Maya Angelou, poet, civil rights activist, prolific writer, film director, actor, teacher and wise woman among many other achievements, must have been an amazing person. Although she had her fair share of trials and tribulations with a chaotic childhood, failed marriage, assassination of two of her compatriots, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. whom she was working for before their deaths, Maya continued to live an extremely rich and full life. I am one of the millions of people all over the world who found her inspiring. I identify with her brush with mutism from the age of eight after she was sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend. As she told her brother, who then told the family, the man was convicted and jailed, but later killed as an act of revenge. Maya felt extreme guilt because she thought it was her voice that killed him, and did not speak for almost five years. According to biographer, Marcia Ann Gillespie and her colleagues, it was during this period of silence when Angelou developed her extraordinary memory, her love for books and literature, and her ability to listen and observe the world around her. My own mutism can be attributed to autistic disorder, but I have also found that this enforced silence has helped me delve into books for interest and enjoyment, observe the world from a unique perspective as well as appreciate of some of the gifts of autism including a retentive memory.

I like to share a few of her choice sayings that have helped me put things in perspective when the going gets rough: 

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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 making a ‘living’ is not the same as making a ‘life’.

 

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

 

I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.

But if you focus on your family, your friends and the needs of others,

your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

 

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 people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you make them feel.

 

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

                                                                        Maya Angelou