Wednesday, March 23, 2005

What Maya Angelou Said

Received this in email today from my step-mother. Having just celebrated my 49th birthday, I feel a connection with her words.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this: "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow." "I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights." "I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life." "I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life." "I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance." "I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back." "I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision." "I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." "I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back." "I've learned that I still have a lot to learn." "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

4 comments:

Syd said...

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one." That may be my favorite one.

Internet Street Philosopher said...

Angelou is over 70 years old??? Had no idea!

Kim Carney said...

Well, since you asked, I thought I should look that up! And she is 74. Who knew, she is ageless.

Nimbostratusdweller said...

There is a lot of hope and a lot of humor in her words. I like the ones about life giving you another chance, and the difference between making a living and making a life, and I wish we all had the courage to try making a life instead of a living. I just imagine things would be very very different, and that this very notion must begin with letting go of everything we seem to want to carry around with us from day to day, mostly fears, unforgiveness ( that most people deny, but is completely the reason we can't let go). I am sure this woman has made a living and a life, and isn't that encouraging, that making a life is possible..maybe even probable?