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The Ripple Effect

@ripple_effect_project_

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💕Acts of kindness. Waves of impact
💌Notes to strangers & inspiring conversations
🗓️SMILE MILE - Nov. 11th @ 6pm

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ST. PETE, ARE YOU READY TO SPREAD SOME MORE KINDNESS?! 🥹💕🫶

The Smile Mile is BACK on Wednesday, November 11th, and we can’t wait to bring our community together for another night of spreading love, joy, hope, encouragement and making as many people smile as possible.

The mission is simple: spread as much love and kindness as possible and be the reason someone smiles 💌

It’s been so powerful to see this community come together united around a common purpose 🥹💕We’ll start by hangin out and writing notes of encouragement, then head out on a 2-mile walk along the pier passing them out to strangers along with ice pops flowers and a whole lotta hugs and high fives.

And of course, thank you to the amazing businesses partnering with us 🥰

🧊 @saintjamesicedtea — Free iced tea & hats!
🍦 @kop_tampabay — Ice pops!
🌸 @theroamingpetal — flowers!

📅 Wednesday, November 11th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Vinoy Park - Truth Sculpture

Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first Smile Mile, we’d LOVE to see you there! All are welcome - kids and pets too!!

Together, let’s make St. Pete the kindest city in America, one note, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time. 💙

Tag a friend you’d love to bring and help us spread the word! 🫶

#TheRippleEffect #SmileMile #StPete #SpreadKindness #BeTheRipple by @ripple_effect_project_

Thank you to Channel 8 News @wfla for having us on the show and helping shine a light on Men’s Mental Health and the importance of normalizing these types of conversations. Thank you for spreading awareness about this mission to inspire everyday acts of kindness and promote mental in our communities, especially during a time when we need connection more than ever❤️🥺🫶

In June, @ericacholland and I met so many incredible men who opened up about their struggles, shared words of hope, and reminded me just how many of them are quietly carrying more than we realize.

If Men’s Mental Health has taught me anything, it’s that we need to check in on our friends, loved ones, coworkers. We need to connect with strangers because you never know how it’ll impact their life. there is so much power in a small act of kindness. It isn’t just a nice gesture - it’s an invitation to connect. A flower becomes a conversation. A conversation becomes hope. And hope has a way of rippling further than you can imagine. You literally just never know how something seemingly so small to you can mean everything to someone else who is going through a difficult time.

My hope is that this inspires all of us to slow down, reach out, and remind others they’re loved, they’re needed, and they’re not alone.

After losing my friend Ryan to mental health last week, it broke my heart - he was the biggest proponent of love kindness and connection. Beneath the smile he was struggling more than I knew and i will continue to honor him in the way I move through the world with love.

sometimes the smallest act of kindness leaves the biggest mark on someone’s heart. 🌊🤍

The month might be over but we will continue to spread love and joy through notes and flowers thanks to the generosity of @ericacholland @theroamingpetal - being able to spread joy with one of my best friends is such a gift.

Full interview is here and in my bio:
https://www.wfla.com/daytime/the-project-giving-men-their-flowers/
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Love | Kindness | Healing | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay by @ripple_effect_project_

I almost didn’t post this because it was hard to even process…but I pray it reaches and inspires all of us to be kind and love others.

I have not stopped thinking and praying about this man. I tried to get him to stop but he drove off when the light changed. I was pretty much hanging on his car, but I wish I had more time and had done more 😭😭

This interaction has stayed with me because it was a reminder of how real mental health is. So many people are fighting battles we know nothing about.

Kindness matters. Connection matters.

It doesn’t have to be some big gesture. Sometimes it’s just a few words of encouragement. A moment that says, “I’m glad you’re here”. a prayer that lifts their soul 🥹

Because you never know who might need it ❤️
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Love | Kindness | Healing | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay by @ripple_effect_project_

Absolutely terrified to post this, but here we go. 🥹❤️ Asking for help has never come easy to me, but this mission means the world to me, and I know I can’t do it alone.

It’s been a little over a year and a half since I took a leap of faith and walked away from the corporate world to build The Ripple Effect. And it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I’ve witnessed firsthand just how powerful kindness can be.

Someone feels less alone because you took the time to listen. Someone decides to keep going because of your words of encouragement. Someone feels seen, loved, and valued because of your kindness.

And through all the beautiful people I’ve met and stories I’ve heard, I’ve realized just how much we need more of this in the world 💕🫶🥹

I truly believe God placed this mission on my heart for a reason, and I’m nowhere near finished. I’ve recently returned to my corporate career to support myself while continuing to pour my heart into The Ripple Effect. But to keep growing and reaching more people, I need your help ❤️

Whether it’s $1, $10, $100, or whatever you’re able to give, every donation goes toward bringing this mission to life. From printing and writing thousands of handwritten notes of encouragement to organizing community events, bringing moments of joy into hospitals and schools, and creating opportunities for strangers to connect, your support helps us reach more people and spread more love, kindness, and hope.

Because you never know what someone is going through. And at the heart of everything we do is one simple reminder: You matter. You are loved. And you are not alone. And that can change everything 💕

If this mission has touched your heart, I’d be so incredibly grateful for your support. And if you can’t donate, sharing this post means just as much🫶

❤️ Donate through the link in my bio. Let’s see how many more lives we can touch and ripples we can create together🌊

Venmo name: @ripple_effect_project
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Love | Kindness | Healing | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay by @ripple_effect_project_

The perspective shift I didn’t know I needed today from a stranger 💕🫶

I often find myself feeling like there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done. I want to do more, help more people, and make the most of every day.

Today, Dontell reminded me that slowing down doesn’t mean doing less. It means being more present for the things we’re doing, especially when we’re doing something for someone else.

