We asked folks to tell us about their favorite quote or affirmation and to tell us what it means to them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Eric Schuette | Outdoor Photographer

There have been a number of favorite quotes or messages over the years that meant something to me, but one probably has had a larger role in my life than all the others. A number of years ago there was one of those positive messages that made its rounds on social media, especially Facebook. It had slightly different iterations, but the essential message was the same, “invest in experiences, not things”. Some of them had a bit more context or verbiage, some less but all had the clear message of it being more important to invest your time and resources in experiences vs. material things. Read more>>

Karissa DeDecker | Elevated Brand Designer + Illustrator

I always like to remind myself that what’s going on around me is not reality. What’s real is my thoughts and imagination. What I’m thinking right now is creating what’s coming. What I think is real is just a manifestation of what I thought before. I know I am a creative business owner with a python and a paddle board living in the middle of a vast canvas of canyons right now because I imagined life that way. What we think is the most powerful way to succeed or fail in our lives and either is possible. Read more>>

Becca Doll-Tyler | Owner of Ninazuma Pottery/Public Health Nurse

One quote in particular has driven me for most of my adult life: “Each person is a product of how they spend their days.” There are many meaningful layers to this short line, but one thing about it that means the most to me is that the end product isn’t important when we write out our goals. It’s the daily grind, the practice, and the sacrifices you have to make every day in order to obtain the life you want to build for yourself. It’s a good reminder to relish the journey while living in a society that loves instant gratification. Read more>>

Lesli Anderson and Ilona Cathalan | Owners of The Ginger Cat

“And when life became too frenzied, she took up her knitting and breathed a while to the rhythm of the stitches and rows until her smile returned and her mind was calm.” -unknown We love this poem, and it strikes a chord with our business. Our primary focus is a space where individuals come together and work on their own projects on their own time, and we believe that this poem verbalizes the peace that comes with using your hands creatively. Read more>>

Shelly Hamsa | Artist & Art Gallery Owner

“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle When business is slow or I’m feeling like money is tight, I always think of this quote and ask myself, “what is it I have not felt grateful for?” Taking a moment to acknowledge what I’m grateful for always shifts everything. Read more>>

Lorrae and Lewis Moon | Owner operators of Yampa Valley Fiberworks

The Future of every community lies in capturing the passion, energy, and imagination, of it’s own people. I feel like having a community think out of the box is progress Coming together is power Read more>>