Lessons Learned From Maya Angelou

“I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.”

~Maya Angelou

Today I want to celebrate Maya Angelou in honor of her birthday! She has been so influential in my life and has inspired and empowered me through her teaching, writing and speaking.

When I was in my early twenties, I was blessed to hear her speak twice at the University of Colorado, Boulder. I remember feeling that Maya gave me permission to own and speak my truth, an encouragement that has been my guiding principle ever since.

“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.” ~Maya Angelou

The lessons she shared through writing about her personal experience of sexual abuse, remaining silent for six years, reclaiming her voice and speaking out courageously about so many injustices profoundly impacted me.

Her strength, courage, grace and remarkable use of the English language to shine the light of awareness on things that needed to be changed guided my path of learning and career, which resulted in my Master of Social Work degree.

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” ~Maya Angelou

A very impactful lesson I learned from Maya was the choice to be a survivor and not a victim. She said, “Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.” Her inspiring attitude helped me transform my own suffering and understanding of myself and motivated me to share this message of empowerment with every client I have worked with for over twenty-five years.

“If you don’t like something change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” ~Maya Angelou

Choice is the most powerful tool to transform your experience of feeling victimized. Once you understand that you can choose your attitude and perspective, you become an empowered survivor reclaiming her value and worth. This has been an overriding theme in my life and has influenced my message of empowerment, transformation and self-nurturing.

Honoring the pain and then reframing our attitude is what we have control of and as Maya reminds us “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” Opening and then owning our own power, unique brilliance and purpose on this planet were such affirming and inspiring lessons to learn as a young woman.

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

Maya Angelou lived her life from a place of open-hearted love and taught me the power of compassion, forgiveness and hope. I am so deeply grateful for her profound lessons, her inspiring life and the amazing legacy she has left for women around the world.

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” ~Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is definitely my she-roe and I am overflowing with gratitude for the positive influence she has had in my life!

May you celebrate the lessons learned from your heroes and she-roes and may you continue to nurture peace in the world from the inside out!