Do you have a favorite dialogue, lyric, quote or affirmation? Please share with us below.

Tasha Straszewski | Irish Dance Studio Director & Social Scientist

One of my favorite quotes, or sayings really, is one that Bridie Mallon, one of my best friends and assistant teacher at Tamora School of Irish Dance, always says: “high hopes, low expectations.” The things I hope for are always top of mind. Without hope, there is little approach motivation. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What is your purpose or direction in life? Regarding the second part of the quote, if you’re going around expecting things in life, whether it’s expecting certain outcomes or expecting people to be a certain way, you’re likely going to end up disappointed. If you minimize your expectations, when something does go well, it can end up being more exciting than it would’ve been had you expected it to happen. Especially in this last year, I think we’ve all experienced how unpredictable life can be. By doing my best to approach my work in this way, and everything else in my life really, I end up savoring the process more and having a better overall experience. Read more>>

Arthur Jensen | Artist & Student

“Where the head goes, the body follows. Perception precedes action. Right action follows the right perspective” – Ryan Holiday This is one of my favorite quotes because it reminds me that I’m always in control and that I have the power to choose how I react to every situation in life. Bad things or events can happen, but I can control my response. I really enjoy reading Ryan Holiday’s books about personal and career development because they are filled with great tips about introspection. Read more>>

Elizabeth Bean Smith | Founder & Partner, Wardrobe Therapy Columbus, LLC

“Be kind. Work hard. Stay humble. Smile often. Stay loyal. Keep honest. Travel when possible. Never stop learning. Be thankful always and love.” -Ritu Ghatuurey I think of these words daily with my family, my business, my friends, and routine. If you asked my kids what we say the most in our home, it would be “to be kind, always.” This quote is meaningful to me and quite simple, actually. I founded a fashion business, Wardrobe Therapy built on these principals. My business partner and our team of stylists are all of these and more. And of course, travel is so important in learning new cultures, experiencing new environments, trying new things and seeing the world from a different perspective. As an individual that is an extrovert and loves being with others, to love is easier than to hate. If the core values of ones company is built on passion, empathy and love, especially in a service business, then success will follow. Read more>>

Desiree Buchanan | Entrepreneur & Social Good Activist

My favorite quote that serves as the north star of everything I do is “progress, not perfection.” It’s an affirming reminder that most things in life aren’t a black and white –– easily this, or that. We’re human, and we’re working through our values one step at a time. I believe if we championed more of the progress we’re making within ourselves, our relationships, and communities, society as a whole would be in a much healthier mindset around achieving a greater good for planet and people. Especially owning and growing an inclusive and sustainable women’s clothing brand, I want to ensure we’re always spreading a message that’s encouraging and approachable for anyone who’s looking to lead a more sustainable life at whatever stage they’re at. Poplinen is welcoming, and our styles are committed to making women feel more than, not less than. Read more>>

Zoe Brush | Artist & Songwriter

I love this quote that I heard in the most recent Cinderella movie, “Have courage and be kind.” Although it’s simple I have been impacted by it because I believe both things are equally valuable. As an artist, I have needed to be courageous over and over again. It takes courage to write a new song, to share it with the world. It takes courage to perform in Hollywood in front of others even if it’s ten other people. It takes courage to pursue a difficult career, one that is always fluctuating and hangs in the balance of my own creativity and self discipline. But in order to do any of those things it’s important to approach people with kindness. Kindness can go a long way and it is the key to creating and maintaining relationships in all areas of my life. It’s also important to be kind to myself. Often I am too hard on myself and have learned that when I start to feel the pressure or the frustration I need to treat myself with kindness. Read more>>

