Life Philosophy

 

As you may know, this year is my year of trying to be more positive.   To try and really focus on living life and not coasting through it and to have a real life philosophy.   And that saying above is now my new mantra.   It has really struck a chord with me.  What do you think of it?

I have read a few things recently that have involved people being hurt by words said by another person.  Often unintentionally, but the words have hurt nonetheless.     And what they remember of that conversation weeks, months, even years later is how it left them feeling.  In fact they have sometimes forgotten the words themselves but they do remember the feelings.

When I am gone (I have been thinking about that a lot recently too) I want people to remember how I made them feel.     Nobody will remember what I said, most of it is drivel anyway.   And I am sure nobody will really remember what I did.  Unless it is when they are reminiscing about Real Housewives of Miami/Beverley Hills/New Jersey.   But what I would really like people to remember about me is how I made them feel.

Surely that is the most important thing isn’t it?

And imagine how the world would be if we all lived by that same code.  She is a wise woman that Maya Angelou.

Don’t you agree?

The full quote for the one above is here (and so true about the Christmas lights!!):

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

She also said this:

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain

Isn’t that a great philosophy?

What would yours be?

 

Post Script:  How sad that a few hours after I published this post it was announced that Maya Angelou had died aged 86.  What an extraordinary woman who will be missed.   And who will undoubtedly be remembered for how she made people feel.

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  • Perfect quote – just perfect. For so many people. At different point in their lives. We can choose. We can be in charge. It’s all up to us. The ball *is* in our court. This bit really stands out to me…

    I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life”….

    That’s the challenge, isn’t it?

    • It certainly is the challenge. And one that I am not sure many of us will ever “crack” but recognising it means we can at least try and find that balance I think.

  • What wonderful quotes and a wonderful philosophy. How strange that you posted it today.
    What would my philosophy be? Do small things with great love. Or something to that effect from another wise woman; Mother Teresa. x

  • That’s a brilliant quote and so very true. Isn’t it sad that we can often so vividly remember the words someone uses to make us feel sad but can only rarely remember the details of a conversation which makes us happy.

    I don’t gave a mantra, but if anything it would be – slow down – with time everything seems better and think I’m certainly more likely to consider how I might impact someone else. I was harsh with someone at work today, it was needed, but I am worried how they are feeling this evening

  • I read her as part of my A Level literature course I then went on to read more. I too am trying to be more positive and have even adorned walls with inspirational quotes!

  • I really love the last part of her quote: If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain… something I feel I need to print off and look at on a regular basis

  • Beautiful and so true. I like the quote about change too, which I have tried to live by for quite a while now. Good luck with it all x

  • What a wonderful post! And such sad news to hear of the death of such a great lady!
    I will remember how you made – and continue to make – me feel. You make people around you feel important, that they matter and that they can achieve! The support you give is astounding and whilst what you say may be drivel – I’ll remember that too! because it speaks to me on a level I can understand! Now come her and give me a big kiss you gorgeous hunk of woman!

  • She was an amazing and inspirational woman – but you know reading these quotes reminds me so much of some strong females in my life such as yourself. You always make me feel good and special (even if it is just asking me if I’ve had a good day) – so thank you for that. I am going to strive to make sure I try to make someone else feel important every day now (other than my immediate family who I already do).

  • Goodness, isn’t that odd timing that you posted this today. A beautiful quote and a beautiful post too, T. It’s amazing how just saying out loud that you’re going to be more positive can actually make that happen. Attitude is everything. xx

  • Such a lovely post and fitting tribute to a woman who had such a poetic way of saying such sensible things. I agree with you, I would like to be remembered for how I made people feel…hopefully special or important. With life in such a rush it’s good to be reminded we need to slow down a bit to accomplish that.

  • What a strange and spooky coincidence that you posted this yesterday of all days. It’s a beautiful quote and this is a beautiful post too.

  • I do think people will remember what you did, how could they forget! But yes, I have been.thinking about this lots, sometimes I just can’t help opening my mouth at the wrong time. I have always had a rebellious, impatient and intolerant side and sometimes it doesn’t make others feel great (see I am.even challenging the quote what am I like?) But when it’s channelled properly it can make great stuff happen fast. Love this quote.

  • I’ve spent the last day or so immersing myself in her beautiful words. Amazing AMAZING lady.