“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” — Maya Angelou
This quotes from Maya Angelou shares her confidence in the power of endurance. As my personal hero, her stories have offered inspiration and motivation through difficult times. I read Maya Angelou’s book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, forty-four years ago in high school. Since the day I closed the cover, her words have blessed me and a copy of her autobiography sits on a shelf in my home, available to provide inspiration through difficult times.
“All my work, my life, everything is about survival. All my work is meant to say, ‘You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.’ - Maya Angelou
To claim the promised treasure at the end of the rainbow, our bodies and minds require strength to endure the storms. Our power does not magically appear. We grow stronger through observation of what works, imitating others’ behaviors of success, and enriching our life with integrity and honor.
When I learned that butterflies drink turtle tears, I thought about Maya. In the Amazon, butterflies flutter around the heads of turtles to sip their tears. The two species live in unison and support each other. The turtles’ tears provide sodium, a necessary nutrient for survival. The butterflies clean the turtle’s eyes. Together the two grow strong with the support of the other.
Maya rose from poverty to become one of the best known and respected American writers of our age. After being raped as a child, and then subsequently, not talking to anyone but her brother for five years, Ms. Angelou became an inspiration to the world. Prior to reaching her ultimate goal, she worked as a prostitute, pimp, waitress, cook, dancer, singer, actor to make enough money to feed her son and herself. As a civil rights activist, she marched to improve living conditions for all people.
Knowing Ms. Angelou’s past might cause some to judge her behavior; understanding her motivation should spark praise and adoration. She was born into isolation and turmoil, grew out of her cocoon, developed wings, and became a beautiful human. As she encountered problems she pulled on her positive attitude and the strength of others to survive.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou
Maya survived by accessing support wherever she could find it and pulling on her own personal strength. Sometimes her behaviors may have been looked down on by others. However, she always gave back to others in return no matter what role she played. She didn’t give up but confronted problems and molded them into something beautiful. Her life story provides inspiration to others.
Rewards should not be expected; they are earned.
“If it’s bad, it might get worse, but I know that it’s going to be better. And you have to know that. There’s a country song out now, which I wish I’d written, that says, ‘Every storm runs out of rain. ‘ I’d make a sign of that if I were you.” — Maya Angelou
The takeaway message is simple, anything is possible if you never give up. Her writing chronicles her journey through life, the highs, and lows, demonstrating that she lived by the belief that all humans have the power to become who they wish and accomplish their dreams.
On January 20, 1993, a woman who escaped poverty, abuse, and neglect read a poem she wrote at the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. This excerpt from “On the Pulse of Morning” speaks to the possibilities.
Women, children, men,
Take it into the palms of your hands.
Mold it into the shape of your most Private need.
Sculpt it into
The image of your most public self.
Lift up your hearts.
Each new hour holds new chances
For new beginnings.
Do not be wedded forever
To fear, yoked eternally
To brutishness.
— Maya Angelou
The dream remains a myth if we believe it comes quietly to those who wait. But when we accept problems as challenges instead of barriers, we endure.