Tuesday, September 05, 2006

The Wisdom of Maya Angelou



Words to live by, from Maya Angelou. Many are things you have no doubt heard before, but I find that sometimes it can be motivating to really read - think about - and apply - these sayings. I really try to be intentional and deliberate in the way I live, in the choices I make. I screw up a lot, I forget a lot, I have a ways to go. Reading lists like this one help get me back on track.

  • 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.

2 comments:

  1. The last one, especially, is the most important one, imho.

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  2. the last one is the one that has been stuck in my mind all week ...

    I have many memories of people in the past where the strongest and overriding thoughts I have of them are based on how they made me feel.

    It's powerfully true.

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