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.

Erin Hanrahan Doak | Owner & Principal Designer

Everything happens for a reason! In a world that seems to constantly throw you curveballs, it’s somewhat necessary to remain positive and optimistic. It’s our duty to make the most of our days on this earth and no matter what the circumstance may be, find something good in everything. This can apply to all facets of life – personal and professional. It’s a reminder to me that behind any frustration or fear will always be a positive light. It’s just a matter of how you maintain composure as you work through the darkness. Read more>>

Alvaro Palacio | Athlete & Personal Trainer

“We must dare to be great, and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage.” – Theodore Roosevelt This has been my favorite quote since middle school. As an athlete, it implies that there is no substitute for hard work. You have to put in countless hours of hard work each and every day to be the best athlete out there. Running a small business is identical. I’ve had to put in (still do) several hours in a day to improve my business while making sacrifices along the way. Among these sacrifices, sleep has been the biggest by far. I want to succeed so much, that sometimes I’m willing to forego a full night’s worth of rest so I can work to improve Paramount Athletics. Read more>>

Raveen Alexis | Writer, Yogi & Mental/Emotional Wellness Advocate

“Your calling will crush you.” It is a recent fave. It means (to me) that my purpose isn’t just for the people; it’s for me too. It’s for me FIRST. The work I do is a reflection of my healing, evolution, and growth. And anytime that I experience an adversity, I know that it is to offer a lesson so that I can grow and then share that wisdom with community. Whatever you’ve been called to do won’t always be rainbows and sunshine; it will test you time and time again. And that is how you know. I like it because it reminds me of my own resilience. And it reminds me to be grateful for the process, comfy and not-so-comfy. None of it is for nothing. Read more>>

Alejandro Chaoul | Tibetan Yoga and Meditation Teacher & Director

“A Good Heart is the Best Religion” In 1989/1990 I spent almost a year in India, looking for a spiritual teacher. Having been born in Argentina–a very Catholic country–in a Jewish family and learning English in a Presbyterian school, i was exposed to different religious beliefs. Yet, nothing helped my existential questioning and anxiety. Reading Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, opened my eyes to the understanding of suffering of birth, old age, sickness and death, that i then understood came from the Buddhist teachings. Through a friend’s uncle I learnt meditation in High school, and after college went to India. As i was looking for a spiritual teacher I met a few wonderful Hindu teachers, and then i met His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who at the end of a public blessing said, “a good heart is the best religion.” When i heard that–as simple as it sounds–it cracked my heart open, and i stayed crying under a tree, still in the courtyard of the Dalai Lama’s residence. Since then, this simple and profound words resonate and give meaning to my life. Read more>>