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In a world where invalidating remarks can make us doubt ourselves, it's crucial to stand strong and assert our truth. This blog post explores three empowering things to say when faced with invalidation and highlights the importance of standing firm against it.

 

1. Trust Your Perception and Feelings:

"I trust my own perception and feelings, and I won't let anyone convince me otherwise." By affirming our trust in ourselves, we reinforce our self-worth and show that our feelings and experiences are valid and significant.

 

2. Reject Invalidating Remarks:

"I don't appreciate being made to feel like my thoughts and experiences are invalid." By speaking up and refusing to accept invalidation, we establish clear boundaries and demand the respect we deserve for our emotions and experiences.

 

3. Embrace Your Inner Knowing:

"I understand that everyone has their own perspective, but I know what I know and I stand by it." It's essential to recognize our own wisdom and stand firmly in our truth, refusing to let anyone make us doubt ourselves or feel confused.

 

Embrace the power of standing strong against invalidation with a joyful spirit! Asserting your truth is essential for nurturing self-worth, setting boundaries, uplifting emotional well-being, and fostering empowerment. By embracing your truth and rejecting invalidation, you cultivate happiness, self-esteem, and personal growth. Celebrate your uniqueness and let your voice be heard with joy and confidence.

 

You deserve all the happiness and respect in the world!

What an extraordinary time to be a woman!

We notice the collective narrative is shifting. When we heal ourselves, we heal each other.

Now that the world is ready for a woman’s touch, we call in our powers of intuition, of softness, of compassion + nurturing, of wholeness - that allows us to embrace the duality of our humanness.

Here at the I Am Love Project, our mission is to empower women to empower others. When we act from a place of abundance, with the idea that there is enough to go around for all of us, we foster more to give than if we live from a lack mentality.

It can sometimes feel like all we do as women is give. But if we give with joy, while maintaining the boundaries that allow us to live authentically, we receive that joy back tenfold. When one of us celebrates success - whether that be by showing up for ourselves in our personal lives, saying what we mean, or breaking glass ceilings - we all celebrate that success.

Join us in celebrating YOU by taking a moment to appreciate all you bring to the table. Celebrate all the ways in which you are perfectly imperfect, because it is through our flaws that we gain a better understanding of who we are and what we need.

And something we definitely need in this world is more women to be aware of their inner strength, of their capacity to create change, and of the bright light that radiates from within.

I AM LOVE Project would like to partner with and support organizations that want to support + empower women by creating jewelry with mindful intention to do just that. 

Our hope is that with each purchase, one is inspired by the story the jewelry represents. As each piece of jewelry is created a story is told. As each piece is purchased, an individual's story is heard. As each piece is worn, a story is shared.

Check out our beautiful xoxo necklace collection and let us know whose story you are sharing today. ♡

We believe everyone is worthy of love, should be loved, and feel loved regardless of age, colour, or gender. July marks our 2 year celebration of the I AM LOVE PROJECT. During these unprecedented times, we have decided to withdraw from any celebrations and events until August. Instead, we want to celebrate the brilliance, dignity, and leadership of Black people, communities, and organizations.

We have teamed up with our friends at ZUEIKE to create a limited edition bracelet to call every person living in Canada to join in the life work of dismantling racism in all its forms. One way to do that is with the purchase of our “UNITY” bracelet. Made with intention, the purpose of this bracelet is to bring awareness and encourage us to stand in solidarity. Wear this bracelet as we stand together in power for those who have been silenced. This bracelet grounds us in the unity of equality and begins the path of healing. Black tourmaline is a stone of strength and protection, providing a sense of power and confidence for those who stand up, and promotes clarity and equality. This bracelet empowers those who have lived in challenging environments and its energy provides guidance when facing difficult circumstances.

Of course there's a charitable component! Proceeds from the bracelets will support The Higher Learning Foundation, dedicated to provide scholarships to students within our black communities.

