Along with people, around the world, I am deeply moved by the passing of America’s poet laureate, Dr. Maya Angelou. I am grateful that we live in an age where visual images of her, the sound of her voice, and most importantly, her elegant words and the wealth of wisdom contained therein are preserved and remain easily accessible. Maya Angelou shared her soul with the world and, in so doing, left it better for her having spent time here. I can think of no greater accomplishment to which to aspire than that. In tribute to her, and for your enrichment, I devote the remainder of this space to her words:

“I believe that each of us comes from the Creator trailing wisps of glory.”

“When you get, give. When you learn, teach.”

“Love heals. Heals and liberates.”

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

“When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.”

“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

“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.”

“One isn’t necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.”

“Nothing will work unless you do.”

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”

“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.”

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” [To which I add – not even death.]

Dr. Maya Angelou
April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014
May she rest in peace and rise in glory!