Wonderful thinking on growing older, how true?

maya angelou - picture of maya angelou collected from net
India
August 30, 2010 6:12am CST
Friends, in April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting. Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day......like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words. Maya Angelou said 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 a 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 some things 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 a 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. Friends, this is really wonderful, hats off to this lady, Maya Angelou. What is your view on old age, comment on this thought of Maya Angelou Professor
1 person likes this
9 responses
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
30 Aug 10
dear professor, this discussion really made me think hard. i know am growing old.. and I thought too, gracefully. i think it is all about choices, little ones, the kind we make every day that seem to have no great consequences. these are choices about what to eat, where to sit, where we go for a walk, the company we join..little choices that most of us barely notice. as we grow older, we ought to cultivate a gentle spirit, and try to make ourselves agreeable and welcome in the homes where we stay (be that our home or the home of our children, or the nursing homes). if we grieve and brood over our misfortunes, repeating all the stories and tales of woe, surely everybody listening will get tired of them. but when we are cheerful and content, i am sure our presence will be sweet to our children and to the person caring and nursing us. we should look on the bright side of things. we should avoid being childish, ill-natured and peevish, or jealous-hearted. have a great day. ann
2 people like this
• India
30 Aug 10
Wonderful response Anny dear I don't have words to comment back, what you say is 110% true, be happy always, even in the worst circumstances.. Thanks for sharing your views. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
1 person likes this
• China
28 Sep 15
You are my mentor
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
1 Sep 10
Hi Professor, I agree with you, she has a lot of wisdom and the ability to make people laugh. I will be 71 in less than two months but I don't think of myself as old. I guess that's because I have three siblings still living, and all of them are older than me, the oldest being 87. If a person is healthy, age doesn't really matter as quality of life is as important as quantity. Blessings.
1 person likes this
• India
1 Sep 10
You are right Pose, i had three sisters older than me, but two have left for their heavely abode, one is still healthy, she is 70 now.. Thanks for sharing your views. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
31 Aug 10
I really dont know this person really never heard of her but she got it right. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm wonder why Oprah didnt intrveiw me on my 70th lololololol
1 person likes this
• India
31 Aug 10
I think Oprah should lol.. Thanks for response. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@bingskee (5234)
• Philippines
30 Aug 10
Wonderful words of wisdom. it could be sad for us to think of old age as we are bound to do things in a limited way. but it is what we become as we grow old that matters. it is the character that is built. physical attributes do not really matter because soon they will fade and that includes youth and beauty.
1 person likes this
• India
30 Aug 10
You are right, physical attraction is short lived, we have to go deeper.. Thanks for sharing your views. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@2004cqui (2812)
• United States
1 Sep 10
I saw this episode too! I'm not sure that I agree with one point, but the rest are very well thought out. It got me thinking about what I learned so far. It also made me think I may write what I've learned down and hide it in a place my children won't look until I no longer here to guard it.
1 person likes this
• India
1 Sep 10
I honor your feelings friend.. Thanks for sharing. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
• Vietnam
30 Aug 10
Good Evening Professor!It's so wonderful words I ever heard!!! Every thing will be ok if I try best and give up when it's not need. I love every one!! I'm glad to meet you!!!
1 person likes this
• India
30 Aug 10
Welcome again Thanks for sharing your views. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@picjim (3002)
• India
30 Aug 10
I can say she is a graceful person.She knows how to age gracefully.These are the lessons of life which experience has taught her and which she is imparting to all of us for our benefit.I only wish i could be as philosophical as her and take life in my stride as i age like her.
1 person likes this
• India
30 Aug 10
Welcome pic Thanks for sharing your views. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
@vandana7 (100302)
• India
30 Aug 10
Hi professor, I didnt know anything about the lady until I read through all the quotes and then checked Wikipedia. I can only thank you for sharing the quotes. I have to agree with every word she said. :) I hope this discussion remains. :)
• India
30 Aug 10
Hi vandana I always share things with you all if i like that myself, am happy you liked this.. Thanks for response. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor
• Vietnam
9 Sep 10
I like it so much!!!