Sheros: Maya Angelou- “it may be necessary to encounter defeat”

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”- Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou passed away on may 28^th 2014 at the age of 86. Her life was filled with many accolades and outstanding accomplishments; Poet Laureate, Pulitzer nominee, Tony Award winner, best selling author, poetess, winner of more than 50 honorary degrees, mother, sister, daughter, wife, National Medal of Arts winner, Presidential Medal of Freedom winner, consummate and powerful woman, artist…and a former sex worker.

Dr. Angelou, spoke openly about her past as a sex worker and was never ashamed to say who she was or where she came from. That to me, is one of the most inspirational things about her. Many times, the world focuses on the need for achievements, the shinny trophies and honorary awards. But does any one wonder what it takes to get there? What does it take for a former sex worker to become a Pulitzer nominee? To focus on Maya’s past is not an injustice but rather a welcome reminder that in life anything is possible. We can choose who we become. As Maya herself says “we may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated. It may even be necessary to encounter the defeats so you can know who you are [and] how you can rely upon yourself”. Maya Angelo’s story gives us all hope that defeat of whatever kind, is definitely not the end of our journey.

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It is impossible to discuss Dr. Angelou without mentioning her intricate mind, dotted with salient pieces of wisdom which she shared to all without reserve. She once told Oprah that she didn’t consider herself wise but as someone who was in route to wisdom. “I know enough to live what I know”. Such was the level of her humility.

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If you ever wanted to stand on someone shoulder to get a glimpse of their world view, Dr. Angelou’s shoulders provide a a sturdy platform to do so.

“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 something 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.”- Maya Angelou