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.

Altagracia Marte | Founder of Girls Help Girls

My favorite quote is by Maya Angelou. “I come as one, but stand as ten thousand.” This quote is from one of Maya Angelou’s poems, “Our Grandmothers.” The reason this is my favorite quote is that it speaks so much volume about myself and the life I live today. I know that my purpose is so much bigger than myself and each day I am reminded that I stand tall on the shoulders of my ancestors. Every woman who came before me made it possible for me to think freely and continue to break the glass ceilings created to place a limit on my abilities. Although I am one person, I speak for everyone before me and work to make room for those after me. This also serves as my mantra for Girls Help Girl because I know that this is much bigger than myself. Read more>>

Deanna Joseph | Credit Repair & Finance Specialist

One of my favorite affirmations is, “I’m releasing self-doubt to make room for growth.” Initially when I found this affirmation, I wrote it down with my companies in mind. Quickly I found myself reciting it whenever I needed motivation, or I felt the need to reassure myself in stressful situations. I love to find quotes and affirmations that are applicable in every area of life, whether it be physical health, mental/emotional health, financial health, or any other area in which we may find the need for balance and a constant equilibrium. Whenever I’m unsure or I find myself becoming overwhelmed, I take a moment to pause. I take a deep breath (making room for growth), and I exhale (release any and all self-doubt). It definitely keeps me grounded, I hope it does the same for you. Read more>>

Teresa Kelley | Editor in Chic

While there are several that I live by, I would say the most mentioned and most impactful would be “Make It Happen.” For me this is a reminder that by any means necessary {positive & legal of course) I have the opportunity to create the life the life I deserve and desire and accomplish any goal I put forth. I use this phrase in my personal life as a mom, business life as owner of two businesses and in my community work as president of the Black Child Development Institute and mentor. Read more>>

Heather Viniar | Intuitive Wellness Coach & Yoga Teacher

My favorite quote is “you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” -Jon Kabat-Zinn This has been one of the most relatable quotes for me throughout my entire life, and is one that I remind myself of (and clients of) often. Life is happening, moment by moment, day by day, week by week. Interactions will always occur. Circumstances will always arise. It’s our choice and our responsibility how we respond to those interactions, circumstances, etc. Just because the waves in the ocean have ups and downs doesn’t mean they’re not beautiful, flowing, peaceful, and a powerful force of nature. Just like the ebbs and flows of the waves in the ocean, life has ebbs and flows too. You have to embrace and acknowledge the ups and the downs exactly as they are, in order to find true authenticity, love every aspect of the journey, and OWN your voice. Read more>>

Whitney Fair | Yoga Instructor & Underwater Performer

“Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.” This quote is important because it reminds me to not take things personally when people don’t share the same vision as me. It also reminds me that people can accomplish anything with the power of vision and belief. Read more>>

Lory Wallace | Mother, CEO of Pulse Beauty, Founder of Pulse Beauty Cares Incorporated, Philanthropist & Author

My mother have depth to her that many wouldn’t understand. Oftentimes, when my siblings and I would go to here for advice, she’ll always throw something at us to make us come to a conscious decision for ourselves. I see now that her objective was to never intervene or overstep her boundaries, but yet deposit wisdom into us that would be thought provoking to align us with our greater. I say all of that to say, my favorite quote from her is, “Some people will live their whole life and will never be properly introduced to themselves”. To me it meant to never get caught up into the illusion of things that doesn’t hold any true value when it’s all said and done. This is why we have so many unhappy people living in a false sense of reality. To find true happiness (which is an inside job), requires us to deal with the good, the bad, the ugly and indifferent in the most purest form. That process to discovering you will NOT feel good at all and will require you to go through the shedding process of removing habitual practices from our daily lives that doesn’t bare fresh productive fruit. Read more>>