MARCH 2024

HEARTHELD MAGAZINE

hello from the

HEARTHELD TEAM Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgment We acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting ground, gathering place and traveling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Metis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.

It belongs to those who came before us.

We are learning to listen, to remember, to be grateful and to allow voices previously silenced to be heard.

We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us.

As a media publication we recognize our responsibilities and roles in sharing these stories and our contributions within narratives. We hold ourselves and Heartheld accountable for these, and pledge to embrace the heart of the treaty with love.

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Jasmine Jenne

Jessica Schultz

Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Heartheld Moments

Executive Editor Grace-Filled Business

Chris Neumann

Jesseca van der Loop

Balancing Business

Celebrations & Inspirations

Lynn Gale

Simple Self-Care

Britney Robinson

Heart-Lived Adventures

Vickie Boechler

Annette Wolshlager

Heartheld Health

Affirmations by Annette

Lindsay MacDonald Fiddle Leaf Learning + Kids' Corner

PHOTOGRAPHY

Heartheld Photography Hi, I’m Jasmine, Creative Editorial Photographer for Heartheld Magazine. I love bringing magic to life through bold colour, creative set-ups, and collaborative ideas. Always looking to travel and explore - let’s dream big and then bring it to life.

Blackheart Photography

Black Heart Photography

Hi! I’m Felicia. I am the associate photographer for Heartheld Magazine! I’m an amateur photographer who loves capturing the candid moments, anything action packed & the sweet little smiles. I’m a busy mama to 4 kind souls, I love being in the mountains & cows make me so happy .

You can find me on instagram @_blackheartphotography.

🖤

Nicole Zee Photography Hi, I’m Nicole! I’m a Spruce Grove photographer who is drawn to beautiful natural light, calming tones, simple items, and loving connection. When I’m not taking pictures, I love painting and working in my garden. If you love light and airy, true-to-colour photos, I’d love to work with you! www.nicolezeephotography.com

Lisette LeBlanc Photography Hi, I'm Lisette! I’m a natural light photographer who resides in St Albert, AB. I have a passion for documenting details in a session to piece together a story. I also thrive on minimalist natural portraits when I am working in my studio space. Connect with me here: lisetteleblancphotography.mypixieset.com

CONTACT US || Mailing Address: c/o Jasmine Jenne, 5115 54 Avenue, Stony Plain, AB T7Z 1B8 Email: heartheldmagazine@gmail.com

FIND SELF-CARE STELLA Hidden between pages 3 - 48 of Heartheld Magazine is our very own Self-Care Stella.

When you find her, send heartheldmagazine@gmail.com an email with a photo of your magazine and the page number you found her on to be entered to win A $25 gift certificate to Romantic Notions.

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CONTENTS FAMILY WELLNESS

HEARTHELD COMMUNITY

20 | Finding Balance

05 | Letter From The Editor

32 | Parents’ Corner

10 | Romantic Notions

34 | Kids’ Corner

14 | Mystic Healing + Cleansing

39 | Heartheld Health

18 | Alberta Press + Paper 43 | Advertising Community

TANGIBLE SELF - CARE 03 | Self-Care Stella

HEARTFELT LIVING

08 | Heart-Lived Adventures

15 | Celebrations & Inspirations

22 | Affirmations By Annette

27 | Spaces with Heart

26 | Self-Care Bingo

36 | Simple Self-Care

BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS 06 | Grace-Filled Business 24 | Balancing Business

FEBRUARY CORRECTION The February edition of Spaces with Heart featured beautiful photos of the home of Heartheld community members Barry and Melissa. Unfortunately, the interview we shared was incorrect and belonged to March’s Spaces with Heart feature in reference to Nathalie’s home.

If you would like to read Barry and Melissa’s interview you can find it on our website at www.heartheldmagazine.com.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Heartheld Community, As I delve into the theme of planting seeds this month, I'm struck by how our journey with Heartheld began with a simple idea planted years ago. Today, we're witnessing the fruits of those early seeds - a vibrant community dedicated to rest, rejuvenation, and self-care.

Here at Heartheld, we deeply believe that true change starts from within. By nurturing our dreams, cultivating growth, and finding inspiration in the world around us, we've created a space where kindness, compassion, and purpose thrive.

I invite you to join me in reflecting on the seeds we’ve planted and the journey that has led us to this moment. Let's celebrate the growth, the challenges overcome, and the bonds that have been formed along the way.

As we continue to evolve and grow, may this season of new beginnings inspire us to keep planting seeds of kindness, compassion, and positivity in our hearts and minds, knowing that they will bear fruit in their own time.

Thank you for being a part of our Heartheld community. I hope this edition of the magazine bring you joy and inspiration.

In love and kindness, Jasmine Jenne Editor-in-Chief || Heartheld Magazine

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Grace-Filled Business Effective, Grace-Filled Business Advice For A Digital Age

Ask A Digital Expert...

Q: What are KPIs and why are they important for marketing my business?

A: KPI is an acronym that stands for Key Performance Indicators. A key performance indicator is anything you can measure in order to determine whether or not a specific marketing strategy you have chosen has been successful.

I’ll use a social media based example to explain - let’s say you are creating a social media marketing strategy intended to raise brand awareness. A key performance you could use to gauge the success of this campaign would be the engagement on the posts in question.

Depending on your other goals, you might be most interested in how many people viewed the posts, how many shared it, or how many liked it.

KPIs will be different for every business and for every specific campaign or business goal you are monitoring.

