How I Boost My Mood in the Winter By Giving
Iconic Cares Season of Giving | Our new series elevating rising voices, community leaders and their stories
Good morning, Icons,
We are back with our end of the year push to elevate positive stories, those who are doing work and to invite you to share in the Iconic fundraising as we move into 2025.
Sorry this newsletter was late; the kiddos are under the weather. But we are here to serve you.
It is the season of giving and we are here to give to you in life, love, marriage and family.
Our new book, the Iconic Formula for Marriage Success, is here!
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The Power of Giving: Boosting Your Mood and Mental Health During Winter
I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression in 2013, after I got out of the U.S. Military. The winter is a more difficult time for me, and many others, called the winter blues or season affect disorder or SAD. It is hard to be in a good mood, feel great and get things done when these things take effect in your life.
Winter can be a challenging time for many people. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and the general hustle and bustle of the holiday season can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or down. However, there is a silver lining: giving. Engaging in acts of generosity can significantly boost your mood and improve your mental health during this time.
Why Winter Can Be Hard
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Many people experience a type of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is triggered by the lack of sunlight during the winter months.
Isolation: The cold weather often keeps us indoors, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Holiday Stress: The pressure of holiday preparations, financial strain, and social obligations can be overwhelming.
Physical Inactivity: Reduced physical activity during winter can contribute to a decline in mental well-being.
The Mood-Boosting Power of Giving
Engaging in acts of generosity can be a powerful antidote to the winter blues. Here’s how giving can boost your mood and support your mental health:
Increased Happiness: Studies have shown that giving activates the same regions of the brain associated with pleasure and reward. This “helper’s high” releases endorphins, making you feel happier.
Sense of Purpose: Giving can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, helping you feel more connected to the community and the world around you.
Reduced Stress: Acts of generosity can lower stress levels by promoting a sense of gratitude and positive thinking.
Strengthened Relationships: Giving fosters connections with others, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Giving is a super power especially when you feeling low. Helping and assisting others can redirect any negative feelings and channel them into positive actions.
Iconic Marriages Holiday Packages
Our Goal: $575 Today to Give Away 100 Books for
We aim to raise $575 to fund the giveaway of 1000 books at the local library. These books are more than just pages and covers—they are tools to strengthen relationships, inspire growth, and foster a sense of unity in our community.
Our total need is $4000.
The Importance of Our Mission
Did you know that Georgia's marriage rate is below the national average? This highlights a crucial need for resources that support and encourage healthy, lasting relationships. Our books are designed to provide couples with practical advice, proven strategies, and real-life stories that can help them build a successful marriage.
Statistics to Consider:
The national marriage rate is approximately 6.1 per 1,000 total population.
Georgia's marriage rate is slightly lower, reflecting the need for more robust support systems for couples.
How Your Support Helps
The more funds we raise, the more we can do for our community through Iconic Marriages. Here's how your contribution can make a difference:
Local and Online Workshops: We can offer free workshops to couples, providing them with valuable insights and tools to enhance their relationships.
Public Book Signing Events: These events can foster community engagement and provide a platform for sharing experiences and learning from one another.
Producing Our First Cook Book and Children's Book: With additional funding, we can create resources that cater to families and help them grow together in love and understanding.
Expanding Our Podcast: More episodes mean more opportunities to reach couples with advice, stories, and inspiration from experts in the field.
Join Our Season of Giving
This Christmas Season, we're calling on you—our community, supporters, and friends—to help us reach our goal. Your donation, no matter how small, can make a significant impact.
How to Donate:
Visit our donation page
Share our mission with friends and family
Follow us on social media and spread the word
Together, we can make this Thanksgiving a season of gratitude and growth. Thank you for your support and for helping us create a brighter future for marriages in Georgia and beyond.
To show our appreciation for your generosity, we have a variety of donation tiers with exciting rewards when you click the link above or upgrade your subscription:
$10: Receive a digital copy of "Mrs. Pinky's Thoughts" eBook.
$25: Get our brand-new eBook “The Iconic Formula for Marriage Success”.
