Over the years, I have been inspired by many poets, novelists, songwriters and the like. When words are put together in a certain way and they convey a message or conjure an image that speaks to my heart or my soul, it feels like divine intervention – inspired inspiration.
I call it inspired inspiration because someone was inspired to write it with the hope that it would create inspiration for others. So many times in my life I’ve needed support to get through a tough time … it might have been a major life shift or a minor bump in the road or something in between. Aside from my dear family and friends, who supported me in ways they will never know, I have also relied on inspired inspiration written by others.
Have you ever read a poem or heard a song and thought, “How did she know I needed to hear that right now?” – as though it was written just for you? That has happened many times for me.
Since I was a young woman, one of those poets, speakers and storytellers was Maya Angelou. Inspired by her recent passing, I’ve re-read many of my favorite pieces by Ms Angelou. I’d like to share a few of them with you – perhaps one of them will touch your heart or soul and become inspired inspiration for you.
Inspired Inspiration – On the strength of women
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.”
On forgiveness
“It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody.”
On loving
“Loving someone means risking everything – but, it’s always worth it.”
On self-care
“Stepping into a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation which is not nurturing to the whole woman.”
On feeling
“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.”
On choice
“You may not control all events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”
On change
”Make every effort to change things you do not like. If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking. You might find a new solution.”
On friends
“I learned that a friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.”
On support
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”
Inspired inspiration in each of these quotes – which ones resonate with you? If you have any favorite quotes that have inspired you, from Ms Angelou or others, please feel free to leave a comment below and share it with us. Who knows whose heart you may touch.
Make this your day ~~ Explore … Dream … Discover!
Chief Inspiration Officer | SafeHarbor Coaching | For women facing life transitions
If you’d like to read more about the “art of transitions,” please request my free eBook: Transcending Transitions: 15 Ways to Ease Your Journey
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