TRUE OR FALSE? I can use any image or video I want on my business social media pages, even if they aren’t mine.

Verdict? This is FALSE! While Canadian copyright and intellectual property law does allow for “fair use” of media for personal or educational purposes, things get a bit more complicated when using media commercially. If you want to ensure you don’t infringe on someone’s IP rights, only use images that you own or have specific license to reshare.

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HOW TO STAY ORGANIZED Writer: Jess Schultz

When you own a small business, you wear ALL the hats. You are often the manager, merchandiser, sales person, marketer, and more.

It can be hard to stay on top of all the tasks required of you.

In my experience, there is no one organizational system that works for everyone. Some people love paper planners and lists, others swear by digital calendars and reminders.

I always advocate that the best system is one you will use. If you find that your day planner is collecting dust on your desk, it might be time to re-evaluate your system. Take a moment and reflect on your habits.

1. Digital, physical, or both? I’m a big fan of writing things down on paper, but I hate lugging around physical planners. I do, however, always have my phone with me. Because of this, I use my phone to plan anything I will need access to when I’m out and about.

When I’m at my desk making a task list for that day, I will write it out on paper.

2. Is it a task/event that requires a reminder at a specific time? If I’m needing to remember to do a task or attend an event at a specific time, I will put those in my phone and set reminders for appropriate intervals. If it’s a task/event that simply needs to be attended to at some point, I organize those items in list format in an appropriate location (my office, a calendar in the main living area, etc.).

3. How frequently does it need to be used? Chances are you will need to have multiple check-ins at various points. For my business, I like to set annual, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily goals and tasks. In my personal life, I like to plan most things out weekly (meal plan, chores) but also keep a calendar of each month’s events.

4. Be flexible! Most importantly, understand and accept that it’s unlikely for any one system of organizing your personal and/or professional life to last forever. In each season of life we need to be reflexive, assessing what’s working and what’s not and adjusting accordingly.

As in all parts of life, I would encourage you to approach creating organizational systems with plenty of grace. It might take time to figure out what works for you, and that’s alright. The only time we really fail at something in this life is when we choose to give up. Keep going.

🖤

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Written By: Britney Robinson

Heart-Lived Adventures Reconnecting With Your Creativity

Creativity is a beautiful journey, full of highs and lows. Whether you're juggling work, family, or other responsibilities, finding moments of inspiration can be both exhilarating and challenging. Here are some tips to help you make the most of those high creative moments and navigate the lows with grace...

When Creativity Is High Capture The Spark: Keep a journal or a notebook handy (bonus points if they are pretty and bring you joy) to jot down those bursts of inspiration.

Whether it's a new recipe idea or a creative project, having a place to store your ideas ensures they won't be lost in the hustle and bustle of life.

Let Your Imagination Soar: When creativity strikes, don't hold back!

Whether you're planning a special event or redesigning a room, let your imagination run wild. Embrace the joy of creating something truly unique and special.

Connect With Other Creatives: Join a crafting group, attend a local art class, or simply chat with other creative individuals online. Sharing ideas and experiences can be incredibly inspiring and can help fuel your own creativity.

When Creativity Is Low Create A Cozy Haven: Sometimes, all you need is a cozy nook and a warm drink to get those creative juices flowing. Create a peaceful corner in your home where you can retreat and let your mind wander. Surround yourself with things that bring you joy, whether it's a favorite book, a scented candle, or a plush blanket.

Take A Nature Break: Step outside and soak up the beauty of nature. A walk in the park or a visit to a botanical garden can be incredibly rejuvenating and can help clear your mind. Listen to the sounds of birds chirping, feel the breeze on your skin, and let nature inspire you.

Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining a healthy creative flow. Whether it's a relaxing bath, a yoga session, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply, make self-care a priority.

When you take care of yourself, you'll find that your creativity naturally begins to flourish once again.

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Creativity is the spark that ignites imagination, the fuel that drives innovation, and the magic that transforms dreams into reality.

Meditation and Journaling Prompts Do one action of self-care each day and add a heart to the grid to track your progress.

FAVOURITE SONGS

To My Future Self...

Things that bring me joy...

People I want to connect with soon...

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Celebrating 20+ Years in Business

Romantic Notions

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A Local Boutique For Every Body Step into the world of Romantic Notions, where bras are just the beginning!

This speciality store is all about celebrating every body, offering inclusive sizes from AA to O. But it's not just bras – they've got your swimwear, ladies' fashion, and even men's lounge wear covered!

In our chat with the Romantic Notions team, we explore their passion for making everyone feel fabulous and find out what sets them apart in the world of intimate apparel.

Where did this journey start?

Robin's journey started with first being a client of Debi's Intimates and eventually blossomed into a friendship, and then a partnership (but not that kind ). Debi’s Intimates would eventually become Romantic Notions with Robin as the sole owner, however Debi and Robin remain great friends to this day!

😉

Romantic Notions has changed through the years, and what started as a small bra store now carries a huge selection of everything from bras to men's loungewear. The warm feeling people get from this store is a byproduct of a team that are more friends than co-workers and who share a love of empowering women.

The why behind it all...what was the heart and motivation behind this adventure?

Both Debi and Robin had above average cup sizes, and struggled to find comfortable bras that also were pretty and feminine. Wanting to make sure other women did not struggle the same, they started vetting bra brands and companies to find ones that had the quality and variety they wanted. Once they found them, they were excited to share them with other women who wanted more from their undergarments.

