I posted this over at my blog today as part of the 365 challenge - but I wanted to post it here too. Those who follow my blog over at Wordpressknow that not only do I take a photograph (or two) a day, but I also include a fitting quote.
I often find my quotes each day, by browsing Good Reads. It was there, quite some time ago now, that I first met Maya Angelou. Of course, I had heard of her before and I knew of her literary works – but really only became hooked upon her wisdom when I stumbled 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.”
When you have the kind of mind that I do (I inherited the worrier family trait rather than the ‘warrior’ one!) it takes years and years to find something that will help you to let things go and keep going with life and without a humungous grudge or concern. Nobody’s perfect, that much is true, and I haven’t fully mastered the letting go part but it’s in hand at least. When I feel frustrated, worried, emotional or when I feel just complete and utter despair I go to that quote and couple it with another favourite (A.A Milne this time!)
“Always Remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and wiser than you think.”
The sad news is that Maya Angelou died today – but her quote is so very true – “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 won’t ever forget the power of her words and how they made me feel, how they still make me feel. If you need an inspirational moment, take a moment to visit here.
