Everywhere I go, I am accompanied by love. I have as much brightness to offer the world as the next person.

The reason behind this section: Mantras and affirmations have incredible effects on the human mind. These short, simple phrases - whether spoken aloud or meditated on throughout the day - can greatly affect your subconscious. When done regularly, affirmation practices can:

• Help with problem solving
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve overall confidence
• Increase dopamine levels and positive emotions

+Note: We’ll feature a new mantra in each newsletter to repeat throughout your week.

Image: Brittany Starks

• Also important to mention: She's done this while being a single mom to two beautiful children.

🤝 Parents helping parents... “Anyone know single parents who can’t afford to get their child’s hair done for school? I will braid it for free!” read Brittany’s original Facebook post last month.

• Have you ever had a prediction that was WILDLY off ? That’s what happened here, too: Brittany estimated she’d get five to seven responses to her post… and was blown away when more than thirty families reached out for help.

She quickly realized she needed more volunteers and a larger space to accommodate all of the kids.

Brittany and her crew of volunteers set up in churches, homes, and local braiding centers, and have now braided almost 40 children’s hair – with more on the waiting list.

• Hair braiding can take anywhere from five to seven hours a client and typically costs hundreds of dollars in supplies.

📝 To recap: Brittany recruited volunteers and found venues for them to operate out of, effectively setting up an entire hair braiding infrastructure – and all their services are free. Simply put, this was no small feat.

• "It's been very hard,” Brittany shared of the endeavor. “I haven't gotten any sleep. I've been extremely tired, but it's very worth it. I feel like I'm doing it for a good cause."

💪 Building confidence... One of her favorite parts about braiding is the amount of confidence the hairstyles bring to the kids.

• "It boosts confidence," Brittany told NPR, "Some kids, they came in, they weren't smiling, they weren't talking, and then, you know, as they get their hair braided, they start opening up a little more and then when they're done, they're just smiling and so happy. It's a great thing to see."

She’s currently raising funds to continue her free hair braiding days every Saturday.

If you're so inclined, you can donate here.

🐛 I’m Absolutely Buzzing knowing Positive DONUT is in your inbox today.

• Have you heard of the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards ? They just announced their 2021 finalists, including the happy little bugger above.

Check them all out here.

Each week, we’re asking YOU, our amazing readers, to submit your everyday wins and accomplishments. Whether it be as big as a new job or an engagement, or as simple as trying out an amazing new recipe, we want to hear what you're proud of.

🥁 Drumroll, please: our first-ever “What’s Your Win” features…..

Peter N. in Austin, TX, is well on his way to becoming a modern day Spider-man.

• “I started rock climbing earlier this year and got OBSESSED.” he shared, “This past week, I set a PR by climbing what's known as a "V4"... nothing crazy to folks in the climbing community, but it's a big win in my book. 👏🤗” Way to go, Peter!!

Julia T. in Ft. Myers, FL, is suffering from a serious case of puppy love.

• “My roommate adopted a husky puppy last week named Amiri, and we are all absolutely in love!! He is the sweetest dog, and I can't wait to watch him grow up.”

And lastly, myself – I.e, Kailyn from Brooklyn, NY ! I was so thankful to celebrate my birthday this past weekend with some of my closest friends.

• We sat on the rooftop of my apartment building looking over all of Manhattan on a gorgeous night eating pizza and enjoying the company… It was one of those surreal moments, and after not being able to celebrate last year due to the pandemic, I was very grateful !

+CALLING ALL READERS (yes, including you): I want to hear your wins. Use this Google form to share what you're proud of or grateful for recently. A few responses will be featured in next week's newsletter !

Submit your wins.