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Our team is more than just co workers, they are friends and family!

In our store, it's like hanging out with friends. We laugh together, face the struggles together, and genuinely care about our clients.

It's not just about selling; it's about shopping alongside you. Whether it's getting you ready for a party or supporting you in your day-to-day, we've got your back. We don't treat you like a customer; we treat you like a friend we’re helping shop!

So, kick back, have a laugh, and let's make your time in our store feel like a shopping trip with your squad!

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Romantic Notions Bingo How to Play: Grab your bingo card from the magazine. Have fun shopping, complete the tasks below at Romantic Notions, and share your progress on social media to be entered to win a prize!

CONNECT WITH US

Shop and Share to Win: Mark off bingo squares for each task or item you buy. Try to complete one line in any direction. Be sure to snap a pic and share on social media when you visit Romantic Notions (and don’t forget to tag @heartheldmagazine).

In-Person

Be Entered to Win a Prize: Share your completed bingo card (one line, any direction) on social media and tag @heartheldmagazine. That’s it! You're automatically entered to win a prize once you share your completed bingo card. Stay tuned for winner announcements on our website and social media.

Refer a friend

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#30 210 McLeod Ave Spruce Grove

Online www.romanticnotions.ca

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Mystic Healing and Cleansing a natural way to heal

~ where energy meets harmony ~

rei·ki (/ˈrākē/): A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

Reiki is a gentle yet powerful healing practice that taps into the universal life energy to promote overall well-being. By facilitating the flow of this vital energy through a practitioner's hands, Reiki helps individuals find relief from stress, emotional imbalances, and physical ailments.

This holistic approach not only aids in relaxation but also accelerates the body's natural healing processes.

The benefits of Reiki extend to improved mental clarity, emotional harmony, and a deeper connection to one's inner self, offering a path to profound selfawareness and spiritual growth. Whether you seek stress relief, physical healing, or a renewed sense of purpose, Reiki can be a transformative journey towards balance, vitality, and inner peace.

connect with me

Connect with me

Phone: 587-337-2393 Email: mystichealingandcleansing@gmail.com

Find us social media! mystichealingandcleansing mystichealingandcleansing

re·flex·ol·o·gy (/rēflekˈsäləjē/): Reflexology is a nurturing practice that fosters deep relaxation and self-care. By gently applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears, this holistic therapy promotes a sense of well-being and balance within the body. Each reflex point corresponds to different organs and systems, offering a gentle way to support overall health.

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Incorporating reflexology into your self-care routine can help reduce stress, alleviate tension, and enhance your body's natural healing abilities. It's a soothing and comforting practice that encourages you to prioritize your well-being and connect with your body's needs.

D E R V A N B Y : J E S S E C A W R I T T E N

S T R E S S - F R E E

E V E N T

M A G I C

FROM DRESSY CASUAL TO BLACK TIE: NAVIGATING DRESS CODES FOR EVERY INVITATION

L O O P

Celebrations & Inspirations

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Have you ever found yourself staring at an invitation, wondering, "What do they mean by that?" Whether attending a formal event or joining a casual gathering, mastering dress codes is crucial for leaving a positive impression and seamlessly blending into diverse social settings.

Navigating these style guidelines not only ensures you fit in with the norms and expectations of each event but also allows you to feel at ease, exude confidence, and maintain a professional appearance. Join me in demystifying dress codes and discovering how to effortlessly navigate them with style and confidence!

Black Tie When your invite has the words “black tie” on it you know this is going to be a classy and sophisticated event! A black tie event is a very formal event where you will want to portray an image of elegance and sophistication. It’s usually reserved for events like weddings, charity galas, or elegant balls. For women, a full-length, formal evening gown is the go-to, accompanied by tasteful accessories like statement earrings and a clutch. Elegant high heels finish off the polished look. If the event is in a cooler climate, a classy shawl or evening wrap can be a stylish addition.

Men should opt for a well-fitted black tuxedo, complemented by a crisp white dress shirt, polished leather dress shoes and, true to its name, “black tie attire” includes a black silk bow tie.

Accessories such as a pocket square and an elegant watch add the finishing touch to the ensemble.

“In a tuxedo I’m a star. In regular clothes, I’m a nobody.”

- Dean Martin 16

Formal Attire If you see “formal attire” on an invite, think of a flexible interpretation of black tie. Women can explore shorter dresses with fun prints and pops of colour, while men can opt for fitted, darkerhued suits. Black ties are optional and can be replaced with fun prints or colours. The key here is to let your personality shine through your fashion choices while maintaining an air of sophistication.

Cocktail Attire Cocktail attire strikes a balance between formal and casual. Women can choose dresses of "cocktail length" or slightly above the knee. Jumpsuits, chic pants suits, and skirts are all perfectly appropriate as well. Men can dress up with a shirt and tie or go for a more relaxed look with chinos and an unstructured suit jacket. Accessories play a crucial role in completing the ensemble, adding a touch of style and personality. If your dress is colourful consider neutral accessories, but if your outfit is neutral, consider a pop of colour for your shoes and bag.

“There's a real power in heels and a good dress.” -Talulah Riley Semi Formal Semi Formal is a smidge less formal than cocktail attire. It's a way of asking guests to wear something nice without requiring them to purchase an expensive gown or rent a tux. Examples of semi-formal attire for women include jumpsuits, pant suits and cocktail dresses. Complete the look with simple and minimalist jewelry. Men should choose a dark suit paired with a tie. Bow ties are reserved for black tie and formal events. Keep accessories simple: use a belt that matches your shoes, a pocket square that compliments the shirt, and a nice wristwatch.

