What will be your legacy?
It was only this last weekend that I became aware of a quote by Maya Angelou.
Maya Angelou sadly passed away today and suddenly I am surrounded by her wonderful quotes on several social media platforms. I’m not sure where I have been over the past few decades to not come across her work and philosophy as from what I have seen today the richness, grace and thoughtfulness of her ideas would have influenced me greatly.
Not that her work cannot influence me now …
This quote I particularly love – 
the understanding that courage underpins all other virtues. The ability and willingness to face up to our fears, pain, hurts and insecurities and in Dr Brene Brown’s words – to confront our vulnerabilities.
I also strongly relate to the quote of Maya’s “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?” I believe that everything starts with ourselves. Taking the time to make yourself number one in your life is paramount. This does not mean being selfish, arrogant or greedy, it simply means that you treat yourself with the same respect that you treat others.. Eat healthy, exercise, take time for stillness, connect with loved ones daily, engage in activities that you love and reflect on progress each day. Dr Libby Weaver, writes about Rushing Woman Syndrome, the fact that many woman are juggling so many roles that their health and wellbeing are being affected. If we don’t look after ourselves – who will? This adjustment can be overwhelming for some, as the urgency of children, partners, friends, family, work and other commitments can tend to take over. If you find this challenging, start with finding a few moments each day to stop, take a breath and do something nice for yourself.
As I reflect on Maya’s amazing life journey ( the little I know from reading about her today), the people she has influenced and the opportunities she has created, I am in awe of someone who seems to have lived her truth. What a legacy to leave.
I am inspired by her idea that once you learn something, your job is to teach it – to help others fulfil their lives and purpose. Furthermore, that when we receive, we should also give – what a wonderful way to live your life – know that there is abundance in the world and that by sharing, you not only spread the abundance, your multiply it within yourself.
Each quote of Maya’s I have read today has stirred up ideas, feelings and actions – and that is for me a true mark of a great leader and person – their legacy lives on… Although I only knew of you for 5 days before you passed, I know your legacy will continue to live on in my world forever Maya – thanks.
Tags: inspiration, legacy, Maya Angelou, quotes
Published on Thursday, May 29th, 2014, under Inspiration
Great post Karen, self care is so important and somehow often ends up at the bottom of the to-do list. I like how you link the inspiration from the fabulous Maya Angelou to addressing this need to attend to our own needs.
We are so blessed to have her words and poems to reflect on, she was a true thought leader, challenging us to celebrate the life we have and live it in a kinder, more connected manner. She was an advocate of teachers and education.
A couple of other Maya quotes I read today:
Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told “I’m with you kid, let’s go!” Maya Angelou.
A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. Maya Angelou.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
I think the bird song quote is fantastic – really applies to both my sense of purpose and knowing why I am on this planet and fits perfectly with my new look logo and website 🙂
Thanks for your kind comments and thoughts… I wish I had know about Maya sooner…
Excellent post Karen
Maya leaves a very big legacy and it is inter resting that, in her passing, so many people are being re-inspired by her work and life.
Thanks Kevin – I must have been living under a rock not to know of her before – maybe it is that old adage – when the student is ready…
What a lovely and inspirational post Karen. Mayo certainly sounds like she was a wise and special woman and I too love the quotes read here and will search out more. That self love, self talk and self caring is so important and I agree that many of us don’t look after ourselves with the love and care that we look after others in our lives, especially some women. Congratulations on your new website. It is fresh and inviting. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Thanks Jenny – Hope you are fantastic 🙂
This is hands down one of the best articles I’ve ever read! The depth of research, clear insights, and practical examples really set it apart. Keep up the amazing work!