Daily Log: “I’ve Learned That...” by Maya Angelou

THE GREAT MAYA ANGELOU
This photo is from http://www.vibrantword.com/maya_angelou.html

While browsing through my old email...again. Yes...again! I do not know what's got into me these days...I always find myself checking old emails from family and friends. Nostalgia...#throwbackthursday???

And in the process, I have found an email, a chain email popular during those times, from a cousin dated January 11, 2009 with a subject, Maya Angelou. So I re-opened it...and I found a "treasure of words"...

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. 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.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:

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 onThe 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 gray and my skin no longer fits,On the inside, I'm the same old me, It's the outside's changed a bit. 

But, on a positive note…
'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.'

At the end of the email, a message states:

Please send this to five phenomenal women today.

If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem.  

If you don't...the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles!  

Believe me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking....  

I sent it to a lot of special women I care for. And you are one of them!!

Be Well!

FOOTNOTES:

• Dr Maya Angelou is a remarkable renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou's unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race. Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.

• The post above is just an excerpt of the interview. For the complete story, please visit http://www.vibrantword.com/maya_angelou.html

• I read some of her qoutes...she's truly an inspiration...a woman of wisdom. I might dedicate a whole week of Maya Angelou's quotable quotes for Daily Log...