Great writer/thinker Maya Angelou celebrates her 80^th birthday on April 4, 2008. Ten years ago, on the occasion of her 70^th, she appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s TV show, and offered some powerful words of wisdom on the subject of aging.  

Regarding the downside of body changes—with an emphasis on her sagging breasts—Angelou observed that they were in an apparent race to see which one would be the first to reach her waist.

Other words of wisdom from Angelou seem appropriate to pass along any day of the year, but, perhaps, even more so during the month of March, which has been designated as Women’s Month.   

Following are some of her immortal words that most of us have heard or read before, not always aware that they are attributable to this brilliant American memoirist/poet who came to prominence during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

“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 as making a “life.’ I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.” 

“I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”

“I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”  

“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 made them feel.” 

“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 no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”

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