The world lost a magical woman today. I discovered Maya Angelou’s autobiographies one hot summer in junior high and curled up for days in front of the fan reading them back to back. During one particularly trying time years later I remember writing out her quote, “Nothing will work unless you do” and taping it above my bed. It was the first thing I saw when I woke up and the last thing I saw before I fell asleep. Her incredible story helped me discover my own self-worth and I will be forever touched by the wisdom of her words. I leave you with some of my favorite Angelou quotations. May history never forget this beautiful, brave, and compassionate woman.
“I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels.”
“If you get, give. If you learn, teach.”
“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.”
“I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.”
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”
“I believe the most important single thing beyond discipline and creativity is daring to dare.”
“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.”
“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.”
“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life.”
Such a loss. Love the quotes you chose.
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
i remember my parents making me read angelou’s memoirs in the summers, knowing that i probably wouldn’t read them in school. the subject matter was raw and intense, but she seemed so strong, so willing to not give up in the face of so much adversity. she has such a varied life but her sense of wonder, adventure, faith, never wavered. in today’s world, she will truly be missed.
Such wisdom–even when she talks about uncomfortable issues she never does so without hope and grace.