The holiday season is always hectic — closing down the year, buying holiday gifts and celebrating with friends and family.
The writer and poet Maya Angelou has always had a magic touch with words and expressions that get to the heart of the human experience.
On the occasion of her 70th birthday, Oprah Winfrey interviewed Maya Angelou and asked her what she thought of growing older. She responded that it was “exciting.”
She went on to say:
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.
Maya Angelou
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.
We trust that you have been as inspired by Maya’s insights into life as we have been.
Our best wishes to you and your loved ones for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012.
One Comment
Maya is obviously someone that lived life with her eyes wide open. She looked beyond herself and found fulfillment by helping others and not taking life for granted. Thank you Maya for the insight.