Racism doesn’t stop with a bracelet. We can focus on calling out racism when we see it and taking accountability for reflecting on our own racist behaviours; it is essential to do so often. We can continue to educate ourselves and seek out information from Black educators. This matters every day.

Are you with us?

Empowering women through community building has always been a value of ours at the I AM LOVE Project and this June we support an organization aligning with that: The Shameless Circle.

The Shameless Circle is a grassroots community organization based in Winnipeg, MB and since its inception in December 2018, their workshops have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response. This volunteer-led healing circle for women aims to end the stigma of shame women experience when they stand up for themselves and their children, and to help them in the pursuit of overcoming that shame.

Our goal is to encourage these women and children to build a community of their own through continued free programming. This organization truly leads by example. Every Sunday, The Shameless Circle comes together as a group to engage with participants in meaningful, self empowering, FREE activities that help them regain their sense of belonging.

In times of high stress or transition, what people need most is someone to share information, sources of supports, and guidance in accessing them. Though Winnipeg has many fantastic services and resources, invisible gaps and barriers do exist.

We believe in making a difference for all women in need from a free hair cute to self-defence. Our organization is committed to helping women overcome barriers and get the help they need to empower themselves. -The Shameless Circle

The Empower Me Fund was born to fill that void: a way to assist women in niche-need situations by providing personalized monetary assistance. Shameless considers any request on a case-to-case basis, and empowers women to access support by assisting them with things like mental wellness, self-care and/or professional development. Rather than providing a handout, the Shameless Circle provides a hand up! Download application here.

Visit The Shameless Circle's website  for information on professional counselling services in Winnipeg, grief support, therapy resources, calendar of events and so much more!

We at the I AM LOVE Project are so proud to stand behind you and all you do!

 

As our province was instructed to stay home to help flatten the curve, many Manitobans are facing deeper financial disparity and the most vulnerable individuals are struggling more than ever. With schools and businesses closing, job and wage loss the demand for food is steadily increasing, but our capacity to respond is decreasing.

To reciprocate the love and support from our community, we are excited to launch the "Pay It Forward Project", an initiative dedicated to help our friends, local businesses, charities and our most vulnerable THRIVE during this pandemic. We want to:

• Help alleviate the stress for Manitoba charities so that they can continue to serve our most susceptible during this pandemic.
• Support our local partners, in hopes their doors can remain open.
• Encourage and uplift those we miss and we want to hug.
• Spread love and create a more giving in our community.

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. You will DONATE $20
2. We will BUY a "Family Meal" from Freshii Sage Creek.
3. We will donate ALL meals to 1 JUST CITY's "Emergency Food Kits" to help feed families during this difficult time. Due to COVID-19, 1 JUST CITY has been providing 50 Emergency Food Kits for families and serving over 1500 meals to those experiencing homelessness every week.
4. We will ship out our newest intention bracelet, "Love Defends Us" to your special someone with a personalized card. Let us know what you want us to write in the card. Shipping address needed.

Help us make our COMMUNITY GO ROUND! Click here to donate $20!

We hope that you and your loved ones are staying well and keeping connected during these unprecedented times.

The I AM LOVE team is diligently working behind the scenes to support those affected by COVID-19. Your mental wellness is our utmost priority and we want to be there for you. While we are working on some new initiatives for you and your family over the summer, we want you to check out some of the FREE online resources that are currently available for you.

• The Fituals - Winnipeg's 1st Lagree Studio
• Little Tank Fitness - A bodyweight workout to get the blood pumping.
• Robyn Priest - Peer support for teachers, parents, employers, and organizations
• Sara Riel - Counselling & Health Services
• West Broadway Youth Outreach - Homework club, dance, yoga and other fun activities for kids
• COVID-19 Time Capsule - Have your children make a keepsake of this moment for us to look back on.
• True North Foundation: Project 11 - Mindful Moment 21 Day Challenge (Grades 3-8)
• The Shameless Circle - Weekly Chat n' Check-In

Stay connected with us through our newsletter or social media platforms for tips, tricks, and fun family activities while we navigate the pandemic. What affects one, affects us all. 

