11 Life Lessons from Maya Angelou

Happy Day #1 of the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

That’s big, but ALSO… here in north Idaho it's finally summer! Right now we're totally wrapped up in summertime play, the July 4th holiday and just being outside in the sunshine. I'm lucky to live in such beautiful country and we try to take advantage of the outdoors as much as possible.

In the UBC, I'm entered in the personal development category and our business does focus on building relationships for success in business. But with the advent of summer and the mid-week holiday, it's tough to start discussions about our relationships this week - would anyone be paying any attention?!?!?

That brings me to my point: I'm going to save my human behavior styles discussion to begin on July 9 and throughout this week I'll share some things that I’ve found particularly captivating. They can certainly qualify as personal development and they range from the fun to serious and things in between.

I'll start with the amazing May Angelou. I did see her once on Oprah and she told the most entertaining stories about a couple of her personal relationships with men – she’d compiled a recipe book and these were stories behind each dish – a completely captivating performance!

The following is from a broadcast I didn't see, but she catalogues lessons learned and they're worth paying attention to. See if you agree...

Maya Angelou, always an entertaining speaker, was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday and Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.

And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...'

Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
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The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is apparently such a simple (???) and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Here's what I've read Maya Angelou said:

'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 some things 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.'

 

She also shared this poem, that’s become a classic.

Don't Break the Elastic

When I was in my younger days,
I weighed a few pounds less,
I needn't hold my tummy in
to wear a belted dress.
But now that I am older,
I've set my body free;
There's the comfort of elastic
Where once my waist would be.
Inventor of those high-heeled shoes
My feet have not forgiven;
I have to wear a nine now,
But used to wear a seven.
And how about those pantyhose-
They're sized by weight, you see,
So how come when I put them on

The crotch is at my knee?
I need to wear these glasses
As the print's been getting smaller;
And it wasn't very long ago I know that I was taller.
Though my hair has turned to grey and my skin no longer fits,
On the inside, I'm the same old me,
It's the outside's changed a bit.

Question for you: I know you've got some life lessons learned and wonderful wisdom - any you care to pass along? Thanks!