Dressy Casual What does that even mean?! Dressy and casual seem like opposites but think about blending relaxed everyday pieces with more formal items. Think blouses or dress shirts combined with a blazer, dark jeans and heels or sneakers. One or two pieces of simple jewelry complete the look.

Men can opt for nice trousers and a button-down shirt and for a more polished look, a lightercoloured suit without a tie works well. It's all about pairing pieces of different formality levels.

“You can never go wrong with a pair of jeans, a cool tailored shirt, and a nice jacket. You can dress it up with a more stylish jacket or a bracelet, watch, or necklace. It's simple, but it's cool. That's my opinion.” - Julian Edelman

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Empowering young minds ABCs of Feelings Children are like little emotional sponges, soaking up feelings and learning how to deal with them as they go. As parents and caregivers, we've got a front-row seat to helping them figure it all out. One huge piece of it all?

Emotional regulation - a skill that, when learned at an early age, really helps set the stage for a happy, healthy life.

Think of emotional regulation as the ABCs of feelings. It's about helping our littles recognize, understand, and deal with all their big (okay, HUGE) feelings. It involves developing skills to label and identify different emotions, understand personal triggers for emotional responses, normalize and validate all feelings, and use helpful strategies to cope and regulate emotions in a healthy way.

When we think of emotional regulation, a lot of the time we think about a few specific things: deep breathing, counting backwards, calm down corners…

No matter what the tools are that you use with your big feelers, the idea is that we load up that tool box with different and helpful tools to make managing those feelings a whole lot easier.

When working in Emotional Behavioural Therapy and while working closely with Occupational Therapists, I loaded my own toolbox with some useful tips that have changed my parenting experience completely.

The topic of emotional regulation is so huge and probably one of the most important we will discuss. For this article I am going to focus on three strategies you may not be familiar with.

So, let’s get into it!

Tip #1: Deep Pressure Deep pressure is my secret weapon for calming my little ones – it can be used anytime, anywhere, and with almost nothing needed. Deep pressure techniques help influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the part of the nervous system responsible for regulating our breathing and heart rate, among other things. With simple deep pressure tricks, our kids' anxious and overwhelmed bodies begin to find their calm again.

With my youngest, she hit a milestone where her outbursts were nearly impossible to manage. The one thing that would help was when I would give her body little squeezes. I'd apply gentle squeezes up and down her legs and arms, which would eventually turn into me giving her a big bear hug (if she'd allow me to). She loved being swaddled as a baby, which is us as parents using deep pressure without even knowing it.

What's amazing about the internet is that you can now find so many fun products like weighted stuffed animals, weighted lap pads or blankets, and other incredible products I’ve never even heard of before.

And what’s amazing about us caregivers? We give the best hugs. So the next time your kiddo is having trouble, wrap your arms around them tightly, and just know that by doing that alone you’re helping regulate their nervous systems without over complicating a thing.

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Tip #2: Environmental Changes Something that really heightens my anxiety? Mess. Clutter. Things out of place.

Our environments have a huge effect on how we feel, especially as children. Reducing clutter, maintaining an organized space, and creating an environment in and around your home where your little one can go to to relax and feel safe and comfortable are crucial for their development. Whether it be a calm down corner filled with the best sensory tools out there or just a quiet clean space with a book, dedicate that spot specifically to help your child find their calm.

When we talk about the environment, my favorite part is the luxury of picking up our overwhelmed kiddo and heading out the door. Being in nature is one of the best cognitive and emotional boosters out there. As important as the space inside our homes is, it’s just as crucial to immerse our little ones in nature too. Going outside and practicing tuning into their senses is so helpful and fun. What can you hear? What can you see? What can you smell? Touch the tree bark, what can you feel?

Tip #3: Visual Supports While working in the field, I used visual supports to help students enhance their emotional awareness and assist my big feelers in communicating their needs for a break and for help in regulating. Visuals help children learn to regulate their emotions in a safe way, providing appropriate choices, identification of feelings, and age-appropriate tools to help process their big feelings.

I’ve attached a link to one of my favourite ready to print and use visual support boards! (Visuals not made by me, but definitely used by me).

Understanding and supporting our kiddos emotions is a crucial part of raising them. Whether it's a tight hug, a tidy space, or visual aids, these approaches offer practical ways to help your child manage their big emotions in a safe and healthy way. By incorporating these strategies, you're building a toolkit that fosters emotional well-being and guides your child through the ups and downs of all their feelings.

Thank you for reading.

Article Source

Visual Support Link Open your phone’s camera and point it at these codes.

When the yellow link button appears, click it to be directed to the website.

CONNECT WITH SHANTELLE JAMMAZ Instagram: @albertapressandpaper Website: www.albertapress.ca

ABOUT ALBERTA PRESS & PAPER 19

F I N D I N G What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?

If you're searching for a unique and transformative approach to mental health and emotional well-being, equine-assisted therapy might be right for you.

Equine-assisted therapy, also known as horse therapy, is a powerful form of therapy that combines the healing power of horses with evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

How Does Equine-Assisted Therapy Work?

Equine-assisted therapy sessions involve a client working toward their therapeutic goals through interactions with both a horse and a therapist. It involves activities such as: grooming feeding haltering leading a horse These activities are supervised by one of our equine-trained psychologists.