I have seen such growth and changes over the years, and see constant examples of how the work that we do is an integral part of health and healing. I am so excited to continue creating a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable community.  -Rhonda Elias-Penner, Thrives Executive Director

Hello! My name is Kathy. I have resided in the Downtown area of Winnipeg for over 28 years. I left 2 abusive relationships and was a single mother of 2 when I came across Pregnancy Distress Services on Furby Street in the early 1990’s. I never knew such a place existed. This began my journey with what is now known as Thrive! I started to take advantage of the programming that was offered. I was now a mother of 4; 2 older ones in elementary, a toddler and a newborn. During my time at the Family Community Centre, I connected with a lot of other families and took full advantage of the respite program. Shortly after, I began volunteering at the Spence Street Thrift Shop. I enjoyed the atmosphere, others who volunteered there, which led me to volunteering on a regular basis.  Tragedy struck my family in 2008 with the loss of my partner. It left me and my family devastated. In the days that followed, a lot of family and friends stopped by. I was surprised to see three workers from the Family Community Centre at the funeral service. It was then that I knew these people who worked at Thrive, really genuinely cared for the families that access and utilize their programs and services. 

The next two years were a blur, a roller coaster of emotions and changes. I was now a widow and a single mother of 4. I felt so lost and devastated with little to no help from family. This went on for around three years. I found myself once again at the Family Community Centre. 

Fast forward again a few years, I was now in need of childcare for my now three year old son. After getting my son into the Thrive Child Care, I decided to start working on myself once again. I wanted to build myself up both mentally and emotionally. I started accessing therapy through what is now Thrive Community Support Circle.  I took a “Loss and Grief” program while still accessing therapy.  

It was at this point I decided to start volunteering once again at the Thrive Thrift Shop. I stayed there for awhile till I was asked if I would like to volunteer at the Thrive Resource Centre located next door. I was kind of hesitant at first. I was also nervous and scared to volunteer on that side because I have never worked there before.  In November 2018, while I was volunteering at the Thrive Resource Centre, I was offered a casual position! I really enjoy it. Thrive was and still is very helpful and they go out of their way to help you in whatever situation you are in. It was here that I finally realized what I wanted to do in life. I want to help people.  At this time, I am proud to say I have applied to enter into upgrading my education. From there I plan on enrolling in the Family Support Worker program at Urban Circle Training Centre. If it wasn’t for the opportunity of having to volunteer at the Thrive Resource Centre, I wouldn’t have known how fulfilling it is to be able to be a part of a support team for individuals.  Thrive has been and continues to be a very important part of my life and healing journey. I honestly don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for all of the support Thrive has given me. I can’t say thank you enough to Thrive for being there when I needed you. You are truly a blessing to the community!

Thrive Community Support Circle is an inner-city agency dedicated to cultivate family, to empower individuals, and to grow community by offering a wide variety of the best quality services and programs, to support women, men and children of all ages and at all stages in life.

When the Adams family founded Thrive Community Support Circle began in 1973 as a crisis line for pregnant women (Formerly Pregnancy Distress Service & Pregnancy and Family Support Services Inc.), they never imagined they would expand to be such an important resource and staple of the West End community. 

Through a participant-led holistic approach to health and healing, they provide practical and basic needs like food, clothing, safety, and family supports, such as; parenting , child care, community resources, and support for physical, emotional, and spiritual health.  

Thrive believes people and community will always be successful when you have cooperation, collaboration and communication with one another… we couldn’t agree more. 

Join I AM LOVE PROJECT's fundraiser this month in support of a non-profit organization that has truly been caring for women and families of Winnipeg for generations. Thrive Community Support Circle: A Resource Centre, Therapy Department,  Child Care Centre, Thrift Shop and so much more.

