Maya Angelou, a famous author and poet, has a voice that speaks to me. I offer some of her thoughts to you:

“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”

• I am a believer in doing the best you can with what you have, but always striving to know more, not HAVE more.

“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.”

• Take just a few minutes out of your day to make someone feel special.  Call your mom and tell her you love her.  Ask your child to tell you about his day.  Stop by your neighbor’s house and see if they need some help with anything.  Great acts of kindness don’t have to be big!

“I can be changed by what happens to me.  But I refuse to be reduced by it.”

• Yes, bad things happen to us sometimes.  We have all been hurt or felt wronged, but don’t let it make you a victim, rather, be victorious!  Be determined to have a bad situation help you be smarter and stronger.

“Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.”

• Remember that you are a priority to God.  People may disappoint you, but you will never be disappointed with God’s grace.

“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I rise!”

• If someone hurts you, don’t be vindictive…

“Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in the world, but has not solved one yet. “

• …because it isn’t going to make things better.

“Stepping onto a brand new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.”

• For women who are in abusive relationships, this is a must remember!  Yes, it is hard to break free from what has become routine and “comfortable,” but there is so much more to life than hanging around in a demeaning relationship.  Get out, find yourself, and with God’s help, you can be fulfilled, and maybe even inspire others along the way!

Pick one of these phrases that touches you the most.  Write it down or memorize it and carry it in your thoughts today. When a difficult situation arises, remember your phrase act on it, and help make the situation better.  Though some things you just can’t change, you can always change your reaction for the better.  And that’s how it all starts–change society, one person at a time.