This blog is more than an account of Near Death Experiences. It ponders in detail the tough questions of life. Who are you, and why are you here in this physical world? What happens when you die, and is there a judgment? However, most anything could appear here. This is not a news blog, archived posts are just as relevant as new posts. Check the boxes at the top of the page for the Contents, Contact, Forum and other links.
Maya Angelou is an American autobiographer and poet who has been called “America’s most visible black female autobiographer” by scholar Joanne M. Braxton. She is best known for her series of six autobiographical volumes, which focus on her childhood and early adulthood experiences.
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was “exciting”.
Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day, like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said:
“I’ve learned that:
no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”
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.”
that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.”
that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.'”
that life sometimes gives you a second chance.”
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.”
that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”
that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.”
that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.”
that I still have a lot to learn.”
that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
As I sat at my computer today working on my blog I heard the sirens of an ambulance stop close to my house. My neighbor John had crossed over. I went to school with John. We both went to Central High, learned and worked in the same trade. Printing and typesetting was our chosen field. He was employed at the local newspaper, and I at a typesetting establishment. I have known John for over 50 years. Just last week I went to the funeral of another school mate. It is the process of growing older.
After hugging John’s children, I came home back to my computer. Of course, I am saddened at John’s passing, but he is no longer in pain from his cancerous body, he is with his loved ones that passed before him, surrounded by caring and compassion. His physical life is over, his lessons learned. John was a kind person.
Growing older means losing good friends, and loving relatives. However, I am grateful for my age, and my past experiences. I am glad I can be there for the loved ones left behind, to hug and comfort them with my knowledge of the spiritual world. Grateful to feel the pain of loss, to cry with others, as I have laughed with them in the past.
Growing older is a special time, a time to accept the temporary nature of the physical existence we call life. To look forward to the eternal spiritual life that is our birthright. We are so blessed, and I am so grateful for the ride.
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once again.
Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
When in doubt, just take the next small step.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
Pay off your credit cards every month.
You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Be eccentric now.
Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
Over prepare, then go with the flow.
No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words ”In five years, will this matter?”.
Always choose life.
Forgive everyone everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Believe in miracles.
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
Your children get only one childhood.
All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Yield.
Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
It’s estimated 93% won’t forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will, forward this with the title ‘7%’. I’m in the 7%. Remember that I will always share my spoon with you! Friends are the family that we choose for ourselves.