$40: Receive a printed copy of our new book.
$45: Get a printed and signed copy of our new book.
$50: Iconic plus yearly newsletter.
$100: Access the Iconic Marriage eCourse.
$150: Get 5 printed paperback copies of our new book
$200: Our entire 6 book print collection.
$250: Receive all 7 of our books in their printed formats.
Bonus: All levels come with our upcoming book, “Dating With Purpose”, the first Iconic guide for our singles or currently unmarried couples to push you towards an Iconic marriage.
Special Offer: Donation Bundles
For groups, large organizations, or community leaders who want to strengthen marriages in their areas, we offer special donation bundles. These bundles are perfect for spreading the message of healthy and successful marriages within your community.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support means the world to us and to the couples and families who will benefit from these resources. Together, we can make a lasting impact and empower families to build stronger, healthier relationships.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let's continue to work together to achieve our goals and spread the message of love and commitment.
Ways Giving Supports Mental Health
Volunteering: Volunteering your time to help others can increase your sense of purpose and community. It provides opportunities for social interaction and helps build new friendships.
Donating: Financial contributions to charities or community organizations can give you a sense of involvement and impact.
Random Acts of Kindness: Simple gestures, like helping a neighbor with groceries or sending a thoughtful note, can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Sharing Skills: Offering your expertise or skills to teach or mentor others can be incredibly rewarding.
Additional Tips for Winter Wellness
Stay Active: Regular physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. Try indoor exercises, yoga, or even a brisk walk outside.
Get Sunlight: Make an effort to get outside during daylight hours. Even a short walk can help improve your mood.
Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to family and friends, whether through calls, video chats, or socially distanced visits.
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can help manage stress and improve mental clarity.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating nutritious foods can have a positive impact on your overall well-being
5-Days Only! Save 25% OFF entire store and FREE standard Shipping
Our new American made gym bag | Our Entire “Mrs. Pinky’s Thoughts” Merch shop is on sale today until 12/7 for Cyber Monday. Shop now to get your orders in before Christmas. Get 25% off everything and free standard shipping.
Remember, prices are subject to change for 2025.
Choose from hoodies, t-shirts, hats, gym bags and more to get physical products you can touch that express our Iconic Marriages mission.
Get your order in and get “Mrs. Pinky’s Thoughts” eBook as another gift.
Charities and Orgs that You can Donate to Right Now that Support Mental Health
Do you want to support mental wellness? Here are some charities and organizations that support mental health and are worthy of your support:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides advocacy, public awareness, support, and education to ensure individuals with mental illness live fulfilling, healthy lives. They offer various programs and support groups for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions1.
Mental Health America (MHA): MHA is a community-based organization that addresses the needs of people living with mental disorders and promotes overall mental health. They offer screening tools, local affiliates, and advocacy programs2.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. They provide education, research, and support for those impacted by suicide.
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA): TWLOHA is a nonprofit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
The Trevor Project: This organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people.
Anxiety UK: Anxiety UK offers support for individuals diagnosed with anxiety conditions, providing resources and a helpline for those in need.
Bipolar UK: This charity helps people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder, offering support and resources to improve their quality of life.
The Jed Foundation (JED): JED focuses on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults.
Child Mind Institute: This organization provides support for children and families dealing with mental health and learning disorders.
Heads Together: A campaign spearheaded by The Royal Foundation, Heads Together aims to change the conversation on mental health and tackle the stigma surrounding it.
Supporting these organizations can make a significant impact on mental health awareness, treatment, and support. Do any of these resonate with you, or would you like more information on a specific one? Let us know in the comments.
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Introducing Our New Sponsorship Packages: Promote Your Brand with Iconic Marriages! 🌟
Hello Icons,
We have some exciting news to share with you! Iconic Marriages is now offering Sponsorship packages designed to help you promote your brand, non-profit, personal business, or content creation website. We believe in building strong partnerships and helping our community thrive.
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Talk to us in messenger for what your organizational needs are at this time.
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