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.

Melissa Haile | Massage Therapist & Light Worker

“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” -“The Hill We Climb”, Amanda Gorman I love how empowering this quote is. This is about us taking action within ourselves to find peace so that we can build a brighter world as a whole. As a light worker and healer who focuses on self care, this quote speaks for me. Read more>>

Alexandra DeBenedictis | Multi-Media Artist and Collaborator

“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” ― Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth Joseph Campbell has influenced my work and the process in which I experience life. Though there are many quotes that I love from him, this quote in particular gets me moving. I believe that people tend to go through the monotony of life without truly experiencing it, especially when we try to follow the social structure that was previously built for us. People aren’t actually alive, they are just living on this physical plane. They are not taking into account all the little things that create this much bigger picture, and appreciate life itself. I don’t believe that one person has one true meaning in life, we all have a purpose yes, but it is what you make it. If you decide to make every moment of your life, whether it be dull or the most thrilling and emotional, and make it into something worth telling the world about it you will feel alive. Read more>>

Blankslate | Indie/Alternative Band

“The universe is shaped exactly like the earth; if you go straight long enough you’ll end up where you were.” -Modest Mouse To us, this quote is about getting stuck in a rut and not knowing how to get yourself out. Sometimes you just have to go in a completely different direction, and we were each kind of in that spot before transferring to DU and starting Blankslate. Read more>>

Keane Dufresne | Part-Owner // Bar & Sales Manager

One of our favorite quotes is a total classic: “Do or do not, there is no try.” – Yoda This quote really resonates with us because it insists that we be and do our best- we refuse to half-ass anything! We have had our fair share of ups and downs with our business during this first year+ of operation, but we have never said “we’ll try it”, it’s always been “we’ll do it”. I think this has a huge impact on how we’ve approached the constant adaptations that COVID-19 has presented not only to us, but to our fellow small business owners. From opening during winter- which is difficult for any business- to break-ins, to facing a global pandemic six months after opening, to creating a desire and demand for a product in an area that didn’t know or understand the potential and diversity of cider, we have had to pivot our strategy pretty consistently. We are so passionate about what we are doing and we’re incredibly grateful not only to our community for believing in us, but to each other for keeping one another grounded and focused. Read more>>

Becca Ulibarri | Instructor & Owner of “ZUMBA with Ms. Becca” // ZUMBA Kids, Kids Jr. & Lil’ Jammers

One of my favorite quotes is: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou This is such a powerful thing to keep top-of-mind in both business and everyday dealings. Especially with ZUMBA with Ms. Becca, most of my interactions are directly with the kiddos and they do NOT mince-words on how they feel about things! They will let you know — to your face, no sugar-coating — if they enjoyed something or not… So, making sure each experience is jam-packed full of fun & silliness is important! However, often times the sessions are less about ZUMBA, games, or dancing and more about making each child feel loved and special. Though ZwMB is all about “fitness-focused fun”, it is a privilege to spend valuable face-time with children — it’s an honor to get to impact their days, minds and little souls. This time spent is important and should be treated so. Read more>>

Lesley Byram & Liz Hyatt | Wine Cocktail Mixologists and Authors

“What’s meant to be will be.” It’s a simple yet powerful message that we don’t have control over everything. Read more>>

Andrea Escobar | Spiritual Guide & Mental Health Trauma Intuitive

I love to read, last year I read 30 books this year I a commenting myself to a book a week. I’m always discovering new quotes and passages of books that inspire me, shift my perspective and often plant a new seed of thought. i Lately I’ve been on a Debbie Ford kick, this particular quote from her book has been guiding me for a couple years now and constantly reminds me that we have everything we need within us. In a world when we are taught to look outside of ourselves for approval, for success and more, reminding ourselves that all we need is inside of us, we just need to learn to tune into the inner voice and listen. 
“Remember, all the answers you need are inside of you; you only have to become quiet enough to hear them” This quote really embodies me as a facilitator, guiding you back to yourself so that you can find the answers you seek within. Read more>>

Dylan Herr | Owner/Partner – Red Wing Herr Group

“Every Morning You Have Two Choices: Continue To Sleep With Your Dreams, Or Wake Up and Chase Them.” This quote inspired me to go after my goals. I’d wake up and educate myself everyday, and take very few days off. I was always questioned if I’d be successful because I wasn’t great at school. So I enjoy proving people wrong, helping people, and inspiring young kids. Read more>>