-"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."- Interview for Beautifully Said Magazine with Maya Angelou. (2012).
This particular quote by Maya has proved to be inverted with the children in my life. They never forget what I said or did or how I made them feel and they remind me copiously especially when it was negative. On the other hand when my female birth siblings and my friends haven't gotten my words or my actions correct; they never forget the good feelings I have often given them. My parents were always supportive and truthful with me. I was a great truth teller when I was young but found that sometimes bending it saved me from a physical or emotional beating in a relationship. I try to shoot my arrows straight these days, but like all people I am not perfect.
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." - Angelou's Facebook (2011).
All the things that had a negative effect on me are a part of my past experience but not a part of my present. I divorce myself from all negative experiences, no matter how small, with each passing week.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." - Angelou's Facebook (2011). I started out being able to give credence to some of these ideas. However, as I grew older I did not arrive at wiser until I got past my 50th birthday. Even then, I found myself floundering at times. I made a brilliant deduction. Guess what world? I am human! Those qualities happen for me in my life but not always appropriately.
"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." - Interview with Oprah for Angelou's 70th birthday (2000).
From age 16 through to my mid 40's I think I was fearful to throw something back either emotionally, physically, or spiritually. It is only in the last 25 years that I have felt the freedom that quote was supposed to bring me.
"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." - The Art of Fiction No. 119, the Paris Review - POETRY: Essential reading list.
April an old friend of mine used to sing an old Gloria Gaynor disco hit. She used to dance with a broom and sing "I Will Survive" off key. In times of trouble I made that my theme often playing non- stop in my brain.
Another thing I have learned from adapting some of Maya's ideas, is that no matter who you are you can create your own way of doing things; but it doesn't hurt to have someone figuratively or physically hold your hand until you arrive at your completed creation. Then you can rest awhile until you have to work at it once again.
Angel's Words of Heavenly Wisdom.
Well this is my first time writing on my human's blog. I think I should like to start by saying hello to all the neighbourhood canines. I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of you in the park. Ruth and I enjoy going twice a day now that the weather is more tolerable.
I was born in Ontario. I just moved in to the bed-sitting room with my new caretaker and friend last month. The garden is glorious! Ruth says that our landlady is the gardener that makes it possible every year. All I can say, is, it must be an absolute passion of hers! Some of the smells here are new to me and I must say truly fabulous!
I hope to live here for a very long time. Have a good weekend everyone!