We’ve all experienced when something clicks and our life suddenly changes in a small or big way.
The Latitude Project
“What I’ve been shown, time and time again, is that the communities we’ve been lucky to work with are communities full. Full of love, reciprocity, respect, drive, solidarity. These villages define ‘community’ and have shown me a deeper level of trust, strength and acceptance than I thought possible. ”
You in one word –
ALANNA: Restorative
On a moment of transformation –
ALANNA: After a near death car accident in 2011 rocked my world (in more ways than I can fit in this blog), I learned a lot about adversity and how to work with it, not against it. After a miraculous and unexpected recovery, I stand again on my own two feet with more scars (yes) but also more zest, more courage, and more gratitude leading me through each day.
One of the many lessons I’ve taken away from the experience is that (whether we like it or not) unexpected obstacles are truly the spice of life. I try to be a firm (and upbeat) believer in our ability to “counter failures of imagination” and I know for sure that with the right attitude and tenacity, we can endure and achieve so much more than our minds may limit us to imagine.
JENN: I think it is challenging to pinpoint one specific moment to define myself. One of the most beautiful things about life is that we are so malleable to grow, to learn and change from what we see around us.
Latitude has allowed me a chance to interact with some very inspiring communities and individuals. From the outside, many look at the communities we work with as communities without. Without electricity, schools, access to clean water, or major infrastructure. What I’ve been shown, time and time again, is that the communities we’ve been lucky to work with are communities full. Full of love, reciprocity, respect, drive, solidarity. These villages define ‘community’ and have shown me a deeper level of trust, strength and acceptance than I thought possible. After every trip, I am lucky to come home feeling transformed.
On a moment that shaped you-
ALANNA: When we were young, we were lucky enough to travel to remote areas of Mexico with our family. While our mum windsurfed, we made friends — as kids do — and bonded over soccer and whatever other games were around to play. It was obvious to us we were all equals but we didn’t understand why we had more food than they did, more books, more resources. Without being clouded by the bureaucracy of ‘development’ models and charity, as kids we just saw a simple solution: what we have more of, we share with those who don’t. And then get back to playing soccer.
Because of that foundation, the most important yardstick for the success of our work isn’t necessarily the number of roofs, schools and medicinal programs that we support, but the relationships and respect that we build along the way.
On your mantra-
ALANNA: “A little nonsense is cherished by the wisest men!” is one of my favourite quotes. I try to incorporate that principal into my life everyday with a healthy dose of goofiness and vulnerability. What better way to get through the inevitable tough stuff that life throws at us?
“ ...the most important yardstick for the success of our work isn’t necessarily the number of roofs, schools and medicinal programs that we support, but the relationships and respect that we build along the way.”
On what motivates you-
JENN: About a year ago, I had the opportunity to go to a graduation in a small village in Nicaragua. Alanna and I were asked to accompany a brother and sister in their graduation procession. This particular community was the first that we had worked in together, it was where the very idea of starting Latitude began.
As I watched Judith and Ruddy standing proudly in front of their community, I flashed through the years that we’ve had together. It seemed like just yesterday that these kids (now nearly adults) were running around while their parents laid brick for a preschool over ten years ago. The days we spent sanding tables together for the middle school, or passing roofing sheets up to re-roof their houses. The times they took us on horseback, high into the mountains to their favorite orange tree, or to their secret hot springs.
The purpose that motivates me with Latitude is the relationships that have been built, the laughter and tears that had transpired over the years as we work together to improve our lives.
On the next 12 months-
JENN: I was chatting with a woman in a village in Nicaragua about life, about the challenges and struggles that present themselves. Her saying stuck with me.
“With my heart full”
Finding strength surrounded by loved ones, supporting each other, doing what makes you happy. Facing difficult times knowing that you’re not alone, being the strength for others as they face challenges. Focussing on the good in life, even if the only good you can find in that moment is something small. I try to think about what fills my heart, who replenishes me when I’m struggling to get by, the activities that rejuvenate me. To find the beauty in the little things, to be a little bit of light in someone’s day. Supporting each other, With our hearts full.
On ARTICLE22 -
ALANNA: I believe that we weave the causes we truly care about into the professional endeavours we pursue and the consumer choices we make, we become part of the solutions. I appreciate that Article 22 thinks beyond profit margins while creating beautiful things and empowering organizations to make a positive impact in the world.
I love the original Peace Bomb necklace with “Love is the Bomb” messaging on it. And of course GIVE YOURSELF LATITUDE bangles!!!
JENN: This partnership with ARTICLE22 is really an honor for us. ARTICLE22 is a strong, women-led team that is working to improve the world through their beautiful pieces. By balancing business with a genuine desire to give back, ARTICLE22 is leading by example.
I may be a little biased, but the Give Yourself Latitude bangle is my favorite! Another favorite piece is the “Love is the Bomb” necklace... It’s just so cute!