I usually hate chain e-mails forwarded to a list of 50+ people. But every once in a while, there’s one that actually has some insightful knowledge in it. Today I received one regarding Maya Angelou.

Angelou is a poet known for works during and after the American Civil Rights Movement. According to this e-mail, she was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey recently on her 70+ birthday. On the program, she talked about growing older and what she had learned (I’ve bolded my favorites):

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.

‘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.’

Unlike your average forwarded e-mail, this one made me feel something. I think we can all gain something from Angelou’s words, no?

Blog Hug!