In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney is overflowing with the stories and wisdom from quotable, inspiring women makers, artists, and entrepreneurs. While they talk about starting their own businesses or working in creative fields, they also share one-liners that are good for everyone to keep in mind—for when the day drags, when the going gets tough, or when you just want to smile.
Here are 10 pick-me-ups to paste on your wall (or forehead):
My alarm goes off every morning with the phrase, 'Make it the best day.' It’s a good reminder for me that I have a choice in the matter. I’d much rather sleep in, but somehow seeing that phrase motivates me to get going.
Jessica Marquez, Artist, Crafter
What seem like urgent and immediate obstacles will recede greatly with time.
Thelma Golden, Museum Director, Chief Curator
I listen to Queen.
Cameron Esposito, Comedian, Actor
I’ve also been known to play my 'girl power' playlist incredibly loudly. Beyoncé reminding me who runs the world is a great morale booster.
Hana Getachew, Textile Designer
It takes ten years to achieve overnight success.
Karen Young, Product Designer, Entrepreneur
Don’t let go of your goals, but let go of your expectations.
Elise Kornack + Anna Hieronimus, Chef-Restaurateurs
Let yourself boil over with fury, and vent rage, curse, rain down wrath, and tear out your hair. (But try not to do it publicly. And certainly not online.)
Dominique Browning, Author, Activist
Don’t try to solve problems that don’t yet exist.
Claire Mazur + Erica Cerulo, Entrepreneurs
Everything is going to be fine. You don’t have to trick people into believing in you.
Desiree Akhavan, Writer, Actor, Filmmaker, Director
Everything has a solution.
Llubav Choy Duerr, Artist, Illustrator
Excerpted from In the Company of Women by Grace Bonney (Artisan Books). Photographs by Sasha Israel. Copyright © 2016. This article originally appeared on October 13, 2016.
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