Over time, clients are supported in developing a relationship with one or several horses, and it is through guided exploration of this relationship that the therapeutic work occurs. This therapy modality is suitable for those struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

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B A L A N C E What Are The Benefits Of EquineAssisted Therapy?

Some clients find that they are able to face their issues faster and with more motivation through equine-assisted therapy than in a traditional officebased therapy setting.

The majority of this therapeutic work involves being with the horse on the ground. However, if the client is interested and it seems like it may be beneficial to therapeutic progress, he or she may sit on or ride the horse once a relationship has been formed.

Is Equine-Assisted Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Equine-assisted therapy may be covered by some insurance companies, but coverage can vary depending on the specific insurance policy and provider. We recommend that you contact your insurance company directly to inquire about coverage for equine-assisted therapy.

Equine-assisted therapy is one of the many modalities offered at Balance Psychological Services. If you are interested in starting your own therapy journey or are looking for equine-assisted therapy in Edmonton & area, you can reach out to the Balance team by calling (587) 985-3132 or emailing info@balancepsychservices.ca.

Disclaimer: Information provided through Balance Psychological Services' posts is meant for educational purposes only. This is NOT medical or mental health advice. If you are seeking mental health advice, please contact us directly at (587) 985-3132.

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Affirmations by Annette

INSTEAD OF REACHING OUT. I’M REACHING IN. I’M COMING HOME TO MYSELF.

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Balancing Business

Inspirations for work - life balance | Writer: Chris Neumann

From Idea to Pride: Igniting Passion in Your Business

The beginning of my journey to establish a small business was filled with excitement. Fuelled by big dreams, I dedicated myself to hard work. Wild ideas were tossed around, and failure was never an option.

However, over time, it seemed like the sparkle in my business was slowly dimming. Like all new things, the "new car smell" had worn off. How could I recapture that initial excitement and passion I once held?

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Recently, a package of merchandise I ordered for my business arrived at my doorstep. Since my business is service-based, I don't often need to order anything. As I opened the box, I saw the logo I had designed with my own two hands. It was like seeing my dream come to life!

That moment re-ignited a sense of pride in my business.

Years ago, I identified a need, had an idea to fill that need, and, with the help of those around me, I created something very real. I have assisted real people in achieving their goals. As we worked, I realized something important. My business wasn't just about making money; it was about helping real people achieve their goals. We were creating something meaningful, and that realization fuelled my passion even more.

Now, I want to share this excitement with you. If you feel like the spark in your business is dimming, remember the reasons why you started in the first place. Reflect on your dreams and goals. And just like I did, find something tangible, something real, that you can be proud of.

Whether it's a product, a service, or the positive impact you're making in people's lives, celebrate it! Share your achievements with those around you. You are doing something amazing, and it's worth getting excited about.

So, let's cheer each other on. You can do it! You are doing it! This is going to be a good year for your business.

Reignite that passion and let the sparks fly!

The "New Car Smell" Effect: The phenomenon of the "new car smell" is not just for cars! Businesses, like any new venture, experience a surge of excitement at the beginning. It's completely normal for that initial thrill to wear off, but finding ways to reignite it is what makes the journey exciting and sustainable.

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SELF-CARE Do A Gentle Yoga Flow

Water A Plant

List Ten Things You Are Grateful For

Bingo

How to Play:

Go To Bed Early

Have Coffee With A Friend

Smell A Flower

When you've completed all 9 activities on your bingo card, tag Heartheld Magazine (@heartheldmagazine) in a post or story on Instagram to let us know.

Everyone who completes their bingo card will be entered to win a prize!

Learn Something New

Drink Water

Say A Kind Word To Someone

PW Design and Co. Motherhood Subscription Floral Shadow Boxes Cake Toppers Classes and Events Let’s Connect

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@pw.design.co

THAT DECOR STUDIO BRINGS YOU...

Spaces with

HEART 27

We adore spaces filled with intentional design and heart, and we were honoured to be invited into the home of Nathalie, a Heartheld community member, to see the redesign she did!

What was your inspiration for this space and how did it come to be?

We decided to move out of the city to find some peace and tranquility and we were looking for a space surrounded by nature. Once we found our lot we knew we wanted to take advantage of the southern exposure for our long winters and we wanted to use as much material as possible that would reflects elements in nature, so we designed with a minimalist approach, keeping things open and being mindful of wasted space.

What unique elements did you include in this space to showcase your personality and style?

We tried to include something in each room that could be a conversation started. We kept our main materials to concrete, walnut wood and steel with a backdrop of white throughout. We pulled the walnut through various aspects of almost each room, did the whole house in concrete floors with radiant heat as our primary heat source and did an oversized fireplace in hot rolled steel which can also be see on the backside of the kitchen island. Our front door was a custom liquid metal finish so when people arrive they are immediately struck with something unique and entirely different.

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WWW.THATDECOR.COM

What made you choose the blinds that you chose for this space?

We wanted to have something that would blend in and be invisible to the eye when they are up, with the ability to have light come through if they are closed or partially closed. We also wanted a solid option for privacy in certain rooms when the blinds are in a fully closed position. Based on the colors and styles in the house the blinds we picked maintain a slight industrial yet classic look so they are a perfect fit.

They allow for versatility in our house and blend into the space beautifully. Whether you see them from the interior or the exterior you get the exact same effect and that was an important factor for me. Since the exterior of our house is black I wanted to ensure the exterior side of the blinds matched and blended in naturally - these do exactly that.

