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.

Emma Holt | Photographer & Videographer

“I’m trying to free your mind, Neo. I can show you the door, but only you can walk through it.” When searching for insight into the deeper questions of existence, I regularly turn the magic of cinema. You could say my personal philosophy is a colorful mosaic of all my favorite movies and the authors who inspired them. While studying film in college, I began to discover how the greatest fictional masterpieces could offer the most authentic insights into the trials and tribulations of the human experience. Science fiction and fantasy/adventure have been my favorite genre of films for as long as I can remember. The settings of a sci-fi story – be it film, written, or artwork – allow for endless possibilities when it comes to the point of conflict, characters and the details of the narrative. Read more>>

Kelly Coté | Psychotherapist

I personally love quotes and affirmations. My favorite quote right now is “We can do hard things”. To me, this speaks to the incredible resiliency that we all posses, even if we don’t know it. For me, this quote represents the strength is see in my clients every day. Each day I’m in awe of the incredible strength I see in my clients. I admire their ability to do hard things. To endure hard, painful, traumatic things. Some may question how, as a therapist, I can handle hearing such difficult stories. But to me, I see hope, strength, and resiliency. I am honored to support them as they navigate the unimaginable and find ways to pick up the pieces and keep going. Read more>>

Katie Fletcher | Colorado Wedding and Elopement Photographer

One of my favorite quotes that has motivated me throughout my life is “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” This used to be my affirmation when I played competitive sports in highschool, but as I started my journey into photography I took that same energy with me. There are so many naturally talented and gifted photographers out there, but without putting in the hours of hard work and dedication to honing your craft or growing your business, you won’t get where you want to go. Talent really only takes you part of the way. Read more>>

Alix Naber | Owner & Photographer

“Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama Love this quote because when I chose to do a career for myself (photography) instead of my old office job that I didn’t like, I realized I control my happiness. I relate this into everyday life. Everyday we wake up and can choose to be happy. Read more>>

Hannah Henry | Floral Designer & Business Owner

My favorite quote is a snippet from the Holstee Manifesto. ‘Do what you love and do it often.’ My personal interpretation of this quote: First you must discover what you love to do. This may sound simple, but this takes time and introspection. It means being different from the person next to you. Because, well, you are! Once you know what makes your tick, give yourself permission to love it. Hold onto it. Own it. Then, do it often. You will begin to see yourself blossom into the person God created you to be. Read more>>

Caitlin Bosshart | Life Coach & Elopement Coach

My personal philosophy behind everything I do in my life, my business, and what I hope to impart to my clients is captured by this Elizabeth Gilbert quote: “Do whatever brings you to life. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.” As a multi-passionate person, this speaks to my heart and soul. I’m constantly striving toward living in ways that bring me to life whether it’s pursuing my own passions or helping my coaching clients dare to go after theirs. My interests and passions ebb and flow, shift and change, which is, in part, what it means to be multi-passionate. This quote reminds me of the importance of leaning into these natural tendencies rather than feeling like I/we should fight against them. Read more>>

Anj McMahon | Environmental Analyst & Artistic Dabbler

“I trust”. I love the versatility of this phrase. Having struggled with disordered eating in the past, I usually end up expanding this mantra to “I trust my body” for my typical day to day routine. On a more artistic level, I can remind myself to trust my creative abilities and how my hand leads the pen, brush, and pencil even though I lack formal training. I’ve also used it to intensify my trust in the universe; I can handle what life throws my way as I always have up to this point… no matter how difficult. Read more>>

Kat` Houser | Woodworker

“When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.” -unknown This is my business motto, as well as one of my favorite quotes. It brings this sense of hope and community that I want my business to reflect. Read more>>

Cheryl Carpinello | Author & Educator

I have two favorite quotes that I feel describe who I am. My first quote comes from J. R. R. Tolkien’s works: Not all who Wander are Lost. My second is from a Robert Frost poem: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” (The Road Less Traveled) Even had I not become an educator, I would always be a life-long learner. My career as a high school teacher simply determine from that learning path would be. I became obsessed with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds as I shared literary works from these eras with my students. Over the years, I’ve wandered through the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and medieval England and France through books and in person. My quotes explain as I wander through ages, I’m always in search of knowledge that has been passed down—and sometimes even lost—that gives me a unique insight into human beings and civilizations. Read more>>

Amanda “Jo” Erven | Consultant, Speaker & Author

Quote… affirmation… mantra… motto… mission statement… whatever you want to call it, this is mine: “Good things come to those who wait… but don’t. You deserve better than good.” (By, well, ME!) I sign each of my books “Don’t wait!” because I believe from the bottom of my heart and soul that each one of us has the power to choose, change, and make our own destiny. I know there are times in life for patience, but I am a firm believer that patience and waiting isn’t going to get us to our dreams. We each need to go out and proactively seek what we want/need in life and don’t stop until we get there. Read more>>

Joanna Schaus | Photographer & Storyteller

Choosing a favorite quote is difficult for most people but especially for me. I am the girl who writes down things people say that I find fascinating on post-it notes and then stick them to my mirror. When I first started my photography business, I began reading, “Steal Like An Artist” by Austin Kleon. He is one of my favorite authors, and I frequently re-visit many quotes by him. In his book, he encourages artists to do good work and share it as a gift with others. Austin once said, “draw the art you want to see, start the business you want to run, play the music you want to hear, write the books you want to read, build the products you want to use – do the work you want to see done. If you ever find that you’re the most talented person in the room, you need to find another room.” I value this quote because when it comes to my photography style, I have tried to make it something that inspires me personally. Read more>>

Danni Smith | Photographer

“Keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -Walt Disney It has helped me through the years from trying photography for the first time to even today, struggling through the pandemic. Always remind yourself to not give up, to keep creating and trying new things and letting our curiosity lead us into new skills or experiences in the best way we can. Even when a session doesn’t go well, or my sales aren’t the best one month, I just remind myself to keep creating and trying, and to keep moving forward. Read more>>

Trinh Nguyen | Tattoo Artist

Life is a journey, not a destination – Ralph Waldo Emerson. This quote has become a very consistent mantra in my life. It reminds me to savor each fleeting moment of satisfaction for as long as possible, before setting my intentions upon my next endeavor. Read more>>

Amy Mazeski | Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner

“A lot of cheap seats in the arena are filled with people who never venture onto the floor. They just hurl mean-spirited criticisms and put-downs from a safe distance. The problem is, when we stop caring what people think and stop feeling hurt by cruelty, we lose our ability to connect. But when we’re defined by what people think, we lose the courage to be vulnerable. Therefore, we need to be selective about the feedback we let into our lives. For me, if you’re not in the arena also getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback.” ~ Brene Brown I love this quote because it reminds me that we often rely too heavily on what others or our perception of what they think and how it reflects on us as a person. Most people aren’t scared of what they can do; their fear is about their personal power and what they CAN do. Read more>>

Teresa Anne Volgenau | Artist

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. My artwork of contemporary romance may be heavily layered with intricate details, but when it comes to powerful phrases or mantras to help me keep on track, I keep it pretty simple. A consistent favorite of mine is “Happiness is a choice.” Four words that instill my individual rights as a co-creator on this planet, giving me the power to choose and maneuver through this labyrinth called life as I see fit. The same four words dig my roots down deep into the earth as well as launch me up into the clouds in regard to my overall well being and understanding of limitless possibilities. Life is good, so choose it. No. “Happiness is a choice” is not a means of putting on rose-colored glasses and pretending there is no injustice or muck in the world. “Happiness is a choice” is about taking action. Read more>>