05/22/2024
I first heard about Maya Angelou during my school CPD training, and one of her quotes touched my heart so deeply that I began studying her book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." Her strength and journey through life mesmerized me, leaving a lasting impression.
"Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
These words, spoken by Maya Angelou, encapsulate a profound and holistic understanding of success. Throughout her life, Angelou exemplified this definition through her unwavering self-acceptance, passionate dedication to her craft, and the authentic manner in which she pursued her many endeavors. Her journey, marked by immense challenges and remarkable achievements, reflects a life lived in alignment with her own ideals of self-respect, purpose, and integrity.
Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou faced significant adversities from an early age. After her parents' separation, she and her brother were sent to live with their grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas, a place steeped in racial discrimination and social prejudice. The racial discrimination they encountered profoundly impacted Angelou, shaping her understanding of the world and her place within it. At the age of eight, during a visit to her mother's home in St. Louis, Angelou was sexually abused and r***d by her mother's boyfriend.
The trauma of this experience led her to a period of muteness that lasted almost five years. Yet, it was within this silence that Angelou began to forge a deep relationship with literature and the written word. Books became her sanctuary, and through them, she found her voice. Her eventual decision to speak again marked not just a personal victory, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to expressing her truth. This period of introspection and literary immersion allowed her to develop a strong sense of self, an essential foundation for liking oneself.
In her memoir, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Angelou recounts these early experiences with unflinching honesty. The memoir, published in 1969, is a testament to her courage in confronting and sharing her painful past. It was a groundbreaking work, shedding light on the intersecting oppressions of race, gender, and trauma. By revealing her vulnerabilities and struggles, Angelou illustrated the power of self-acceptance. She taught us that true success begins with embracing oneself, scars and all.
Liking what one does is another critical component of Angelou's definition of success. Her multifaceted career as a poet, memoirist, playwright, actress, director, and civil rights activist demonstrated her passion for storytelling and social justice. Angelou's literary works, particularly her series of seven autobiographies, delved deep into her personal and cultural history, resonating with readers around the world. Her poetry, celebrated for its lyrical beauty and profound insights, addressed themes of identity, resilience, and liberation.
One of her most famous poems, "Still I Rise," exemplifies her indomitable spirit and love for her craft. The poem's refrain, "But still, like dust, I'll rise," is a powerful assertion of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Angelou's ability to articulate such profound emotions and universal truths through her writing is a testament to her deep passion and skill. She loved what she did, and this love was evident in the impact her work had on her readers.
Angelou's involvement in the civil rights movement further illustrates her dedication to her passions. Working alongside prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, she used her voice to advocate for equality and justice. Her activism was not just a career choice, but a calling that aligned with her values and passions. Angelou's work in this realm showcased her commitment to making a difference, reflecting a profound satisfaction in the pursuit of meaningful and impactful endeavors.
The third component of Angelou's definition of success is liking how you do what you do. Angelou approached her work and life with an authenticity and integrity that earned her respect and admiration. She was unapologetically herself, whether she was writing, speaking, or performing. Her voice, both literally and figuratively, was distinct and powerful, infused with the wisdom and grace that came from her lived experiences.
Angelou's authentic approach is perhaps best exemplified by her performance of the poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993. The poem called for unity and collective progress, capturing the spirit of a nation at a pivotal moment. In it, she wrote, "History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." Her delivery was powerful and sincere, reflecting her commitment to her message and her craft. This authenticity resonated deeply with her audience, cementing her place as a voice of truth and inspiration.
Throughout her life, Angelou received numerous accolades and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2010, awarded by President Barack Obama. These recognitions were not merely for her literary talents but also for the way she lived her life—with courage, dignity, and a steadfast commitment to her principles. Angelou's success was not measured solely by her achievements, but by the love and respect she garnered for who she was and how she lived her life.
Maya Angelou's definition of success—liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it—serves as a guiding principle for living a fulfilling and impactful life. Her journey, from the depths of trauma to the heights of literary and cultural acclaim, illustrates the power of self-acceptance, passion, and authenticity. Angelou's life and work continue to inspire and challenge us to embrace our true selves, pursue our passions with dedication, and approach our endeavors with integrity.
In reflecting on her legacy, we are reminded of the enduring power of her words and the example she set. Angelou's voice, rich with wisdom and compassion, continues to echo through the generations, encouraging us all to strive for a success that is not defined by external measures, but by our own inner satisfaction and sense of purpose. As we navigate our own paths, we can look to Maya Angelou as a beacon of what it truly means to succeed: to like oneself, to love what we do, and to cherish the way we do it.