When I think about Maya Angelou, I instantly recognize the immense joy, wisdom and courage she brought to the world. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1928, she faced racial segregation and extreme poverty, but her resilience and creativity enabled her to overcome these obstacles. As a mature adult, she achieved much acclaim as a poet, essayist and memoirist. She was a revered civil rights activist and author of seven autobiographies. To this day she is loved and recognized around the world for her personal strength and effortless harmony she brought to the world.
Maya Angelou’s significance to me is deeply personal. From a young age, I related to her prominence in the face of her challenges. While it’s her work that inspired me, it’s also her ability to overcome her adversaries that left me overwhelmed with admiration. Learning about her struggle and triumphal move to New York at the age of 14, jumped out of the page, motivating me to pursue my passions without fear.
I was particularly drawn to her ability to express her feelings via words. I always appreciated her rhythms, language, and directness in her poetry, as well as her powerful, poignant life experiences expressed in both her non-fiction autobiography and film work. I found myself unlocking a new understanding of myself while reading her work, and I learned that, even in the face of extreme adversity, it’s possible to create beauty and harmony, eventually transforming these challenges into triumphs.
I’m reminded of the famous quote, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”. This is what I felt when I read her work. To this day, when I face an obstacle, I remember her and feel empowered to face whatever challenge comes my way.
For me, Maya Angelou symbolizes courage, resilience and inspiration. Her resilience, in the face of cultural and racial discrimination, sends a powerful message to all of us who face our own obstacles. For that, I’ll always carry within myself an everlasting gratitude for her life and legacy.
Continuing in the footsteps
To continue in the footsteps of Maya Angelou, I must honour her legacy. A major part of this is encouraging others around me to pursue their passions and dreams no matter what obstacles may stand in their way. A major way to do this is to give back to my local community. By donating my time to empower others, help those in need, and add value to their lives, I can create a ripple effect in the overall environment. Volunteering for a local charity organization, or joining an initiative to assist those in need, are simple tasks that have a major impact. I have also taken it upon myself to use my creative skills to help promote a positive message. This could be lyrics, raps, essays or songs that show a message of unity and inclusiveness, a message Maya Angelou has shared with so many.
Empowerment
Another way I can continue in the footsteps of Maya Angelou is to be an advocate for those who may not have a voice. By recognizing the value of all human beings, I can promote a message of harmony and unity. From participating in a local neighbourhood watch to amplifying voices marginalized in society, I can always make a major difference. Furthermore, I strive to support fellow minorities and those who may feel isolated. To do this, I take time to practice self-care, no matter what issues I may be facing. This includes eating healthy, exercising, and spending time doing activities I love. I always understand the importance of investing in myself to be able to help others.
Insightful advice
The best advice I can offer to those looking to learn from Maya Angelou’s wisdom is to practice self-care. This applies to all aspects of life no matter what you’re facing. Taking care of yourself is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and for those around us. This begins with taking the time to appreciate what you have and be present in the moment. Self-care also includes giving yourself permission to rest, recover, try again and make mistakes. Through facing our fears and uncertainties, we find the courage needed to rise to any challenge that may come our way.
Impactful messages
One of Maya Angelou’s most impactful messages came when she said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” This message encourages us to take the time to enjoy the present moment, live in the present, and recognize the beauty of the world around us. It teaches us to appreciate life and that each moment, no matter how small, can be spectacular in its own way.
Universal impact
The messages we can learn from Maya Angelou’s words and actions have a universal impact, regardless of where we come from. I take immense pride in recognizing everything she did in her lifetime. Even after her death, her teachings still breathe life, providing us with the courage and strength we need to reach our goals and bring harmony to those around us.
Living a meaningful life
We can learn from Maya Angelou’s life that an individual can make a profound impact on their own community and society at large, just as she did. A meaningful life is not about where you start, but about how you move forward. It is about conquering challenges and using your gifts to help others and make the world a better place in your own unique way. Her life stands as a beacon of hope and courage, reminding us all that no matter the size of our challenges, we can find the strength to move forward with joy and harmony.