He reminded me that rushing through life is a surefire way to miss out on it.

Maybe the goal isn’t to fit more into our days, but to be more present in the moments we’re given ❤️

Love ya 💕
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Love | Kindness | Healing | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay by @ripple_effect_project_

“Love yourself and love others” 💕🫶 thank you @troy.sincere for the words of encouragement and for being a light in this world. Thank you for reminding us it’s ok to be grateful and still struggle. Gratitude doesn’t erase your problems but it helps give you the perspective to get through them knowing there is always joy to be found in this exact moment. There is always hope and there is always something to be grateful for 💕❤️
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Love | Kindness | Healing | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay by @ripple_effect_project_

Every day is a new opportunity 💕❤️

If you’re in a tough season just remember the storms don’t last forever. Share with someone who needs the reminder ❤️ by @ripple_effect_project_

NYC will always have a piece of my heart 🥹🫶 it was so amazing and truly a full circle moment to come back to the place that held so many versions of me 🥹❤️

I spent 9 years here during my 20s. It’s where I grew, where I broke, where I learned some of life’s hardest lessons, and where I spent years searching for things I thought would make me feel whole.

I looked like I had it all together - the career, money, friends, family, social life - but inside I was anxious, depressed, and lost. I knew deep down my soul was here to help others and make an impact.

I took years, a lot of tears, a lot of courage and a ton of faith to eventually lead me here with the Ripple Effect.

Looking back, I can see how God was working in my life even when I couldn’t see it. Even in the darkest seasons, He never stopped pursuing me.

Sometimes the places that once held our deepest pain become the places where we get to see just how far God has brought us.

I’m still figuring things out. Still navigating hard days. Still learning to trust God’s plan when it looks so different from my own.

But one thing I’ve learned is that we don’t have to have it all together to make a difference in someone else’s life.

For so many years, I thought strength meant hiding my struggles. Smiling through the pain. Making sure nobody knew what was really going on beneath the surface.

Today, I’m learning that there’s so much more strength in being vulnerable. In showing up exactly as we are. In letting people know they’re not alone.

And sometimes, when we’re struggling to find our own light, the most beautiful thing we can do is go be a light for someone else.

A hug. A smile. A kind word. A reminder that someone cares. You never know what someone is carrying and a simple act of kindness can literally change someone’s life.

What city should we bring free hugs to next?!
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What an iconic Sunday with @theclubtampabay at @stpetepier 🥹💕🫶🩷 so much love, so much @drinkolipop and so many hugs 🥹

This community is truly special and I’ll never take for granted what a blessing it is to be part of it. to be able to go out and do what I love.

A hug can change someone’s day, and it can change their life. Love you all - thank you for being part of the ripple 💕 thank you to my girl @_sayea_ as always 📸📸and thank you to all the amazing businesses who keep us fueled hydrated and fit
@drinkolipop
@celsiusofficial
@bolay
@kop_tampabay
@sanawellnessbar
@theyardgym__stpete
@bodyroktampabay
@beachtownyoga
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Love | Kindness | wellness | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay community by @ripple_effect_project_

“Your best days are still ahead.” 🥹🫶💕

What an amazing night out in the streets of NYC last week. I love this reminder because when you’re going through a difficult season, it can be hard to see beyond what’s right in front of you. But there are still so many beautiful moments to experience, people to meet, places to see, and memories to make.

You can literally wake up tomorrow and decide you’re going to take a step forward, even if it’s just 1%. That’ll look different for everyone - for some it might simply be getting out of bed and that right there is a win.

If you’re in a valley right now, I hope you remember that this season won’t last forever. God isn’t finished with your story, and there is still SO much good ahead. 💕🙏🏻

I absolutely loved meeting @sandrella_realtor ! Her energy was infectious, and I’m so grateful for her vulnerability, wisdom, and encouragement. 🥹

This is what I love about kindness and connection. Sometimes a simple conversation with a stranger becomes the reminder someone else needed to hear. And often times that person is me. 💌🌊
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Love | Kindness | Healing | Mental Health | Mental health awareness | ripple effect | ripple effect project | hope | everyone has a story | notes to strangers | inspiration | connection | stpete | tampa bay by @ripple_effect_project_

I met Cass at a wellness event a month prior to the first Smile Mile. While I thought she was a very nice person, I honestly didn’t think much about the interaction after (I know I know🫠). A few weeks later a friend told me about Smile Mile and we decided to go. Little did I know the journey God was about to take me on. 🥲
I had just gotten some new camera equipment that day so last minute I decided to take my things and shoot some pictures. I had no idea that I was an answer to Cassie’s prayers, nor her an answer to mine. I am so grateful for that day of community, love, and support in honor of a beautiful soul. While I didn’t know Ryan personally, I could see how deeply loved he was/is and it was an honor to have been a part of that day🤍. I could see clearly that day how God is working through this project to spread hope, kindness, and a smile to all who participated. Thank you for sharing such a special project with us Cass. Thank you for allowing me to join you, to capture these beautiful moments of unity and joy. We all need reminders to be kinder, softer, and more loving in a divided and often harsh world. You never know what people are going through. The smallest gesture can cause a huge ripple. Be the reason someone smiles this week! 🫶🏽

If you’ve read this far… see you at the next smile mile;) follow @ripple_effect_project_ for updates and more reasons to smile.

If you’ve got a moment.. read these articles that showcase (through studies) how spreading kindness rewires your brain and lowers stress hormones, raises dopamine and can help regulate anxiety and depression.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1820947/

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_kindness_fits_into_a_happy_life

https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/the-healing-power-of-kindness

Shot on Canon T6i
#photography #bekind #stpete by @ripple_effect_project_

Reminder to myself and anyone else who needs it 💕💕 by @ripple_effect_project_