Sophia's commitment to community engagement has manifested in multifaceted and impactful ways. As an accomplished Child and Youth Care worker, she has dedicated years to nurturing and supporting the development of young individuals within diverse settings, including group homes, custody-detention-treatment facilities, private schools, and hospitals.

Sophia's intro into the political arena demonstrated her remarkable drive and civic responsibility during the 2022 municipal elections in Brampton, where she embarked on an impressive journey as a PDSB Trustee candidate. Her contributions further extended to her selection as a distinguished committee member for the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ARAC), where she collaboratively interfaces with the Peel Police, Peel Police Services Board and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

The essence of Sophia's journey is woven into her artistic pursuits, as demonstrated by her musical endeavors and the creation of Soulful Colour affirmation colouring books with cultural diversity. Her music, colouring books, financial acumen, and dedication to mental well-being synergize seamlessly within this creative venture, serving as a testament to her dedication and passion toward serving others.

💭 What is your favorite affirmation, and why does it resonate with you?

The affirmation "I am comfortable, I am unique, I am a gift" holds a special place in my heart because it emerged from a transformative counseling session. It all began with a simple pair of funky cool socks that I was wearing and asked to describe. As I eagerly shared the story of how I received them as a Christmas gift from my secret Santa, who gave me a Lulu Lemon gift card, I realized the profound impact of those socks.

Describing them, I used the words "comfortable" because they were exceptionally cozy, "unique" due to their stylish design and stitched words on the inside ("Runner" on the left and "For Life" on the right), and, most importantly, "a gift" as they were a thoughtful present from my secret Santa.

The turning point came when I was challenged to use these same three words to describe myself, starting with "I am." Unexpectedly, I found myself choked up and in tears. It dawned on me that while I could effortlessly attribute these positive qualities to a pair of socks, I struggled to apply them to myself. It was a poignant realization of the disparity between how I perceived external objects and my own self-worth.

Leaving that counseling session, I started repeating the affirmation to myself, recognizing the need to embrace these positive qualities and affirmations for personal growth and self-love. This journey of self-discovery led me to include this affirmation in the book, as a reminder to others that acknowledging and celebrating one's comfort, uniqueness, and intrinsic value is a powerful step towards self-empowerment. I invite you to join me in saying, "I am comfortable, I am unique, I am a gift," and embrace the strength and positivity it can bring to your own self-perception.

🔑 What's a key lesson on using affirmations you would teach to others?

A key lesson on using affirmations is to truly grasp the power of words. Understand that words are not just superficial expressions but possess the ability to shape your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. In a world where negativity often surrounds us, it's crucial to recognize that constant exposure to unfavorable words and images can influence our minds.

To counteract this pervasive negativity, embrace affirmations as a powerful tool. Consistently flood your mind with positive messages and thoughts daily. Recognize this practice as a proactive measure to combat the relentless stream of negativity, which I refer to as "NOISE." The negative influences won't cease, so your commitment to reinforcing positive affirmations should be unwavering.

In essence, the key lesson is to be intentional and persistent in using affirmations to counteract the impact of negativity on your mindset. The more consistently you infuse positivity into your thoughts and language, the more profound the effect on your overall well-being and actions.

🤔 My most frequently asked questions

1. Do affirmation colouring books help with personal growth?

Chapters Indigo seems to think so. Our affirmation colouring books are categorized in the ‘Self Help’ and ‘Personal Development’ sections, in-store and online. The positive affirmations encourage self reflection, critical thinking and tapping into one's creativity which is an intersection that highlights what intrinsically makes us human.

2. How can affirmation colouring books benefit children or teenagers in building a positive mindset?

Affirmation coloring books can significantly benefit children and teenagers in building a positive mindset by providing a proactive and creative approach to counteract the pervasive negativity they encounter. Here's how:

Understanding the Power of Words and Creativity - Affirmation coloring books emphasize the idea that words are powerful. By engaging in the creative process of coloring positive affirmations, children and teenagers can internalize this concept more effectively. The act of coloring itself can be a way to express their creativity and it's meditative, allowing them to focus on positive words and images.

Counteracting Negative Influences - In a world filled with negative messages and images, affirmation coloring books serve as a powerful tool to counteract the constant exposure to unfavorable content. The repetitive exposure to positive affirmations helps to reprogram their minds and counter the impact of negative influences.

Get them started while they are young - Children, with their naturally optimistic mindset, are more open to cultivating positive habits. Introducing them to affirmations at an early age helps establish a foundation of positive thinking that can stay with them as they grow. This early exposure contributes to building resilience against negativity in the future.

Being a Teen is Tough - Teenagers face unique challenges, especially with the influence of social media and post-pandemic uncertainties. Affirmation coloring books provide a tangible and enjoyable way for them to focus on positive thoughts. This practice can be a grounding mechanism, helping them cope with social awkwardness, self-doubt, and the pressure to conform.

Building Self-Confidence - Affirmations promote self-confidence by encouraging individuals to recognize and celebrate their strengths. For teenagers struggling with self-esteem, affirmations offer a practical and non-intimidating tool to reflect on their abilities and accomplishments.

Comparing is a lose lose Situation - Teenagers often grapple with comparison issues, particularly in the era of social media. Affirmation coloring books offer a cool and relatable avenue to redirect their attention from comparing themselves to others. Instead, they can concentrate on affirming their unique qualities and strengths.

By creating Daily positive Habits - Incorporating affirmations into daily life through coloring books establishes a positive ritual. This consistent practice can have a cumulative effect on mindset and mental well-being, offering a daily reprieve from the challenges and uncertainties faced by children and teenagers.

In summary, affirmation coloring books provide a practical and enjoyable way for children and teenagers to internalize positive messages, counteract negativity, and build a resilient and optimistic mindset that can serve them well in the face of life's challenges.