Visit their website for more information on how you can support Thrive Community Support Circle by donation or volunteering.

 

in February, communities donated their love and support to Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer, a charity committed to providing financial assistance to those receiving breast cancer treatment or follow-up care.

Misfortune, suffering, hardship, distress, setbacks - these are just a few of the many challenges faced by women undergoing breast cancer treatment or recovery. 

In 2005, a small group of Manitobans recognized this need was not being addressed by the health care system and decided to do something about it. In 2020, Helping Hands will have provided financial assistance for uninsured medical/treatment cost, transportation to/form appointments, parking at hospital/doctor's office, and other support care services including Lymphedema garments and wigs for breast cancer patients for 15 years. We’d like to take a moment to celebrate that.

"I wish to express my gratitude for your cheque to cover my transportation costs. Women lose so much in wages, their CPP contributions are lost, and so many out of the pocket expenses, but thanks to your organization I can pay this most important bill." Bonnie - Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer Recipient 

From transportation costs and prescription drugs, to the myriad expenses that arise, patients are in desperate need of financial support. Not only for these out-of-pocket expenses, but to support the loss in wages and CPP contributions.

"You truly do understand how difficult life can get when a person gets sick.”- Myra, Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer Recipient 

Helping Hands has become an invaluable guardian angel for recipients of their love and financial support. When treatment and recovery left patients and their families feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, Helping Hands greatly lightens the load, allowing those in need to focus on getting through treatment, supporting their family, and beginning to start a new life.

We at I AM LOVE Project are so full of love for this charity and encouraged to see our community support by joining the CHAIN OF LOVE: Self-Development Workshop - "Falling in Love with You" February fundraiser and purchasing the crystal charity bracelet. 

We at I AM LOVE Project are so full of gratitude for this charity and we are encouraged to see the community come together to assist those in need. Support them through our CHAIN OF LOVE: Self-Development Workshop - “Falling in Love with You” and by purchasing our crystal charity bracelet.

The impact of your support can shift the entire trajectory of a person’s life. When we are able to give with abundance, we hold space for others to do the same. When we generously support others, it comes back to us tenfold.

By supporting women in need, we support the global community of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. When women are empowered, the collective whole can heal. When we heal each other, we heal ourselves.

Spread the love with I AM LOVE and Helping Hands by joining our workshop and purchasing one of our beautiful bracelets, and watch the abundance flow

On January 26, 2020 we supported Inspire Community Outreach, an incorporated non-profit social services agency which truly leads our community to greatness through our fundraiser, Starting Strong: Finding Gold in Your To Do List and a soothing, healing, aromatic, crystal sound bath. A time to cleanse, clear out the old, and make way for the year ahead!

By providing culturally informed, family-centred education and programming, Inspire Community Outreach has become an invaluable resource that benefits the overall well being of families in Winnipeg living with unique challenges, like cognitive, neurological, physical and mental health disabilities. 

It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder making this the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide. The impact of mental health concerns extend beyond the daily struggles of the individual but into the home, the classroom, and the world. 

Inspire Community Outreach Inc. exists for our community and is run by our community, working with amazing people and organizations everyday! From therapists to teachers, clinical case managers and social workers, to parents, researchers, experts and passionate volunteers.

Their first funds allowed them to reach 1000s of children and family members over a year, and gave this small but mighty volunteer ream the encouragement to continue, currently supporting nearly 3000 community members yearly, through free programs, education, advocacy and one-on-one support. Inspire is almost run entirely on small donations through the year, and we could not be more happy to help support them in their vision.

We are honoured to have Brie Henderson of Brie's Botanicals grace us with calming crystalline tones and aromatherapy anointments to help install a deep sense of relaxation. Sound vibrations clear away stress and anxiety, while improving circulation and stimulating the immune system. All you have to do is lie back and let the sound do the healing!

