Hey friends! I’m excited to share a thought that’s been on my mind lately, inspired by a fellow blogger, Reflections By Iba. She recently shared a quote that hit home for me, and it’s a beautiful one from the amazing Maya Angelou:
“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.”
Let me tell you a little about why this quote speaks to me so much. Maya Angelou is truly one of my heroes. Her regal presence and poetic way with words have not only inspired me but have also touched countless lives. You can feel her wisdom in everything she wrote; it’s like she had a unique talent for expressing the complexities of life and emotions. I often find myself returning to her work whenever I need a little inspiration or a boost of perspective.
I remember the first time I came across this particular quote. I had been having a rough week—filled with awkward conversations and little misunderstandings that left me feeling drained. But reading Angelou’s words was a lightbulb moment. It made me realize how important our emotional connections with others truly are. The emotions we share in our interactions stick with people, even when the specifics fade from memory. That realization was powerful!
In my life, I’ve always found that making people feel valued and respected is essential for building strong relationships. Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, those connections are what create a sense of community and trust. I remember a time when a friend was going through a tough spot, and just being there to listen made all the difference. Seeing their face light up when I took the time to check on them reminded me that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact.
Maya also said something that really resonates with me:
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
I often think about this when I’m faced with challenges or situations that are out of my control. It’s a gentle nudge to remind myself that while we can’t control the world around us, we can choose how we respond to it.
So, what I’ve come to understand is that the real mark we leave on others comes not just from our actions or words but from the emotional legacy we create. Being kind, being thoughtful—these are the things that truly matter. And I can’t help but reflect on sweet moments in my life when someone’s empathy and warmth made me feel understood and uplifted.
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but I really try to take Maya Angelou’s lesson to heart. Every day presents a chance to choose kindness and empathy. And every time I do, I know I’m making an effort to create connections that matter.
As I close, I want to ask you to join me in this journey. Let’s strive to leave people with memories of warmth and understanding. After all, as Maya so beautifully put it, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them.” So, let’s choose to be those who uplift and inspire, creating a ripple effect of positivity in our lives and the lives of those around us!
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