Uplift just published a short article on this amazing woman of character, passion, transparency and strength. I am passing some of their words on to you for inspiration – and to challenge YOU to mine the depths of your heart and soul for your own unique answers to these questions.
“Born in St. Louis in 1928, Maya Angelou had an unmistakable rhythm to her soul, a deep strength that held her up and the ability to make words dance. Just like a phoenix, she faced adversity in her life, and rose, again and again, from the ashes.
Having lived her life to the fullest against all odds, Maya Angelou fought to show the world the truth of what she believed– that every life counts and “it takes each of us to make a difference for all of us.” Today, we’re sharing inspiration from the great woman herself, so that we can all rise together.
Inspiration From a Poet that Will Make Your Heart Sing
On life:
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.
On the power of perspective:
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.
On what really counts:
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.
On the power of forgiveness:
It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.
On having your own back:
I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself.
I’m a woman. Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
On finding the balance:
A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.
On the importance of courage:
One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.
On personal growth:
We have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? And, according to our light, according to our understanding, according to our courage, we will have to say yea or nay – and rise!
On the value of each and every action:
I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.
On aging your own way:
The most important thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you really feel that you want to have an off-the-shoulder blouse and some big beads and thong sandals and a dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it. Even if you’re wrinkled.
And finally, on herself:
I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being.” (Taken from https://upliftconnect.com/)
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Gaye Abbott, Natural Passages Consulting, 2/14/19
The agendas, “to do” lists, committees for this and that, obligations, demands from others, and endless expectations of our own keep us enslaved by their very nature. Not to say that right livelihood and courageous work in the world is not important.
This is now. This is our life. Our pleasure. Our pain. Nothing about these moments demands that we prove we are enough, up to it, beautiful, competent, strong, courageous, have it together, or even know what the heck we are doing.
How many seconds of this lifetime will you allow to simply pass on through without noticing the moss on the rock by the creek and how soft and green it is, the sound of water flowing through your body rocking you from within, the softness of an extra layer of pine needles that has gifted you with a spongy path to walk upon after the rains, the majesty of trees married together forever for as long as you touch them with love, the smells of rich earth rising into your nostrils to ground you into the very roots of your being….
WildlyFreeWoman 