Following this beautiful meditative experience, we are blessed with the presence of Winnipeg entrepreneur, coach, writer and speaker: Linda Drosdowech. She will show us how to create and stick to a To Do List that moves you from procrastination to productivity. Linda is a passionate woman, committed to helping other women achieve their goals by adding simple yet brilliant productivity tools into their daily lives. She empowers women to tap into their confidence, power and potential, and to live life on their own terms.

Regardless of your goals and where you're at, we can work figure it out together! 

This November, as the snow piles on and we brace ourselves for another Winnipeg Winter, we are bringing the charity You Can't Spoil A Baby into the spotlight.

Striving since November 2011 to bring love into people's lives, they are in their 8th year of connecting members of our communities with once-loved baby items. Donors can drop off the items at one of 40+ drop spots, and the You Can't Spoil A Baby team collects, wraps, and distributes these items to people in need of them.

Not only do they work to help reduce child poverty, they also work to reduce the environmental footprint, operating from their homes, vehicles, and donated office spaces, keeping costs low and using as little resources as they can.

In support of You Can't Spoil A Baby and the heart-warming work they do, we are excited to be bringing back the Serenity crystal bracelet this month. 

D'Arcy Johnston, a former Animal Health Technician, saw the need for an Animal Rescue Centre, and officially opened its doors in November 2001. Being a not-for-profit organization, the operations of D'Arcy's ARC are focused on providing shelter, veterinary care, and adoption services for stray and abandoned pets in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas.  Since 2001, over 15,000 animals have found permanent homes through the ARC.

D'Arcy's ARC provides a service to these animals in need of compassion and understanding, a comfortable and safe living space, an opportunity for socialization, assistance with emotional issues, and so much more.  Their commitment to the community is to find solutions for animals they do not have space for, to provide knowledgeable guidance post-adoption.  They strive to build meaningful and lasting relationships with the community, and the I Am Love Project wants to help protect these loveable beings.

Animals are not disposable, temporary or a matter of convenience.  This value defines the ARC's purpose and practice.  Every living being deserves a chance at compassion and understanding.  The I Am Love Project was built on that premise and who's to say it should stop with human beings?

Check out our September bracelets and event in support of D'Arcy's ARC to help give these animals a chance at a loving and safe environment.

September is about building a solid foundation for success! Let's ensure that every child has the opportunity to start the day right with a healthy meal.

A successful day of learning and growth of a child, begins with a healthy meal. The Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting children in school with breakfast, snack, and lunch programs across all regions of the province. This generous and passionate organization serves over 29,000 children and teens yearly with successful results reaching well beyond the schools themselves, but into the communities, and life at home.

"Every kid that walks through the doors of this building, has the opportunity to start the day right." Kevin Clace, Principal, Morris School

Inspired by the core values: Belonging, Acceptance and Generosity, truly unique programs have been created, from breakfast carts to salad bar Tuesday's! Arglye Alternative High School offers their students the opportunity to collaborate in the creation of meal plans and hands on experience in the kitchen, while learning about healthy alternatives. the benefits of these programs reach far beyond the school itself, not only affecting academics, but the community, and life at home. 

"What we put into our children's bodies is just as equally important as what we put in their minds." Deb Versus, Program Coordinator, Gillis School

Over the last 18 years, the CNCM has raised over $2 million dollars to support almost 250 school and community based nutrition programs, serving 29,000 children and teens each year. A team of passionate individuals in Health, Education, Social Services, Community Service Agencies, and Business, have come together, not only to create and run these incredible programs, but to raise awareness for the need for Food and Nutrition Policies in schools. It has become a guiding voice behind these policies, and is always looking for new program and partnership opportunities. Consider how you might be able to partner or donate.

Another option is to get in touch with local schools and ask about their "Breakfast Program," you'll be surprised by the number. Ask them what they need and how you can support. Consider doing a food drive, connect businesses/restaurants that can cook food or perhaps volunteer your time in the morning. 

It truly takes a village to raise a child.