i love you, bro PROJECT

i love you, bro PROJECT Utah 501c3 non-profit for Men's Mental Health, Su***de Prevention, and ongoing Personal Development through connective, evidence-based programming

5TH ANNUAL PROMISE2LIVE GLOBAL LIVE STREAM I'm super excited and humbled to be invited by my wonderful sis Brandy to rec...
09/06/2026

5TH ANNUAL PROMISE2LIVE GLOBAL LIVE STREAM

I'm super excited and humbled to be invited by my wonderful sis Brandy to receive an award at the Promise2Live Global Live Stream event next week in Hollywood, CA! Joe Tuia'ana

Five years ago, Promise2Live began with one promise. Today, they're reached more than 12 million people across 117 countries, distributed 100,000+ Pocket Hugs, built life saving partnerships, and this year they're expecting to reach more than 10 million people through our Global Broadcast live from Hollywood on World Su***de Prevention Day.

📊 Men accounted for nearly 80% of U.S. su***de deaths in 2023, with a su***de rate nearly 4× that of women. — CDC

and that's why...HOLLYWOOD, HERE WE COME (and I won't be going alone)!
Aron, my little bro that I "loved off the ledge", will be coming along w two of my daughters💜💙

On September 10th, the 5th Annual Promise2Live Global Livestream returns to the legendary Avalon Theater on Hollywood Boulevard for a night of incredible music, powerful stories, meaningful connections, and hope.

The event will have incredible artists, speakers, advocates, industry leaders, and people from all walks of life who believe that lives are worth fighting for.

🎟️ Tickets & Information:
https://share.google/lfQ5yi4mFEenMJd2b

THE AFSP OUT OF DARKENESS WALKThe Out of Darkness walk this morning was AMAZING! It was soooo good to educate and connec...
09/05/2026

THE AFSP OUT OF DARKENESS WALK

The Out of Darkness walk this morning was AMAZING! It was soooo good to educate and connect with so many attendees---such a heavy, beautiful day.

These bros with me---Clarence, Marc, and Travis are FANTASTIC ambassadors and leaders with ilybro. It actually tears me up just watching and listening to them tell everyone all about us.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO STOPPED BY AND SAID "I LOVE YOU, BRO" TO US!!

SU***DE PREVENTION IS..📊The CDC specifically identifies support from friends and family with feeling connected to others...
09/05/2026

SU***DE PREVENTION IS..

📊The CDC specifically identifies support from friends and family with feeling connected to others as protective factors against su***de!

• CHECKING IN WITH A BRO
Don't assume he's good because he hasn't asked for help. Make checking in normal and consistent.
💬“You've been on my mind, bro. How are you really doing?”
📊 NIMH reports that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in su***de prevention.

• SPENDING QUALITY TIME WITH A BRO
Connection doesn't always require a deep conversation. Grab food. Go hiking. Watch a game. Work out. Just be together.
💬“I'm grabbing lunch Saturday. Come with me.”
📊 CDC identifies feeling connected to others as a protective factor against su***de and specifically recommends spending quality time with friends and family to strengthen social connection.

• GIVING A WARM, NON-ALPHA HUG TO A BRO
Sometimes support doesn't need words. Drop the overly aggressive hug, or the hard slap-patting, and open your arms to the bro for a kind 3-6 sec hug.
💥Skip the two-second shoulder slap. “Bring it in, bro. I love you.”
📊 In a randomized study of 159 adults, receiving a hug was associated with a lower cortisol response following a stressful experience. That's evidence for stress buffering, not proof that hugs themselves prevent su***de.

• OFFERING PROACTIVE GRATITUDE + APPRECIATION TO A BRO
Don't wait for a funeral to tell your bros what they mean to you. Tell them while they're standing in front of you.
💬 “I'm grateful you're in my life, bro. You matter so much to me.”
📊 CDC describes social connection as experiencing belonging and feeling loved, cared for and valued, and recommends expressing gratitude as one way to strengthen connection.

• CREATING SHAME-FREE EMOTIONAL SPACE FOR A BRO
Let him talk without mocking him, minimizing what he's feeling, comparing struggles or immediately trying to fix him.
💬 “You can tell me what's really going on. I'm listening.”
📊 NIMH says listening without judgment is a key su***de-prevention action, and research suggests acknowledging and talking about su***de may actually reduce suicidal thoughts

CHECKING IN IS SU***DE PREVENTIONChecking in is one of the simplest things we can do as part of su***de prevention, and ...
09/05/2026

CHECKING IN IS SU***DE PREVENTION

Checking in is one of the simplest things we can do as part of su***de prevention, and can be SUPER impactful for relationships.

📊Research shows that social connection, feeling supported, and having people we can turn to are protective factors against su***de, while isolation and feeling disconnected can increase risk.

A genuine “Bro, how are you really doing?” creates the space and opportunity for a bro to talk before their pain becomes a crisis.

