There's a quote that I heard a few years ago from writer Mary Lou Kownacki that quickly became my favorite life mantra as soon as I heard it: "There isn't anyone you couldn't love once you've heard their story."

It's really hard to love people who aren't lovable. Whether that's a friend, a family member, someone who cuts you off in traffic, a tough guest service call or email, a Twitter troll, or a complete stranger you read about in a news article. 

In the foreword to Mister Rogers' (yes, THE Mister Rogers) 2003 book, Important Things to Remember, his wife talked about how this quote was one of his favorites. She said, "A quote he loved especially - and carried around with him - was from Mary Lou Kownacki: 'There isn't anyone you couldn't love once you've heard their story.' There were many times I wanted to be angry at someone and Fred would say, 'But I wonder what was going on in that person's day.' His capacity for understanding always amazed me."

I believe that our character is most tested - and thus, most developed and molded - when we choose to love our fellow human beings when it is the hardest to do so. Everyone has a story, a past with baggage and scars, raw spots that can be made fresh again with a small inadvertent poke. 

Everyone has a past and deeply rooted reasons why they are the way they are, whey they react certain ways, and how they perceive certain situations. Unless they are personally close to you, odds are you won't ever get to know that person's story - but imagine if you could. There would surely be stories of hurt, betrayal, or mistrust that would allow you to make sense of the person you're seeing in front of you.

It's easy to be put off by someone's actions on the surface, but remembering that there are reasons behind the "why" (whether we know them or not) will make the whole world a better place and make your day far better than it would've been if you just assumed the worst of someone.

Happy Friday, Crusaders!

I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the law of attraction. If not, my Google search defines the law of attraction as an attractive and magnetic power. This law attracts thoughts, ideas, people, situations and circumstances. Blah, blah, blah. Here’s an applicable definition;

Any person, situation, idea or emotion which gets the most energy from you, (whether it’s positive or negative) is what you’ll experience the most of in your life. For example, if you do not want something in your life then you focus on the solution rather than the problem. Easier said than done…Duuuuh… But taking action toward what you DO want in your life attracts awesomeness like prime parking spaces or fulfilling relationships. :D

Finally, focus on what you wish to experience in your life and those things will be attracted to you one way or another.  

Thanks for reading!

Hello team! When you read this, we'll be about to start our photoshoot in San Francisco

It's the culmination of a ton of work from all areas of the company, from Creative, to Accounting, to PGSS (shoutout to Connor for being the same size as our model), to Wholesale for letting us invade their office the past few days, and Gabby for booking us hotels, restaurants, food, and more. Today is a testament to teamwork! Thank you everyone for all the work you do every day and for being flexible enough (open-minded policy, anyone?) to help other departments get things done. Teamwork makes the dream work! 


Stay tuned on social media today when you can! Nery will be posting/snapping to keep our channels updated on the events of the day! We're all looking forward to showing you all the finished products!