station stops, and even made her way through Montgomery, Alabama.
Every time one of us shared a photo, the ritual gave us a reason to laugh, pause, and reconnect. What struck me most was that we didn't need to be in the same place to feel close. Connection didn't come from proximity-it came from presence. What began as a playful summer game became a lesson in leadership: alignment doesn't always come from big meetings or carefully crafted plans. More often, it's sparked by the small, creative acts that remind us to stay present.
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