Lessons from Life

UnknownWhat have you learned from living? …and how would your learnings compare to those of the late Maya Angelou: memoirist, poet, national treasure. I hope you enjoy her reflections on life. She captures in a few eloquent words what Aunt Beulah tries to say with so many. 

“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 something 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.”

Maya Angelou
in an interview with Oprah Winfrey

 

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18 thoughts on “Lessons from Life

  1. I loved this post, Janet. Very timely for me 🙂 “I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.” A statement that I’m hanging onto. Thank you for this positive, uplifting post.

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  2. I have kept the last stanza of her speech in my wallet quite some time, a wallet stuffed with small keepsakes rather than money. I once made more money than I knew what to do with, but it changes a person. I did not like the person I was. Now I am living as a minamalist and have my joy back. I have learned that grief is a given, and how little I need to get by- not how much. Lovely post, thanks Janet.

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    • Thank you for sharing some of what you have learned: money changes a person; it’s possible to change back; grief is a given; and not much is needed to live a joyous life. I think Maya would have liked you.

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  3. Every sentance resonates with me and I’ve tried to memorize this particular writing.

    Years ago I bought a special edition of “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now” that’s bound in leather with gold trim. I had a secret hope that one day I might meet Maya Angelou and she’d sign it. It remains unsigned but I still treasure it.

    I agree with worzelodd; you have a fine, wise soul Janet.

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  4. Maya Angelou spoke at a seminar I attended years ago. What struck me about her was how incredibly joyous she was, aside from her amazing intelligence and artistry. I sure miss her presense in the world. Thanks for posting this piece.

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