Rediscovering Community: A Journey Back to What Truly Matters

Hey there, friend. How’s your day going? I'm currently cozied up in my home office as I have been for nearly a year now, reveling in the little joys of working just steps away from my comfy couch and trusty fridge. There's a lot to adore about this setup, right? But between you and me, there's been a nagging feeling that something's just... off balance. Kind of like your favorite playlist missing its most heartwarming song. Then recently I stumbled accross the words of Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, and they’ve been sitting with me ever since. While reading Dr. Murthy's Parting Prescription for America, it dawned on me – community, that's the missing piece. The warmth of connecting with colleagues, the bittersweet symphony of shared goals, laughter, and tears – it's like a gentle tide that's ebbed away, leaving me more aware of its absence with each passing day. Isn't it curious how we sometimes overlook the elements that truly give life its richest colors?

In his farewell reflections, Dr. Murthy shared an extraordinary yet deeply human message about the power of community. Now, I know “community” might sound like one of those big, broad ideas we toss around but struggle to define. But Dr. Murthy broke it down so beautifully, it’s hard not to feel inspired—and maybe even a little hopeful in these overwhelming times. Let me share some of it with you.

The Loneliness Epidemic Nobody Talks About

We live in a world that’s more connected than ever, right? Yet, somehow, many of us feel lonelier than ever. Social media has made it so easy to scroll through someone else’s highlights reel, only to end up comparing it to our behind-the-scenes mess—and spoiler alert: we tend to lose every time.

Then there’s the whole “I can do it all on my own” culture we’ve built. We’ve been taught that asking for help, admitting we need others, shows weakness. Dr. Murthy called it a vicious cycle of stress, isolation, and—you guessed it—more stress. It’s this quiet epidemic of loneliness that so many of us are carrying, even if we don’t always talk about it.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.

What Really Fills Us Up

Dr. Murthy reminds us that at the end of the day, it’s not our bank accounts or blue checkmarks or “success” that brings us fulfillment. It’s people.The family we call when life feels too heavy. The friend who shows up with soup when you’re sick.The neighbor who waves at you every morning, because, hey—human connection matters.

He talked about how, when everything else fades away, it’s the people we loved, the lives we touched, and the moments we shared that stick with us. Isn’t that comforting? To know that it’s not about doing more or being some kind of superhuman—it’s simply about showing up for each other.

Choosing to Build Community

The most powerful part of Dr. Murthy’s message was this: building community isn’t just something we should consider—it’s something we must do, for ourselves and for the world.

But here’s the thing: building community doesn’t have to mean starting a nonprofit or organizing massive events (though if that’s your jam, go for it!). It can start small. Really small.

• Like calling that one friend you haven’t checked in on for a while.

• Smiling at the barista who hands you your coffee.

• Saying hi to your neighbor instead of rushing inside.

• Admitting—just once—that you need help and letting someone in.

  
  

Dr. Murthy put it beautifully: each time we choose community, we’re paving the road to fulfillment—not just for ourselves, but also for the people around us.

Love Can Change the World

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like the world needs something bigger than what any of us can offer on our own. But then I think about what Dr. Murthy said: “…good people with hearts full of love can change the world.”

Love. Simple as that. Love for ourselves, kindness for a stranger, courage to create something better—together.

We don’t have to fix everything all at once. We just have to start. One step at a time.

Let’s Be That Generation

Dr. Murthy left us with a challenge—and I think it’s worth taking up. He said we need a new generation of community builders. A generation not defined by their age, but by their spirit. A generation that recognizes we’re all connected, and that in a world filled with noise and division, love and hope are acts of courage.

So, how about it? Can we be that generation? Can we start choosing connection over comparison, and compassion over cynicism? Can we move our feet, our hearts, and our hands toward building something new—together?

A Gentle Call to Action

If you’re still with me, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does “community” look like for you? What’s one small thing you can do this week to connect with someone? It doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to be big—it just has to start.

We were made for this. For connection. For building together. For love. Let’s take a step—just one. And then, maybe, another. You can find Dr. Murthy's entire Parting Prescription for America here.

❤️ Mahalo

If this resonated with you, I’d love to invite you into our Mahalo community on Mighty Networks. It’s a space where you’ll find connection, encouragement, and resources to help you live a happier, healthier, more meaningful life—surrounded by people who truly get it.

You can try it free for 7 days and see if it’s right for you.

👉 Join us here – your seat is waiting. We can’t wait to welcome you in.