Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. Being a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, Dr. Angelou continues to travel the world making appearances, spreading her legendary wisdom despite being over 70 years old.
    She has proven that age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don't mind - it shouldn't matter.
    In 1981, Dr. Angelou was appointed to a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.
    In January 1993, she became only the second poet in U.S. History to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration.
    Dr. Angelou has authored twelve best-selling books including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her current best-seller A Song Flung Up to Heaven.
    She was on the Oprah Winfrey show and shared some invaluable insights that I believe we should all consider. She said:
    "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."
    These are words of wisdom that deserve our serious consideration.
    E-mail: drdd@swbell.net
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