What 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
Please leave a comment
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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It was my pleasure to post it, Dawna. I loved every word of it when I first read it.
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What a gift to the universe … I personally have learned much from Ms. Angelou 🙂
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As have I. I’ve read everything by her I’ve been able to get my hands on.
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She was, indeed, a treasure. Her words will live on for a long time.
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Yes, I think they will, and that is the ultimate compliment for the excellent writer, clear thinker, and joyous spirit she was.
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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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As she would have you Janet- you have a fine, wise soul.
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Thank you, Sheila.
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I’m printing and putting it on my desk!
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I’m glad you responded to the wonderful piece the same way I did. I’ve read and re-read it.
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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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As do you, my dear friend, Mary, who first shared Maya’s words with me that I published in this post. Next time we’re together, I’d love to see the book you treasure.
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I’m from Australia and I had never even heard of this woman until she died. But now I want to know more. Thank you for enlightening me.
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And thank you for finding your way to my blog, Marigold. I’ll be sure to visit you in return.
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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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I admired her as well for many years and sorrowed when she died. Such a loss.I never had the joy of hearing her speak, but your description of her sounds like my imaginings of her. Thank you for commenting.
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