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing their own space?

I would say try to have a point of view, look at a ton of reference materials, go with your gut and design something you are proud of and that you love every single day. There is no right or wrong, it is simply a matter of taste and what brings you joy, happiness and peace.

WWW.THATDECOR.COM

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What did you love about working with That DeCor and Marie?

Marie was nothing but professional, kind, and knowledgeable - she graciously spent 2 different rounds of reviews with us to ensure we got exactly what we wanted and what would work best for us.

She knew her blinds, materials and pros/cons of all.

If she was unsure of something she went back to find out and always had an answer. She communicated throughout and measured twice to ensure our blinds we fit. The installation team was fast, super friendly and did an amazing job installing and showing us how everything works. I really enjoyed working with Marie and the team and would recommend their services to anyone in the areas.

I am simply grateful to have had an opportunity to build something that is uniquely us and to live in a space that offers a daily retreat and a sense of peace.

Thank you for allowing us to share a little bit about our home with you.

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Marie Lizotte aka “Dodi” Who loves window treatments?!? This girl right here is obsessed with them. Marie is a self proclaimed “thrifty” decorator and the window fashionista with the mostest.

Finding a practical niche in this industry was an aaaaaha moment for Marie. She realized how much window treatments could affect rooms and could really make or break them. You could spend a tonne on your new couch, but if the curtains look like sheets that couch is not going to shine like it could.

Window coverings are an investment and Marie will guide you through your options so you can make decisions based on what is important to you, your home, and your budget.

That DeCor also has an array of suppliers that offer unique options to suit every space. Marie believes in decorating your space from a place of heart and love and connecting with other local businesses throughout our projects.

WWW.THATDECOR.COM

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PARENTS’ CORNER By: Lindsay MacDonald

THE BEST WAY TO MULTIPLY YOUR HAPPINESS IS TO SHARE IT WITH OTHERS

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL: TO SHARE OR NOT TO SHARE Balancing the needs of your child and the desire of wanting them to become a good person can be a struggle at times. We often experience this struggle ourselves when the lines between giving your time and energy to others and taking care of yourself become blurred.

But do we recognize that this blurred line can exist for our children, too?

As adults we can balance being kind and giving of our time and resources with knowing our limits and reserving time for ourselves as needed. But our children don’t have that capacity, especially not when they are young. So how do we teach them to strike a balance?

Well, before we get into that we need to understand the correlation between the two. When we think of adults giving their time and resources we think of volunteering, donating, etc. but when it comes to children it looks more like sharing toys, sharing snacks, and giving their stuff away.

This is where it gets tricky. Let’s say for example that you want your child to share their snacks or toys with a friend and you are instructing them to do so out of kindness. This is a great quality to develop, but one that must be carefully constructed over time.

But what if your child doesn’t see the scenario the way you see it? What if they feel like they are giving something of theirs away and they won’t ever receive it back?

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What if they don’t understand why you are asking them to do this?

All of these feelings are not uncommon for young children to feel, and are totally valid.

For perspective: Imagine you just picked up a new phone, the latest model, and you run into a friend.

Would you ‘share’ your new phone with them and let them use it for a few days? Probably not.

So why would we ask our children to hand over their prized possessions?

And this is the struggle...we want our children to learn to be kind, to share, and to be good humans but we don’t want to hurt them in the process.

So where do we go from here?

Well, I still think it is important to teach children to share. But it is equally important to teach children about boundaries.

This could look like helping your child to establish what items they are okay with sharing and what items they are not okay with sharing.

Here are a few tips: Any extra special items should be for your child only and you can guide them in creating boundaries for these treasured items.

Timers are a great way to support sharing and can be used to facilitate the process. For example, if child A is the owner of a toy truck and child B would like to play with that truck, the grown-up can facilitate sharing by letting both children know the expectations: child B can use the truck for X minutes and when the timer goes it’s time for child A to have it back. Remember to keep the length of time reasonable so that both children feel that it is fair.

After your child has shared something with another and has had their item returned to them, you should praise their kindness and let them know that you appreciated them allowing their friend a short time to enjoy! Don’t forget, communication plays a key role here, too.

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Kids' Corner Hi friends, Ms. MacDonald here! This section is just for you to have some fun and learn a new joke or two!

This month we are talking about being a good friend! Here are a few ways you can be a good friend: Use kind words when talking to your friend.

Play games that you like to play and games your friend likes to play too.

Share your snacks with your friend (as long as your grown-ups say it’s okay).

Spend time with your friend.

Remember it’s okay to make new friends too!

Just Jokes

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Knock, knock

Knock, Knock

Who’s there?

Who's there?

Waa.

Says.

Waa who?

Says who?

What are you so excited about?

Says me, that’s who!

How do we know the ocean is friendly?

What do you call a tree with lots of friends?

It waves!

Poplar!

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S I M P L E

S E L F - C A R E

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

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Sometimes self-care means stepping out of our comfort zones. It’s called a comfort zone for a reason and it’s a great place to hang out!

Occasionally though it’s fun to look at, and try, something new or different – to explore a different dimension of ourselves. It’s not about making it part of your life permanently (although it can be!); instead, it’s more about the doing.

During these times, success is based on the ‘trying’. There is no failure.

I had one of these experiences last August when I participated in Mud Girl – a series of seventeen obstacles over a five km course. It’s not a race, it’s an event. It’s also all women participating – of all shapes and sizes and ages.

