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Will Maya Angelou’s Legacy Live On?

The late, great Maya Angelou once wrote, “I’m a black ocean, leaping and wild. Welling and swelling, I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear: I rise. Into a daybreak that wondrously clear: I rise. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise, I rise, I rise.” This of course was from her famous poem, and my favourite poem of all time I must admit, entitled “Still I rise.”

This brilliantly written poem uses repetition of the word “rise” to demonstrate to her oppressors that she overcame bigotry, racism, sexism and oppression with dignity and grace; and also inspired and encouraged others to do the same.

Dr. Maya Angelou, born Marguerite Ann Johnson, died quietly at her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on May 28th, 2014. The American author and poet, who published several books of poetry, seven  autobiographies and three books of essays, has left behind a lifetime of work for us to appreciate. She was also credited with plays, movies and books including the acclaimed, “I know why the Caged Bird Sings”, which brought her international fame and recognition.

She never shied away from controversy and lived her life as how she wanted to – never playing small to anyone. If nothing else, this mother, activist, actor, writer, producer and director, demonstrated to us all that all things are possible if you truly decide to put your mind to something.

Another very prolific author, spiritual teacher and lecturer is Maryanne Williamson, who eloquently wrote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.”

This has always been my mantra, my war cry, as I forge ahead in life and look to no human being for approval or acceptance. The sad thing, however, is that we pass these negative, “I cannot do this or that” attitude unto our children and this must stop. What are your fears? Why are you not trying to “be all you can be”, as the United States Army suggests?

These two very different women, through their writings, poetry, speeches, shows us that living well is truly God’s plan and that we should not allow anything to stand in our way; not even slavery, oppression or even ourselves.

With that being said, we should still remain open-hearted and able to love; even your enemies. Difficult as this may be, it is do-able, as your goal is not to become a naysayer or waste your time focusing on others. Your goal is to rise to the top through hard work, focus and a resolute stance.

Be childlike and live with a kind heart, as your rewards will certainly be abundant. The painful situations that many of us have had to endure, have seemingly robbed us of many things, including care and love for our fellow man, and also love for ourselves. Many of us are downtrodden, tired and weary, and have given up on our dreams and aspirations. We are now shadows of what we could have been.

We have given up on ourselves, and “play small” in order to fit in with others, and end up living an unfulfilled life. We tear others down in order for us not to feel “less than” and in so doing, allow others to call us bitter, fussy or even unattractive; because of our attitudes.

Being confident, self-assured, focused and with no negative attitude, will also allow your potential mate to see the real you, and not a representative of yourself. If nothing else, Maya Angelou reminded us that we are all definitely a child of God. As a child of God we have nothing to fear but fear itself, and we all certainly do have something to offer to this world.

Once we all commit to believing and acting as such, surely then the legacy of Maya Angelou will continue to live on through us all.

Sandy Daley is a columnist, radio and television personality and actress. She is also the author of “Whose Vagina Is It, Really?” She can be contacted at: Website: www.sandydaley.com, Facebook: womanincontrol@facebook.com, Twitter: twitter.com/whosevaginaisit and/or Email: thesinglegirlspot@gmail.com.

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