Ode To Maya

There are two famous women in life that I just absolutely love. Well, three...but everyone loves Oprah, so I am not including her here. Loving Oprah is just a given. Anyway, my thoughts here today are of Dr. Maya Angelou. I randomly came across a quote of hers today and it brought a smile to my face.

Anyone who watches Oprah knows her deep love for this woman. She speaks so highly of her and in great awe. I am not sure if it was Oprah that got me into her in the first place. It's quite possible. Either way, I too, am in awe of this woman. Her life story is beyond incredible and her work can leave you speechless. I can't begin to get into details here because I wouldn't do her justice.

So you can imagine my surprise and excitement when, two years ago, I found out that Maya was going to my old University. She was doing a talk at the school that evening. How I didn't find out about that sooner is beyond me but I was thankful to have learned of it in the first place. I called the school and found out there were only two tickets left. I bought one immediately and called as many people as I could that I thought would be available to go. Unfortunately (for them...suckers!) no one was available. Anyway, I went alone and loved every minute of it. I left there with a special feeling; like I had been touched by her presence.

Reading her work is one thing. But hearing her speak is another. Physically, I was surprised to see her. She is 6 feet tall with a deep, strong voice. She speaks like she is singing - with great flow. Actually, she did sing that night as well. She did not use paper or cue cards, yet did not miss a beat. It was powerful and beautiful. I still can't figure out how or why she ended up at a small town University in Northern Michigan. But she did and I am so thankful. (If you haven't gotten the message here...I'm trying to tell you to go and read her work.)

Today I came upon this quote she once said:

"If you only have one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go into the street and start grinning 'Good Morning' at total strangers"

I know this isn't the most profound poetic thing she's ever said. But it did get me thinking. I began to think about how often we take people in our life for granted. Not that I plan to go out and scowl at strangers from this point on - but I am really going to try to be conscious of where I direct my energy. As part of my job I am trained to be polite and use etiquette with customers. Do I go out of my way for strangers? Don't we all? Not that I think that's a bad quality to be polite and nice. I mean, I'm all about paying it forward and making the world a better place. But we may be quick to jump at those in our life. Take out our exhaustion or frustration on those closest to us. It's also important to remember that for people important in our life, something small and simple can make all the difference in their day. I know it can for me. A quick phone call to say hi, a short email that lets me know I was on someone's mind. Even a text message here and there is nice. I know a phone call home makes my mom so happy.

My lesson from Maya today is to treat those I love well and appreciate the good in my life. Live in the now with no regrets.

For anyone wondering, the other famous person I love is Bette Midler. I have no idea why. There is no good reason for it. I have just loved her for as long as I can remember. I know she's doing shows in Vegas right now and I would die to go to one.

An ultimate dream for me would be to drink wine and chat with Oprah, Bette and Maya. Like my own twisted episode of Sex and the City. We'd be friends for life.