Maya Angelou & Oprah

I received an email today, one of those forwards that sometimes many of us delete.

However, the title of this was, "Don't break the elastic please." Kinda catchy I thought..And found out, definitely worth the read.

Apparently, Oprah interviewed Maya Angelou on her 70th Birthday, which was in 2000. In this interview, Maya, nightclub singer to recording artist, poet, activist, and writer, explained to Oprah things she has learned over the years. Such as this;

-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 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 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 shared this poem, the reason the title for the email.

Don't Break the Elastic

When I was in my younger days,
I weighed a few pounds less,
I needn't hold my tummy in
to wear a belted dress.
But now that I am older,
I've set my body free;
There's the comfort of elastic
Where once my waist would be.
Inventor of those high-heeled shoes
My feet have not forgiven;
I have to wear a nine now,
But used to wear a seven.
And how about those pantyhose-
They're sized by weight, you see,
So how come when I put them on The crotch is at my knee?
I need to wear these glasses
As the print's been getting smaller;
And it wasn't very long ago I know that I was taller.
Though my hair has turned to grey and my skin no longer fits,
On the inside, I'm the same old me,
It's the outside's changed a bit.

________________________________________________________

If only we can all find the most positive explanations for our lives like Maya. Why each and every thing has happened and which road it will take us on next.

I sometimes want to know the future. Where and what will be in the next few years? Or how many years I have left?

I suppose if I knew these what would I have to look forward too? I would mourn at the loss of leaving my friends and family when I die, or not be surprised when I get married or find out that I am pregnant for the first time. Things like that, that I would suspect to be some of the greatest moments of my life.

Refreshing thoughts for a Monday..