Craig Dershowitz | C.E.O., Artists 4 Israel, President of Healing Ink

“Human beings in a mob What’s a mob to a king? What’s a king to a God? What’s a God to a non-believer Who don’t believe in anything?” – Kanye West In my quietest moments and the in the still of soft, silent breath, I am confident that Artists 4 Israel is one of the most important Israel advocacy and aid organizations to exist. We have not changed the world, nor sought to but we have helped and healed people in need and under attack and placed a halo upon a country that so often deserves it. We prevent the spread of anti-Israel bigotry – a disruptive concept in a community so often regressively battling, not looking forward, and we help heal communities affected by war and terror. If you were to perceive the pro-Israel world as a Venn diagram, with providing real, quality of life improvements for people on one hand and sharp, intelligent, effective advocacy on the other, then we are the power in two clenched hands, holding one another tight. In those same seconds of clarity and control, I am also sure of myself, my leadership, my choices and my reason. Read more>>

Quamar Hall | Clothing Designer

My favorite quote is “DO SOMETHING TODAY THAT YOUR FUTURE SELF WILL THANK YOU FOR”. To me that it means start today with whatever you’ve been wanting to do. Trust me it will pay off in the long run. A few years from now you will definitely thank yourself. Read more>>

Robyn August | Writer, Director & Editor

“Happiness is in the journey, not the destination” I love this quote because it reminds me to enjoy the moment and not pretend that a “reward’ or prize will fulfill my life. Only the constant pursuit of the next idea, project, relationships, life experiences etc will keep my soul happy. It also ties in with another mantra I keep, that there are no winners and losers, just winning and learning. Failure is always a gift to me, to get better and work harder at something. I will never achieve my goals without the constant drive and determination, ignited by my past failures. Read more>>

Linzi Glass | Executive Director Non-Profit/Author/Writing Instructor

My daughter, Jordan, who is now 32, and runs her own non- profit, learned from me at a young age, that the single most important thing in life is to not only be caught up in your own wants and needs, but to find a passion, to give back and to make a difference in the world. Transformation, and improving the lives of others, or another – be it a two-legged, or four-legged being, is our greatest gift. My passion was to help animals, and to share with young people what it was like to grow up in Apartheid South Africa, to educate in two novels what was so terribly wrong in that society, and how hate and racism are so wrong. My daughter learned by watching me write those two critically acclaimed novels, and immerse myself into a cause, and make a difference by saving hundreds, then thousands, of neglected animals and transforming them and giving them wonderful forever lives, that she, too could, “be the change that you wish to see in the world” as Ghandi said so eloquently. Read more>>

lewloh | Singer-songwriter & Artist

One of the main struggles when pursuing such a temperamental career, is staying motivated even when no-one is paying attention. This quote reminds me that it is the journey that is important, and to pay less attention to the final destination. Read more>>

Manny Garcia | Founder/ Director of LIBERTAD Collective Clothing Brand | a Brand That Reflects a Fashion-Forward Streetwear Aesthetic, Specializing in Apparel That Tells a Story and Carries a Message of Advocacy.

know yourself and you will win all battles” ― Sun Tzu – There will be many naysayers and people who might not get your vision, but you must remember to stay constant and trust in the dreams and passions that make you feel alive. To me this quote carries so much power and fuels me to a deeper discovery of self- my strengths, my weaknesses, my fears, my passions, the good, the bad – all of me. Throughout your creative endeavors, there will be many voices screaming and veering for your attention, and if you don’t have a solid foundation of self, you will NOT thrive! Knowing – REALLY knowing – who you are will really set you on the path to success. Read more>>

Chauncey K. Robinson | Twisted CKR, Writer & Horror Pundit

“If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive. ” – American writer, Audre Lorde For me it’s important to be my authentic self in my career and life. This quote speaks to that goal. Society can try to place rules on you that can be restrictive to who you truly are, and can stifle your happiness. For years I always thought it was impossible to pursue a career in topics I was passionate about. I thought pursuing a career in storytelling, with a focus in dark fantasy and horror, was just an aimless dream. I thought aiming to be a writer, horror pundit, and film/tv critic could at best be hobbies. I also rarely saw Black women being prominent figures in these roles. But I told myself that it wasn’t about fitting into where society wanted to place me at, but going for where I wanted to be. I’ve tried so many more “respectable” and “serious” career paths, only to feel unfulfilled, and I knew if I kept going that route I would be eaten alive by unhappiness. Read more>>