You don’t need to be a therapist or have the perfect words---Be present, listen without judgment, ask directly about su***de when you’re concerned, and keep checking in.

💥Here are 20 short but natural check-ins across different relationships you can use:

💬Bro → Bro: “Bro, how are you really doing?”

💬Friend → Friend: “You’ve been on my mind. You good?”

💬Mom → Son: “Hey son, how’s your heart lately?”

💬Son → Dad: “Dad, how are you holding up?”

💬Dad → Son: “Son, anything weighing on you?”

💬Brother → Brother: “Bro, you seem quieter lately. What’s up?”

💬Sister → Brother: “Hey bro, just checking on you. How are you?”

💬Woman → Male Friend: “You always check on everyone. Who’s checking on you?”

💬Man → Female Friend: “Hey, how are you doing with everything?”

💬Coworker → Coworker: “Work’s been heavy lately. You doing okay?”

💬Boss → Employee: “How are you doing outside of work?”

💬Teammate → Teammate: “You seem a little off today. Wanna talk?”

💬Neighbor → Neighbor: “Hey man, haven’t seen you lately. Everything good?”

💬Wife → Husband: “How are you doing emotionally lately?”

💬Husband → Wife: “What’s been taking up the most space in your head?”

💬Daughter → Dad: “Dad, I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

💬Uncle → Nephew: “Nephew, how’s life treating you right now?”

💬Older Man → Younger Man: “You carrying anything you need some help with?”

💬Friend → Struggling Friend: “You don’t have to give me the ‘I’m fine’ answer. How are you?”

💬Anyone →

LET'S GET OUTSIDE, BROS📸  Mike Ramirez , ILYBro West Jordan Group Leader, suffered a debilitating injury to his back las...
09/04/2026

LET'S GET OUTSIDE, BROS

📸 Mike Ramirez , ILYBro West Jordan Group Leader, suffered a debilitating injury to his back last year while riding his motorbike. Recently, Mike was able to ride a special-fitted motorbike on the same course which he lost his ability to walk🥲

Even with the injury, Mike still makes it a habit to regularly choose to invest in his mental health by getting outside for the sunshine, exercise, and exhilaration of accomplishing difficult things!

LET'S GET OUTSIDE BROS!

1. Reduces stress (fast)
⛅Being outside lowers cortisol levels and calms the nervous system. Even 10–20 minutes can take the edge off.

2. Improves mood
⛅Sunlight boosts serotonin, which helps with mood, energy, and emotional stability. That’s why people feel lighter after being outside.

3. Better sleep
⛅Natural light helps reset your circadian rhythm. More daylight = falling asleep easier and deeper sleep at night.

4. Clears your head
⛅Time outside—especially walking—improves focus, creativity, and decision-making. It’s like a mental reset button.

5. Builds physical health without overthinking it
⛅Walking, hiking, being active outdoors improves heart health, vitamin D levels, and overall energy—without needing a full gym session.

iloveyoubroproject.org

OUT OF DARKNESS WALK - SATURDAY SEPT 5THSTOP BY AND SEE US TOMORROW at the 2026 AFSP (SLC) "Out of the Darkness' Communi...
09/04/2026

OUT OF DARKNESS WALK - SATURDAY SEPT 5TH

STOP BY AND SEE US TOMORROW at the 2026 AFSP (SLC) "Out of the Darkness' Community Walk happening Saturday, September 5th, at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan!

AFSP - Community & Campus Walks
📅 Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
📍 Veterans Memorial Park, 1985 W 7800 S, West Jordan
⏰ Check-in: 9:00 AM | Walk begins: 9:30 AM
🎟️ Free to participate
🚶🏽 1–3 mile, noncompetitive walk

The awesome event Includes an opening ceremony, hope and healing activities, su***de-prevention resource tables, and AFSP Honor Beads representing participants' personal connections to su***de.

This annual event brings together people who have experienced suicidal struggles, su***de loss survivors, families, friends, advocates, and community organizations.
afsp.org/chapter/utah

SEPTEMBER IS SU***DE PREVENTION MONTHThis month isn't only about the men currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, but a...
09/04/2026

SEPTEMBER IS SU***DE PREVENTION MONTH

This month isn't only about the men currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, but also for the bro who survived an attempt.

The bro who lost someone to su***de.
The bro quietly worried about someone he loves.
The bro who doesn't feel like he has anyone to call.
The bro who's struggling but is scared, ashamed, or unsure how to say it out loud.

Su***de prevention includes ALL of them.
📊Research consistently shows that social connection and belonging matter in su***de prevention. Feeling connected to other people can be protective, while isolation and loneliness are associated with greater su***de risk.

