Every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about — your words of affirmation could be the lifeline they need.
September is a month dedicated to prevention and awareness — a time to remind ourselves and each other that life is precious, help is available, and no one should struggle in silence. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline reports millions of calls and texts each year from people reaching out for support. Behind every number is a person who needed to hear YOU MATTER.
This month, MY FAVE FIVE challenges you to make those words real through action. These five steps are simple, but their impact is profound. When we show people they matter — through presence, kindness, and connection — we create a world where fewer people feel alone.
Action Steps for September
1. Tell Someone They Matter
We often assume the people in our lives know how important they are to us. But hearing it out loud — “You matter to me” — carries a weight that assumptions never can. These three words can shift someone’s entire day, or even their outlook on life. Don’t wait for a crisis to say what you feel.
Connection doesn’t require perfection. You don’t need the right words or the ideal plan — you just need to be there. Sitting with someone in silence, showing up even when it’s awkward, or simply being available sends a powerful message: I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.
Action step: Choose one person in your FAVE FIVE and spend quality time with them this week — no phones, no distractions. If you can’t meet in person, schedule a real conversation through the app.
3. Pause and Breathe
In moments of overwhelm, the simplest and most effective thing you can do is breathe. Deep, intentional breathing activates your body’s calming response and helps you step back from spiraling thoughts. It’s not about escaping your feelings — it’s about creating enough space to feel them without being consumed.
Action step: Right now, take three deep breaths using the MY FAVE FIVE breathing tool. Then set a reminder to do it at least once a day this month — especially on the hard days.
4. Reach Out When It’s Hard
Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s one of the bravest things you can do. When life feels heavy, having a strategy for reaching out can make the difference between suffering in silence and finding relief. Your FAVE FIVE exist for exactly these moments, and leaning on them strengthens the bond for both of you.
The ENUF framework reminds you that you are Enough, Needed, Unique, and Full of purpose. When self-doubt creeps in — and it will — ENUF gives you a language to push back. Personal growth isn’t a destination; it’s a daily practice of choosing to believe in your own worth.
Action step: Each morning this month, open the ENUF section in the app and read one affirmation. Say it out loud. Write it on your mirror. Let it sink in before the world gets loud.
You Matter — and So Does Saying It
Prevention isn’t just about programs and policies — it’s about people showing up for each other every single day. When you tell someone they matter, when you breathe through the hard moments, when you reach out instead of pulling away, you are doing the most important work there is.
Open the MY FAVE FIVE app today and let someone know they’re not alone. That message might mean more than you’ll ever know.
Remember: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit their website for online chat options.
