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

Christopher Rico | Visual Artist (Painter)

One of my favorite quotes as it pertains to what I do is by Martha Graham, whom many consider the mother of modern dance. “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” I especially love the phrase, “divine dissatisfaction” because it encapsulates my state of being in the studio. It’s about opening up to allow the most authentic manifestation of the flow. Read more>>

Jerra Latrice | Writer, Author, Consultant

My favorite quote is by Earl Nightingale, where he advises, “Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” This quote really speaks to me because I used to be the person that was so focused on hurrying up and getting to the finish line. But, I now realize there are lessons along whatever journey we are going through in life. Embrace the journey and don’t get discouraged because certain things may take too long. The time will pass anyway. Read more>>

Ka’Dia Dhatnubia | Writer

“You often feel tired, not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks a light in you.” -Alexander Den Heijer I love this quote because it always reminds me to take inventory of the tasks that occupy space in my life. It encourages me to do a sort of constant spring cleaning to make sure I’m not wasting my time and energy on activities that don’t ‘spark a light in me.’ Read more>>

Hannah Lake | Actor, Singer, Dancer, Teaching Artist, & Photographer

When I was a senior in college at Western Carolina University in 2013, I was assigned an essay on theatre and opera director Anne Bogart, and found this quote of hers: “Allow me to propose a few suggestions about how to handle the natural resistances that your circumstances might offer. Do not assume that you have to have some prescribed conditions to do your best work. Do not wait. Do not wait for enough time or money to accomplish what you think you have in mind. Do not wait for what you assume is the appropriate, stress-free environment. Do not wait for maturity, insight, or wisdom. Do not wait until you are sure what you are doing. Do not wait until you have enough technique. What you do now will determine the quality and scope of your future endeavors.” The first time I read those words, I felt like I’d been punched in the chest. It felt like she was speaking directly to me. She was saying, “Hey, you. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the experience or training of your peers; it doesn’t matter if you don’t have enough money or support or a flawless plan. Read more>>

Naomi Harris | Comic Artist & Illustrator

One of my favourite quotes is from Pixar’s Ratatouille. “You must be imaginative, strong hearted. You must try things that may not work. And you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul.” While in the movie they were referencing cooking, I’m a firm believer that this quote can be applied to any and all creative hobbies and careers. “You must be imaginative…” The older we get the less encouragement we receive to use our imagination, but creating anything in any form requires it. Artists make things up in their mind, and then manifest them onto a canvas, through sculpting, or pottery. Yes, using references when creating is important, but what makes something uniquely yours is using the elements of your imagination and experiences in life to create something only you could ever make. “…strong hearted.” You’ve got to want to create, and keep creating. Read more>>

LeRoy McLaurin | Model Coach & Fashion Stylist

Yes i do for the last 16 yrs of my life I’ve lived by the quote “I Been Walking” This quote reminds me that I set a goal for myself in life and no matter the outcome i must keep going. People say you must crawl before you walk. Well I’ve done that and i can ensure as long as I keep walking and stay focus I’ll get to the TOP! I like the fact that I’m blessed to motivate myself to keep going and this quote has done that every step of the way through ups and downs, set backs, and obstacles that have tried to get in the way. Read more>>