That means su***de prevention doesn't only happen in a therapist's office or during a crisis.
It can happen when we:
🩵 Check on a bro who's been unusually quiet
💜 Ask, “Are you thinking about su***de?” when we're genuinely concerned. Asking directly does NOT put the idea in someone's head
🩵 Listen without immediately trying to fix
💜 Keep checking in AFTER the difficult conversation
🩵 Invite the bro who's been isolating to come spend some time with us
💜 Make it normal for men to talk about pain BEFORE it becomes a crisis

Su***de prevention is something EVERYONE needs to be involved in!

This September, pay attention to the men around you---particularly the ones who are single, divorced, unemployed, or grieving/suffering with a loss.

✔️Ask the uncomfortable question.
✔️Send the text.
✔️Make the phone call.
✔️Sit with him.
✔️Invite him over.
✔️Tell him you love him.

IT'S BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS📸Recently, during a huge rain storm, the power went out at our Plea...
09/03/2026

IT'S BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS

📸Recently, during a huge rain storm, the power went out at our Pleasant Grove weekly support group...but that didn't stop us!

An ancient Chinese proverb says “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”..or to turn on a few cell phone lights💡

📊 Social isolation is associated with a 29% increased risk of premature death. The U.S. Surgeon General identifies social connection as an important protective factor for health and well-being.

We ended up having a POWERFUL group that night...in the dark...and it made the experience even more connective!

Choose to join us, bros!
iloveyoubroproject.org

A REAL CONNECTION CAN HANDLE A CONVERSATION ABOUT SU***DENo doubt bros, talking about su***de can feel uncomfortable----...
09/03/2026

A REAL CONNECTION CAN HANDLE A CONVERSATION ABOUT SU***DE

No doubt bros, talking about su***de can feel uncomfortable----but simply avoiding the conversation DOES NOT HELP SOMEONE BECOME SAFER.

📊Here are (5) evidence-based ways to have that conversation with someone you love:

1) ASK DIRECTLY:
Don't dance around the word "su***de". Ask clearly and calmly.
💥“Bro, are you thinking about su***de?”
📊 A review of studies found no significant increase in suicidal thoughts from asking someone about su***de. Research suggests talking openly may actually help reduce suicidal thinking

2) SAYING THE RIGHT THING IS FAR LESS IMPORTANT THAN CREATING THE RIGHT SPACE :
You don't need the perfect advice. Give them space to tell the truth without judgment, lectures or you trying to "fix" everything.
💥“I'm here and all ears, bro. Tell me all about it.”
📊 Research cited by NIMH suggests acknowledging and talking openly about su***de may reduce suicidal thoughts

3) TAKE EVERY “YES” SERIOUSLY:
Don't act shocked, argue with them, or tell them they have too much to live for. Stay calm and stay listening.
💥“I'm honored to hold this space with you. I'm staying with you while we figure out what you need.”
📊 NIMH says suicidal thoughts or actions indicate extreme distress and that all talk of su***de should be taken seriously

4) HELP CREATE SAFETY, NOT SECRECY.
If someone may be in danger, ask about their immediate safety and help put distance between them and anything they could use to hurt themselves. Don't promise to keep suicidal intent secret.
💥“Let's make tonight safer and get somebody else we trust involved.”
📊 In a large study, a Safety Planning Intervention plus follow-up was associated with 45% fewer suicidal behaviors over 6 months compared with usual care

5) DON'T LET THE CONVERSATION END THERE:
Text tomorrow. Call next week. Invite them somewhere. Help connect them with professional or crisis support. Keep showing up.
💥“I'm checking on you tomorrow, bro. You don't have to carry this by yourself.”
📊 Evidence supports continued follow-up after a suicidal crisis, and CDC identifies connection to others as an important protective factor

iloveyoubroproject.org

ILYSIS WOMENS WORKSHOP - "TIME TO START LIVING"Our ilysis workshop last night, 'TIME TO START LIVING' taught by Author a...
09/02/2026

ILYSIS WOMENS WORKSHOP - "TIME TO START LIVING"

Our ilysis workshop last night, 'TIME TO START LIVING' taught by Author and National Speaker Todd Sylvester, was incredible! Todd Sylvester

Jam-packed house with wonderful women wanting to put in the work for themselves and the men in their lives!

TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS WORKSHOP:
🩷"The most powerful force in the human psyche is the story you tell yourself, about yourself"
🩷"Your trials did not come to punish you, but to awaken you"
🩷"Where you hurt, is where you dig".
🩷"Confidence without evidence is illusion"
🩷"YOU ARE ASTONISHING"

Thank you to my wonderful bro, Todd Sylvester, for teaching our women last night. It was truly an awesome (and needed) experience for all the women to share sacred space together with us!

And thank you to ALL the wonderful sis's who showed up and put in the work with us, connecting and healing.

NEXT ILYSIS WOMENS WORKSHOP WILL BE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH, 7pm-830pm, at the Koru Wellness Auditorium! ***flyer coming soon***

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