Spirituality and You: Lessons from Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou died on May 28th. She was a renowned American author and poet. Her legacy is strong and will provide inspiration for years to come, as she was both a woman of her time and also timeless. Here are seven memorable quotes that can speak to each of us:

1. People have to develop courage. It is most important of all the virtues. Because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtues consistently.

2. 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.

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

4. Each of us knows, not what is expedient, not what is going to make us popular, not what the policy is, or the company policy – but in truth each of us knows what is the right thing to do. And that’s how I am guided.

5. I’m convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they’re stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.

6. If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be

7. Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.

Sister Valerie Sweeney, SND, is the Director of Mission and Ministry at Jennings Center for Older Adults. She offers weekly reflections in writing “Spirituality and You.”