Thursday, March 19, 2009

Maya Angelou: The Sum of Her Life Experiences

The Beautiful Women Project received an email with excerpts of an interview of Maya Angelou on her 70th birthday. Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, the two spoke candidly about many topics including body image and what she has learned throughout her lifetime. This interview is an excellent example of our belief that it is the sum of a woman's life experiences that makes her beautiful.

Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older, her response was simple and direct, "Exciting."

Regarding body changes, she said that there were many occurring everyday...like her breasts, "They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist...first."

Ms. Angelou went on to say:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes 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 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 even when I have pains I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that everyday 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 never forget how you made them feel."

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