This day wasn’t about competition. The event is not timed. It’s you against – or with – yourself and your teammates , facing challenges and personal fears such as deep murky water, heights, and crazy slippery mud.

I was anxious and unsure but deep inside, something wanted me to do this. About halfway through the course, I relaxed and became not only a participant, but an observer. It was mind blowing and amazing.

All the women were helping each other. It didn’t matter if it was a teammate or a stranger.

Verbally, physically, and mentally, women were joining hands, pushing butts (literally!) and dragging each other up and over mud mountains, through pools of mud, over and under obstacles, and up and down slides and netting. It was one of the most perfect, exhilarating, and life-affirming moments of my life. And there wasn’t only one - the whole event was full of them, from start to finish.

Written By: Lynn Gale

It made me curious about why this experience was so earth-shattering to me. I pondered the fact that men grow up in a culture that typically exemplifies teamwork but usually women’s pursuits are more individualized. For example, hockey versus figure skating. Some exceptions are soccer and women’s hockey but those are relative newcomers.

As I mentioned in an earlier column, it’s usually woman versus woman in our culture – in workplaces, in relationships, in personal lives. Seeing women supporting each other is uplifting and the sense of camaraderie takes your breath away. How powerful and successful women become when we boost each other up instead of tearing each other down!

I missed three of the obstacles – the tall climb and slide, the teeter totter (too many memories of getting whacked on the butt or head by those babies), and the final climb over. My fear of heights and falling got the best of me, although I did get part way up each one, only to turn around when my vision blurred because my limbs were turning to spaghetti in fear. I had hit the wall.

BUT I was still successful! I tried, I went, I played, I conquered fourteen, and I failed three. That’s 82% MORE of a win than I would have had if I hadn’t even gone to the event. And yes, I will do it again next year and see if I can get past one of my three walls.

Consider what you can do to step outside your own comfort zone. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. One of my favourite artists, Jann Arden, says this: “You can do hard things”.

Yes, you can do hard things … just look inside and you will see.

Namaste.

P.S. The Heartheld community is a wonderful example of women supporting women. While we do not actually play in the mud, sometimes it feels like we are over our heads. Each issue is a sparkling testament to Jasmine and her team, of which I am proud to be part.

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POETRY CORNER Seeing Clearly Voir Clairement I saw some cool steampunk glasses endless arms, lenses of all colours and abilities.

Each one designed to see where usually eyes could not into souls into dreams into fears.

Into someone’s very essence.

Seeing clearly what not one else did through eyes unaided by magic and illusion.

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From L’Opacite: A Collection of Poetry/Une collection de poé, 2023

heartheld health Written By: Vickie Boechler

HEADS UP! PROTECT YOUR BRAIN FROM INJURY “Brain injuries are like snowflakes and fingerprints. No two are the same” Wendy Renzuller A really warm welcome to our March issue of Heartheld. We are all so excited because spring is on the way! This month, I want to talk about brain injury because March is brain injury awareness month.

In March, Albertans are still curling, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling waiting for the first signs of spring.

When the snow is gone, and the pavement is clean, bicycles, motorcycles and e-bikes start appearing. Later, as the weather becomes warmer, jet-skiing, water-skiing and boating become popular. There are so many recreational activities that put our brains at risk, and these are just a handful of them.

What is a Concussion? A brain injury is called a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move back and forth rapidly (such as in motor vehicle accidents). This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce back-and-forth, around, or twist inside the bony skull, creating changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells and causing swelling and bleeding in the brain. Depending on the type of head injury you might have a mild concussion or a serious concussion. (CDC, ND).

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion Soon after the head injury, signs and symptoms begin to show up. You may not know at first how serious the injury is, and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes after the head injury the person might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later might not remember how he/she got hurt. Some head injury symptoms can even last a few months.

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The More Dangerous Signs & Symptoms of a Concussion (CDC, 2019) • When checking the persons pupils with a light, one pupil may be larger than the other.

• Some people become drowsy or cannot wake up at all after they fall asleep.

• The person develops a headache that gets worse and worse and does not go away.

• The person has slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.

• The person has episodes of vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).

• There may be unusual behaviour for that person such as increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

• There may be a loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously.

• The person does not know anyone, the time, place or what day/month it is.

• The person has balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.

• The person may be bothered by light or noise.

Head Injuries in Babies and Toddlers may be harder to spot. Changes to watch for include inconsolable crying or fussing, refusing to nurse or eat, vomiting more than once, swelling of the head or the baby’s soft spot, balancing difficulties when sitting or walking, and being unresponsive.

An adult or child experiencing some or all of these symptoms after a brain injury should be assessed by a physician. If any of the more dangerous signs and symptoms are present, the injured person should be assessed in emergency as soon as possible. Another option is to call 811-Health Link to be assessed virtually by a registered nurse who will tell you what to do next. When in doubt, always call 911 first.

Child Safety Make living and play areas safer for children. Make sure your child’s playground meets the playground safety standards. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) developed standards about safe materials, installation, equipment, surfacing, layout, maintenance and other information to help keep children safe in playgrounds. To make sure your playground is safe and CSA compliant, ask an inspector certified by the Canadian Playground Safety Institute (CPSI) to visit your playground. Visit the Canadian Certified Playground Inspectors Directory online at cpsionline.ca to find an inspector. The whole community can reduce playground injuries such as head injuries by following CSA guidelines.

Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows. In high-rise apartments with low windows the child is most at risk. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs for young children living in the home. All it takes is for an infant or child to crawl or walk to the stairs and tumble down the steps resulting in a head injury that was preventable. Toddlers and young children are no different – some children have no fear even though they have good depth perception (seeing in 3D) (Turbet, 2020).

Child Seat Safety From birth to 2 years of age: a rear-facing car seat is recommended.

From 2 to 6 years of age (or weighing <40 lbs): must be properly restrained in a forward-facing car seat.

Children over 6 years of age or weighing >40 lbs: should use a booster seat until they reach the maximum height and weight (as stated by the manufacturer) and a seat belt fits properly. (RCMP, 2023).

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Treatment Before a physician can treat a person’s head injury, a CAT Scan may be done to help them pinpoint the location of the brain injury and how serious it may be. The CAT Scan is the test of choice for detecting an acute clinically important brain injury (NICE, 2023). The doctor will do an assessment and history and ask if there have been other concussions, any mental health disorders, any learning disabilities, and if there are any stressors in the person’s life. Treatment is sometimes decided by a team on a case-by-case basis. Each brain injury in a person is unique and treatment is customized by the physician or specialist for that person. Follow up is essential so the physician can track progress or worsening symptoms; brain injury recovery can take a very long time!

Long Term Effects of Brain Injury Individuals who survive a severe traumatic brain injury may be left with impairments or disabilities in one or many areas (Gueli, 2023) such as: • Senses: hearing, sight, smell, touch • Cognition: ability to process information or follow directions, memory, judgment, and attention span • Motor skills: paralysis, spasticity, balance, coordination • Communication: speaking, understanding speech, choosing correct words, reading, writing • Activities of Daily Living: dressing, bathing, cooking, eating, paying bills, driving a car • Social Skills: relationships, making friends, responding to other people • Regulation: sleeping, bowel, or bladder control • Psychology: mood changes, anxiety, depression, aggression

Disclaimer: The information in this article was prepared by Vickie Boechler BScN, MN and is intended for information purposes only, not to give health advice. This information does not replace the health advice of a physician or any other health care professional.

RESOURCES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Check for safety: A home fall prevention checklist for older adults Accessed Nov 4/23 online at Check For Safety A Home Fall Prevention Checklist For Older Adults (cdc.gov) Communicable Disease Control. (ND). Traumatic brain injury and concussion. Accessed online Nov 5/23 at Prevention | Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC Injury Center Communicable Disease Control. (2019). Concussion signs and symptoms checklist. Accessed online Nov 4, 2023 at Concussion Sigand Symptoms Checklist (cdc.gov).

Gueli, C. (ND). (5 Critical Head Injuries from Car Accidents: Signs and Symptoms (injuryclaimcoach.com) Accessed online Nov 10/23.

Krutchfield, K. (2022). 5 Reasons You Should Wear a Helmet (hackensackmeridianhealth.org) Accessed online Nov 4, 2023 Preventing injury: Traumatic Brian Injury & Concussion. (2023). Accessed Nov 5/23 online at Injury Center | CDC Medical Guardian (2023). The Most Common Places You're Most Likely to Fall Around the Home - Senior Safety | Medical Alert Blog (medicalguardian.com) accessed Nov 5/23 online.

NICE (2023). Head injury: assessment and early management (2023). Accessed online on Nov 5/23 at Head injury: assessment and early management (nice.org.uk) Playground Safety Design Guide | Playground Safety Checklist (playpowercanada.ca) accessed online Nov 10, 2023.

Royal Canadian Monted Police. (2023). Alberta RCMP educates motorists on child seat safety | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca) Accessed online Nov 11/23.

Statistics - Brain Injury Canada. accessed online Nov 10, 2023.

Turbet, D (2020). Vision Development: Childhood. Vision Development: Childhood - American Academy of Ophthalmology (aao.org) accessed online Nov 10, 2023.

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How do I take care of my brain?

You can take care of your brain through prevention-it is the best option (Preventing injury: Traumatic Brian Injury & Concussion, 2023). Remember, the only natural protection between your brain and injury is the bony skull. That is not enough protection during high-risk activities.

Always wear a seatbelt while driving and ensure the passengers are wearing theirs before driving the vehicle.

Wear a helmet while riding horses, bicycles, e-bikes, motorcycles, allterrain vehicles, and while enjoying winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

In your home, eliminate all scatter rugs and secure cords that cross pathways or find another route for the cords.

Make your home well lit.

Install grab bars in the bathroom and use a rubber mat in the tub.

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Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Be aware of playground safety to help your children avoid injuries when accessing a public playground.

Fall Prevention is important in older adults because of the high risk for brain injury when falling. Falls are not a natural part of aging-that is a myth! Falls are the leading cause of death from injury for older adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017).

Ask your family physician to evaluate your risk for falling and discuss specific things you can do to reduce your risk for a fall.

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CARING FOR TEENS IN OUR

COMMUNITY Life is complex. Teenagers today face more pressure than ever before. Young Life's volunteers are role models striving to create meaningful mentoring relationships between leaders and teens and to create spaces where teens are listened to and where questions of life and faith can be discussed.

Our staff and volunteers have been actively serving students across the Parkland community for close to 30 years, immersing themselves in the world of teenagers, focusing on what matters to them: fun, adventure, friendship, and a sense of significance and belonging.

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Everyone is welcome regardless of faith, race, ability or socioeconomic background.

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Edition 3.3