Monday, June 2, 2014

Words To Live By

It's a beautiful day in my neighborhood and I am doing OK.


Maya Angelou
Last week, a great lady, Maya Angelou, left us.  After reading many of the tributes paid to her, and hearing a recap of her life, I decided to look further on the Internet for more details.  I came across 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 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

I have nothing to add.  Maya said it all.

 

35 comments:

  1. I love Maya's words, too. A great man in town, who died too soon, was a kindred spirit. He always said "You're doing a great job." I remember how he made me feel.

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  2. Kind, encouraging words are always remembered. They make a difference in our lives.

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  3. Hello Arleen,

    Maya Angelou was a truly inspirational woman from so many points of view. Her words are wonderful and her actions spoke even louder. She was a brave woman but, perhaps more importantly, she had such grace.

    These days, everything seems centred around money and yet kindness which often costs nothing at all is in short supply. But it is in the simple acts of kindness where one really feels the joy in the world and faith in our common humanity. Maya Angelou knew that only too well. She will be missed.

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    1. Dear Jane and Lance,

      I could not add anything after Maya Angelou's words, and I can't add anything to yours either except,"beautiful".

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  4. She was a very special person. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" was one of my favourite reads. She overcame so much adversity in her life in order to succeed and show the way for others (such as Oprah Winfrey).
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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  5. Wise words indeed.

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  6. The world is diminished with her passing - and has been made richer (so much richer) by her presence.

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  7. You are right - Maya said it all. - she was a very wise lady wasn't she?

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  8. Maya lived a long life and her words inspired many generations.

    Nine days to go, Sandi.

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  9. She is a treasure and the day she died I went to the bookstore and bought the 4th book of her autobiography, The Heart of a Woman. I read it fast as it was very compelling.

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  10. She was a strong, wonderful woman who lived a very interesting and full life...she selflessly gave so much...

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  11. Replies
    1. Wise but also uncomplicated words, Cro. Meaningful because they are so simple.

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  12. Wonderful. Thank you so much for posting this.

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  13. She was a good woman, and a damned good poet. We were lucky to have had her as long as we did!

    Perl

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  14. Thank you for this; I will copy and paste it.

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  15. Thank you so much for this. People will never forget how you make them feel and Maya Angelou's presence in our lives made me feel like a stronger, better, happier woman.

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  16. When Maya Angelou was working in this region so long ago, she got a lot of young people interested in the gentle power of poetry, me included. No end to her influence.

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  17. Wise words! Thanks for sharing.

    PS: Thank you for your visit and comment.

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  18. What an amazing woman.But I hadn't seen this quote - thank you

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  19. What a wise woman! Something to aspire to.

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  20. Dear Arleen, Maya did indeed say it all. Her wisdom can guide us, I think, through our darkest days. Thank you for sharing that wonderful list of what she's learned and what she shared with us. Peace.

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  21. She was some kinda brilliant, wasn't she?

    (Wow! Gorgeous header picture!)

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  22. Wonderful post and lady! She will be missed by millions. So happy you shared this with us. Wisdom to live by.
    Hope your having a awesome week
    Love
    Maggie

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  23. Hi Arleen,

    It was not until recently that I became aware of that amazing lady. Her passing was a major news story in Britain. A wise, inspirational lady. Thanks for the reminder. And I love your header photo.

    Gary

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  24. She spoke so much truth tied up in wonderful words. Loving the new header! :)

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  25. These truly are words to cherish, and something that we can all relate to on some level. There are so many memorable ines here. The catcher's mitt quote particularly struck a chord with me. Maya Angelou will be greatly missed.

    Julie

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  26. a little off topic: what's the name of that beautiful blue climber in the picture? Love it!

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  27. what a fabulous quote... she was a remarkable lady.
    Fil

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